Finding ‘Old Japan’
I enjoyed your article “Searching for the Heart of Old Japan” (Jan. 31), especially since I have recently returned from a 12-day walking tour of Kyoto through Esprit Travel, which I found in one of the Times’ Tours & Cruises columns.
Not only did I avoid all of your author’s frustrations and disappointments, but I was able to find the essence of what she was apparently looking for: a deep experience of the authentic heart of old Japan.
Our tour leaders knew the city better than most Japanese, who never get to see most of what we saw. For example: Our leader in Kyoto took us on walking routes to one exquisite site after another, to private gardens, tea and conversation with monks, interviews with artists and back-room demonstrations by master craftsmen.
Esprit is based in Santa Monica; telephone (310) 829-6060.
SUSAN STONE
Agoura Hills
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