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active 18 hours ago

Cory Varga

I LOVE everything about Japan. I've been visiting Japan since 2015 and I know 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 is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Honeymoon itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Cory

Exceptional Service and Local Insights!
Japan | Nov 15 - Nov 22, 2024

Kim
Kim R.
Keller, TX | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2024
Cory was absolutely wonderful throughout our trip. It's such a blessing to have someone local guiding you, as they truly understand the little nuances that first-time visitors might miss. Cory's advice to grab a bento box from a specific spot to which side on the train to sit on to see Mt. Fuji, and suggestions for great lunch spots made our experience even more special. From the beautiful kimono tea ceremony to shopping in Ginza and exploring the breathtaking shrines, we loved every... Read more

Cory was absolutely wonderful throughout our trip. It's such a blessing to have someone local guiding you, as they truly understand the little nuances that first-time visitors might miss. Cory's advice to grab a bento box from a specific spot to which side on the train to sit on to see Mt. Fuji, and suggestions for great lunch spots made our experience even more special.

From the beautiful kimono tea ceremony to shopping in Ginza and exploring the breathtaking shrines, we loved every moment. Cory’s attention to detail and thoughtful recommendations helped us fully embrace the culture and kindness of the people. We are incredibly grateful for Cory’s assistance from start to finish, making this trip unforgettable.

Thank you, Cory, for going above and beyond!

Hotel Reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi / Tokyo
Tokyo

Our stay at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi was absolutely delightful. The staff were so kind and welcoming, and the rooms were spotless and comfortable. The breakfast was a highlight for us—my husband is still raving about the egg sandwich, calling it the best he’s ever had in his life (and he’s not easy to impress, lol!). The location was perfect; we could easily walk to different areas, grab snacks, and explore the city. When we visit Tokyo again, we’ll definitely stay here and recommend this hotel to all our friends. Thank you for making our trip so memorable!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
Kyoto

A Tranquil and peaceful experience that we loved! Our stay at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji was amazing! The calm and serene atmosphere inside the hotel was incredible, and the traditional Japanese-style bathhouse was such a unique and fantastic experience. When we were tired from a long day of fun, we would go there. The rooms were spotless and perfectly prepared for us, making our stay comfortable and relaxing. The location was ideal—just a short walk to great food and shopping. One of the highlights was stepping outside to find a charming local business with a Kyoto coffee truck run by the sweetest guy serving absolutely delicious coffee. We absolutely loved our stay and can’t wait to return!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
remm plus Ginza

The Remm Plus Hotel was an ideal choice for our trip. The location couldn’t have been better—right in the heart of the shopping district! The rooms were cozy, spotlessly clean, and ready for us upon arrival, which made for such a smooth check-in experience. The breakfast was great, with plenty of options to choose from. We also loved how easy it was to step outside the hotel and find delicious food nearby. The automatic check-in process was modern and convenient, and the staff was absolutely amazing. When we needed extra assistance, they were quick to accommodate us with such kindness and professionalism. We would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
Tokyo

We had an incredible time on the Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour, and our tour guide, Masa, made the experience truly exceptional. He ensured that everyone in the group felt included, engaged, and comfortable throughout the evening. Our 22-year-old son and his friends especially loved the tour, but we also found it to be a fantastic experience. Masa’s deep knowledge of the area and his insights about Tokyo’s nightlife were invaluable. This tour is perfect for your first or second night in the city because it helps you get a feel for the local spots and plan where you might want to visit again later. The places we visited were unique and authentically local, which was exactly what we were hoping for. While there were plenty of fried food options available—which many people would enjoy—we personally would have preferred a bit more variety. That said, it didn’t take away from how much we loved the experience overall. If you’re looking for a night of great drinks, fun exploration, and learning about Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, this is an absolute must-do. We’d gladly do it again!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing
Kyoto

A beautiful cultural experience for everyone. The Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing was an unforgettable experience. My family joined me, and although the boys participated to indulge me, they ended up learning so much about the art of tea making, the culture, and, of course, the beauty of wearing kimonos. Personally, I enjoyed this—it made me wish I had someone to style my hair and dress me every day! The atmosphere was serene, and the attention to detail was impressive. We arrived a little early and had time to visit a nearby coffee shop, which turned out to be amazing—such a charming area with a great vibe. This experience was a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to explore and appreciate Japanese culture in an authentic and meaningful way.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Mount Fuji Trip with English Speaking Guide
Private Mount Fuji Trip with English Speaking Guide
Tokyo

Here’s a polished version of your review for the Mount Fuji Trip with an English-speaking guide: Although I wasn’t able to attend the Mount Fuji trip, the others in our group had a fantastic time. While they were a bit bummed that it was too overcast to see Mount Fuji itself, they thoroughly enjoyed exploring the surrounding areas. The guide was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful throughout the trip. They made sure the group had a great experience, providing interesting insights and ensuring everyone felt comfortable. The other locations visited were beautiful and offered a wonderful glimpse into the region's culture and scenery. Overall, it was a memorable trip that everyone appreciated, even with the cloudy weather. I’d definitely recommend this tour for anyone visiting the area—it’s worth it for the experience, the guide, and the chance to explore beyond just the iconic mountain.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on Nov 25, 2024
Dear Kim, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute joy to help make your trip special and memorable. I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the bento box recommendation and caught that perfect view of Mt. Fuji—it’s those little moments that make traveling so magical. It’s wonderful to know that the tea ceremony, Ginza shopping, and the stunning shrines resonated with you. Japan’s beauty and culture truly shine through in experiences like those, and I’m so glad I could help you... Read more

Dear Kim,

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute joy to help make your trip special and memorable. I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the bento box recommendation and caught that perfect view of Mt. Fuji—it’s those little moments that make traveling so magical.

It’s wonderful to know that the tea ceremony, Ginza shopping, and the stunning shrines resonated with you. Japan’s beauty and culture truly shine through in experiences like those, and I’m so glad I could help you discover them.

Your appreciation means a lot, and I’m grateful I could be part of your journey. Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead! If you ever decide to return, I’d be delighted to assist again. 😊