Based in World
Chris Rowthorn brings deep expertise in Japanese culture and tourism, cultivated since moving to Kyoto in 1992 and immersing himself in the language and local culture. His extensive travel writing career began in 1995, followed by a prolific tenure with Lonely Planet Publications from 1996. A key contributor to Lonely Planet's Japan coverage, Rowthorn authored 29 guidebooks, including the *Lonely Planet Kyoto City Guide* (sole author) and seven editions of the *Lonely Planet Japan* country guide (lead author). He also contributed to guides for other regions like Southeast Asia and Australia, alongside articles for *National Geographic Explorer* and BBC Online. Building on this extensive knowledge, Rowthorn developed digital platforms and bespoke travel services. He founded InsideKyoto.com, later adding TrulyTokyo.com and InsideOsaka.com to offer detailed online guides to major Japanese cities. Through Chris Rowthorn Tours and Japan Travel Consulting, he provides private, insider-led tours and personalized travel planning. These services emphasize intelligent, authentic travel, fostering deep engagement with Japanese culture through tailored itineraries and etiquette guidance, and actively addressing concerns around overtourism. Fluent in Japanese, he splits his time between Kyoto and Canada, remaining dedicated to fostering respectful and enriching travel to Japan.
