Japan tours & self guided tours-all personalized-30 years of expert design. 1.7

The Your Japan Private Tour Ltd. concept and approach to private travel in Japan—from VIP to budget—began in the late 1980s when I was studying Japanese in Kyoto. I found Japan fascinating and I was already in the travel writing business. My name is Ian Ropke and I am now a recognized Japan travel expert.

Highlights of Ian’s bio and Japan travel career:

I attended the University of Waterloo (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science). I also have a Masters degree in Applied Linguistics (2007) from the University of Southern Queensland.

I have been active in the Japan tourism hospitality industry, especially the private travel services sector, for nearly 30 years.

I served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Kyoto Visitor's Guide from 1994-2009, and the Osaka Visitor's Guide, 1993-1997.

I am the author of a Historical Dictionary of Osaka and Kyoto, published in 1999 by Scarecrow Press, an imprint of Rowman & Littlefield.

A Historical Dictionary of Osaka and Kyoto is cited as one of 7 reference sources for Kyoto and Osaka on Wikipedia, and, as a result, many other leading Japan culture/history websites, and in key libraries around the world (including the Library of Congress and the National Diet Library of Japan).

I was also the co-owner of one of Kyoto’s first bed and breakfasts: B&B Juno (founded in 2002; sold in early 2014).

I love Japanese culture and history and I love helping people to experience wow in Japan without the stress! Contact me today and let me help you plan an amazing trip in Japan. Anywhere in Japan!