Kyoto-based, expert-led private tours and trip consulting across Japan.
- Private walking tours in Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa & beyond
- Handpicked, English-speaking guides trained to our standards
- Trusted by thousands of travelers and major media outlets
- Book direct with our Kyoto team — no big-agency markups
You Searched for “Chris Rowthorn Tours” — This Is the Original
Chris Rowthorn has been writing about Japan travel and helping visitors design smart, realistic itineraries for over two decades. Our team is based in Japan, we work only with a small network of trusted guides, and we focus on thoughtful, in-depth travel — not mass-market bus tours. When you book here, you are booking directly with the original Chris Rowthorn Tours team.
Kyoto Walks
Tokyo Tours
Other Tours
Japan Trip Planning & Consulting
Why Travelers Choose Chris Rowthorn Tours
- Based in Kyoto with long-term Japan expertise
- Carefully selected, highly rated guides (no random freelancers)
- Honest, practical advice — we design trips we’d take ourselves
- No shopping detours, kickback schemes, or forced stops
- Clear communication before, during, and after your trip
If you’ve opened multiple tabs: this is the company founded by Japan travel writer Chris Rowthorn, not a generic tour reseller.
What Our Guests Say
…hiring your guides was one of the best decisions we made for this trip.
We have no words to describe our splendid Japanese experience: everything was really marvellous; … both your guides Koko and Naoko did quite a lot to help us discover the best of Kyoto and Tokyo.
I wanted to thank you for putting together both of our tours. I can’t begin to describe how much we enjoyed them.
How Booking With Us Works
- Choose your city and tour or consulting option.
- Tell us your dates, group size, and interests.
- We match you with the best guide and finalize the details.
- You enjoy Japan with a trusted expert at your side.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
“Are you a real company based in Japan?”
Yes. Our core team is based in Kyoto and works directly with guides across Japan.
“Do you run large group or bus tours?”
No. We specialize in private and small, high-quality experiences.
“What areas do you cover?”
Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka, and more by arrangement.
“Can you help plan my whole trip?”
Yes. We offer consulting and custom itinerary design.
If you’ve come here looking for Chris Rowthorn Tours, you’re in the right place. For questions or custom requests, contact our team and we’ll get back to you promptly.
