
Cory Varga
I LOVE everything about Japan. I've been visiting Japan since 2015 and I now live in Tokyo. I am really passionate about showing you the real Japan, with genuine experiences and traditional activities.
I specialize in creating customized itineraries that showcase the authentic beauty of this incredible country. My love for Japanese culture and customs drives me to design unique travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist paths. Over the years, I’ve built a network of local, authentic businesses, ensuring your trip is unique and special.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Everything Japan! Authentic experiences, culture and tradition, and of course, food. I'm seriously passionate about food, and Japan is simply the best country to experience it all. While my tours will take you to the main attractions, I'll also include some lesser-known restaurants, stunning side streets, and hidden gems. When I craft your itinerary, I always blend culture, tradition, and food, offering a balanced experience that includes the neon modern craze of Tokyo as well as nature, temples, and shrines.
Japan is so diverse that you'll want to see it all, and I've been organising tours for years to help you do just that. I'll work with your dates to ensure you see as much as possible during your stay. And most importantly, you'll eat some truly incredible, authentic food that I've worked hard to discover!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I visited Japan for the first time in 2015 and got engaged to my now husband on the top of Mount Hiei, near Kyoto. We both fell in love with Japan so much that we decided to come back every year, until we eventually made it our home. In 2016, I started writing about Japan on a small blog, which grew to be recognised as one of the top go-to websites for Japan information. I even wrote a book on Japanese customs and manners. Over the years, people began asking us for personalised itineraries and tailored recommendations focused on authentic experiences. We were thrilled to see that everyone who followed my recommendations fell in love with Japan and returned again and again. I have now made it my mission to turn every Japan itinerary into a personalised story that follows your real interests, authentic experiences, and unbelievable food you won't find in any mainstream guides."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My most memorable travel experience was when we first landed in Tokyo. Everything was out of this world, and I had the most positive culture shock ever. From the moment I used the cleanest public toilet I've ever seen at Haneda airport, which sang to me for privacy, self-cleaned, and self-flushed with UV lights, to the ride on the monorail into the city centre, everything was mind-blowing. The chaos of incredible food smells at Tokyo Station was unforgettable, and just outside the station, I was struck by the deep silence. It turns out that people are so considerate that, in most parts of the city, Tokyo is actually quiet! I cannot wait for you to experience all of this."
Cory's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

Thanks to Japan's efficient transportation, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. First-timers will enjoy touring iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima....

In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and...

Cover the highlights of Japan as you travel in a wide loop across the country's south. Explore Tokyo's most exciting neighborhoods, learn about the important World War II...
Family itineraries

In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and...

Discover the best of Japan with your family on this 10-day vacation that hits the country's natural wonders and cultural landmarks at a kid-friendly pace. Begin in Osaka, where...

With two weeks to explore Japan as a family, you can embark on a fun-filled highlights tour complete with theme park visits in Tokyo and Osaka and cultural interactions in...
Luxury itineraries

This two-week tour combines luxurious stays at 5-star hotels with a relaxed exploration of Japan's cultural and natural highlights. Start in the capital with Michelin dining and...

See Japan's highlights in grand style with this 10-day luxury tour. You'll start in Tokyo, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, learning to make nigiri sushi with a private...

Japan's train system makes it possible to visit at least four regions in 16 days. First-timers will enjoy guided tours of the Meiji Jingu Shrine and other landmarks. Foodies can...
Honeymoon itineraries

Keep your focus on Japan's main island of Honshu with this compact, nine-day tour. Begin at the modern museums and ancient temples of Tokyo, then take a day trip to see the...

See the many sides of Japan on this far-reaching 13-day adventure, with forays into historic cities, mountainous landscapes, bamboo forests, and idyllic islands. Experience...

Experience a week of serenity and nature with this luxury journey to some of Japan's most revered temples and forest shrines. Start in Mount Koya, where you'll stay at an...
Recent trip reviews for Cory
Thank goodness for kimkim
Japan
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May 21 - May 31, 2025

Cory and team made it super easy to plan our first trip to Japan. Using kimkim made the planning so much less stressful and the detailed itinerary made it pretty easy to do everything we wanted.

Dear Michele and William, thank you so much for your kind words. It was truly such a privilege to help you plan your very first trip to Japan. I’m so glad the experience felt easy and enjoyable from the start, and that the itinerary helped you make the most of your time. Knowing you got to do everything you hoped for means the world to me. It was such a joy to be part of this special adventure with you.
Warm Regards,
Cory
Highlights of Japan
Japan
|
May 11 - May 20, 2025

Girls Trip
Japan
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Apr 18 - Apr 27, 2025

Hi Farhat, thank you so much!
I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that the trip was such a hit and that you and the ladies loved every minute of it. It was a joy putting together your itinerary and choosing spots that matched your vibe—stylish, well-located, and full of charm.
I’m so glad I could be there when any little bumps popped up, it's all part of the journey, and I’m always just a message away. Can’t wait to help you plan the next adventure when the (Japan) travel bug bites again! Japan is always ready for round two :)
Warm Regards,
Cory
Cory did a great job planning our trip to Jap...
Japan
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Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2025

Thanks so much, Hilary! I'm really glad to hear everything went smoothly. I’m so grateful you trusted me to handle the logistics—from booking hotels and trains to planning a curated itinerary with the right balance of sights, experiences, and downtime, all with the little details taken care of. It means a lot to be part of someone’s Japan adventure. My goal is always to make things seamless so you can fully enjoy the experience, soak up the culture, and maybe even fill your suitcase with a few too many souvenirs.
Thanks again for letting me be a part of your trip!
Cory was good but there were small things tha...
Japan
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Apr 18 - Apr 27, 2025
Cory was good but there were small things that should be addressed for a better seamless experience.
Our luxury cars were not given the right address and were not adequate enough to accommodate our bags.
Some of the instructions were vague like bus T for Hakone. We should have all gotten our wifi as the devices were not working properly and the battery would die quickly so this made navigation slightly challenging.
I would

Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. I’m genuinely happy to hear you had such a fantastic time in Japan overall, it was a real pleasure to be part of your journey. Your comments are incredibly helpful as I continue to fine-tune every detail. Regarding the transfers: the original trip was planned for three of you. When a fourth traveler was added and your hotels changed, I immediately contacted the car company—twice, by phone and message—to confirm the updated information.... Read more
Dream-Come-True Vacation
Japan
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Mar 27 - Apr 5, 2025
I cannot recommend the KimKim service or specifically Cory highly enough! She was attentive, creative, and clearly cared deeply about creating an extraordinary experience for us. She was incredibly responsive to all my questions and requests - both before and during our trip. She made the process of traveling to the other side of the world easy and low stress. I truly believe that without her help, we couldn't have possibly created such a perfect plan that allowed us to see and experience so much. Five stars all the way around!!

Exceptional Service and Local Insights!
Japan
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Nov 15 - Nov 23, 2024

