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active 9 hours ago

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 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

Thank goodness for kimkim
Japan | May 21 - May 31, 2025

Michele
Michele P.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 08, 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.

Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on Jun 09, 2025

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

J
Janine L.
Australia | Reviewed on May 21, 2025
An amazing trip from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka. Our trip involved a number of private or small group tours and each guide gave us a different perspective of Japan. Loved Ghibli, tried calligraphy and were shown many historical places. Lots of walking and good food. Read more

An amazing trip from Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka. Our trip involved a number of private or small group tours and each guide gave us a different perspective of Japan. Loved Ghibli, tried calligraphy and were shown many historical places. Lots of walking and good food.

Activity Review
Japanese Calligraphy Class (Nara)
Japanese Calligraphy Class (Nara)
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on May 21, 2025
Hi Janine, It was such a pleasure and a real joy putting together your itinerary. I honestly loved every moment of creating this trip for you. I’m so happy to hear it all worked out so well and that you had such a fun time exploring Japan. From Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka, it sounds like your journey was filled with a perfect mix of culture, history, creativity, and of course, amazing food. I’m thrilled you got to enjoy Ghibli, try your hand at calligraphy, and dive into all those historical... Read more

Hi Janine,

It was such a pleasure and a real joy putting together your itinerary. I honestly loved every moment of creating this trip for you. I’m so happy to hear it all worked out so well and that you had such a fun time exploring Japan.

From Tokyo to Kyoto to Osaka, it sounds like your journey was filled with a perfect mix of culture, history, creativity, and of course, amazing food. I’m thrilled you got to enjoy Ghibli, try your hand at calligraphy, and dive into all those historical sites, and I can just imagine all the walking adventures in between each delicious meal.

Thank you so much for sharing how it all went. It truly means a lot, and I’m so glad Japan left you with such great memories.

Warm Regards,
Cory

Girls Trip
Japan | Apr 18 - Apr 27, 2025

F
Farhat M.
France | Reviewed on May 02, 2025
From Start to finish Cory created a wonderful itinerary for our girls trip. Her choice of hotels were impeccable and so well situated. She was always responsive and helpful when we’d run into little bumbs. Based on her suggestions we truly had a memorable trip and loved every minute of it . Read more

From Start to finish Cory created a wonderful itinerary for our girls trip. Her choice of hotels were impeccable and so well situated. She was always responsive and helpful when we’d run into little bumbs. Based on her suggestions we truly had a memorable trip and loved every minute of it .

Hotel Reviews
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo

LOVE this hotel . Perfect location , excellent amenities and soo clean !

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
As someone with very high cleanliness standards , this hotel truly measured up
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
The amenities and laundry room here were soooo helpful !
Location
excellent central location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness is so important to me - and this hotel measured up.
Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
Hakone
Authenticity & Character
absolutely beautiful peaceful hotel
Location
GORGEOUS Stunning hotel
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Would love some non pork - vegetarian only or seafood only options at dinner . Shrimp pasta had pork skin in it at the buffet
Hotel the Celestine Tokyo Shiba
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
lol
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on May 04, 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 | Mar 28 - Apr 7, 2025

H
Hilary W.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 27, 2025
Cory did a great job planning our trip to Japan. Having her book our hotels, trains and a few tours really gave us ease of mind! Read more

Cory did a great job planning our trip to Japan. Having her book our hotels, trains and a few tours really gave us ease of mind!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel 1899 Tokyo
Shinbashi
Authenticity & Character
Location
There was not much near the hotel
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Loved the grass floors
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
SOKI KANAZAWA
Kanazawa

We loved this hotel, the Onsen was great and the overall experience was lovely

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vista Tokyo Tsukiji

Great hotel and breakfast, very small and the AC was very confusing and would turn off quickly

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Size
Activity Reviews
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
Japan

This was such a fun tour, we ate amazing food and got a bit of history as well

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Night Food Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo Night Food Tour in Shinjuku
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was very nice but did not interact with us as much as the other tour we did
Transport
Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on May 03, 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 | Apr 18 - Apr 27, 2025

S
[email protected] R.
Canada | Reviewed on 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

Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on May 03, 2025
Hi Sara,
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

Hi Sara,
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. They assured me everything was set, but unfortunately, that wasn’t reflected on the ground. Fortunately, I was monitoring things closely, spotted the issue in real time, and got in touch with the driver directly. The car arrived at the correct hotel shortly after, with only a brief delay, and I’m glad it didn’t interrupt your plans. That said, I took the experience seriously and have since moved to a new provider who’s been consistently reliable, responsive, and professional.

Hakone is beautiful, but its transportation system can be famously tricky, even for locals. That’s why I included detailed instructions, maps, and guidance throughout your itinerary. Still, I completely understand how navigating in a new country, can make things more challenging. That’s exactly why I stayed in close contact—answering messages and calls quickly—so you'd always have support when needed. Being available like that is something I believe makes a real difference for travelers.

What matters most is that you had a smooth, memorable, and meaningful experience, and I’m so happy to have played a part in that. It was a joy bringing your trip to life, and I’d love to help you explore even more of Japan next time. There’s always another corner to discover, and I’d be thrilled to plan it with you.

Warm Regards,
Cory

Dream-Come-True Vacation
Japan | Mar 27 - Apr 5, 2025

T
Trish F.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 13, 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!!

Local specialist: Cory Varga
Cory
Cory Varga
Local specialist in Tokyo | Replied on Apr 14, 2025
Trish, I can’t tell you how much your message means to me—thank you. It’s one thing to help plan a trip, but being invited into someone’s travel story is really something special! From the very beginning, you brought such great energy and thoughtfulness to the planning process. I know planning a trip across the world can feel a bit overwhelming, so I’m really glad to hear it felt easy and low stress for you. That’s exactly what I aim for. Your feedback means a lot, and I’m so grateful for... Read more

Trish, I can’t tell you how much your message means to me—thank you. It’s one thing to help plan a trip, but being invited into someone’s travel story is really something special! From the very beginning, you brought such great energy and thoughtfulness to the planning process.

I know planning a trip across the world can feel a bit overwhelming, so I’m really glad to hear it felt easy and low stress for you. That’s exactly what I aim for. Your feedback means a lot, and I’m so grateful for your trust throughout the whole process.

I’d love to help again whenever you’re ready for your next adventure, big or small. Until then, I hope the memories from this trip stay with you and bring a smile whenever you think back on it.

Wishing you and your beautiful family the very best!
Warm Regards,
Cory

Exceptional Service and Local Insights!
Japan | Nov 15 - Nov 23, 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
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
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
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
Activity Reviews
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
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)
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
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
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. 😊