Sharing the arts and culture of Japan has always been a passion for Esprit Travel & Tours and we are dedicated to helping in the recovery of Japan and its travel industry by offering a special arts-focused tour highlighting the artists of Kyoto from November 5-15, 2011. If you want to help in the recovery, and have always dreamed of an in-depth exploration of the arts of Japan, this small-group tour of Kyoto will allow you to enjoy the stunning gardens, the art, the food, the charming neighborhoods, the artist studios and all that Kyoto has to offer, while helping to reinvigorate Kyoto’s challenged tourism industry. A portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting recovery efforts in Japan.
The arts and artisans of Japan have remained an elusive mystery for most westerners for centuries. While we can admire the product of their talents, experiencing a deeper understanding of the well-spring of their creativity requires introductions, time, patience and interpreters. Our Japan tours founder, Steve Beimel, created Esprit Travel & Tours’ unique approach to exploring Japanese culture more than 18 years ago. Since then, we have introduced travelers to hundreds of artisans throughout Japan as an integral part of Esprit’s tours. “It is very moving to witness and experience the focus, care and integrity of those who create or practice the Japanese crafts and arts.”
Over the years, Steve has worked with a wide range of masters of traditional culture including art, crafts, architecture, gardens, music, theater, cuisine and religion. “The most fulfilling part of my Japan-related life is working with so many amazing and talented men and women. It has been a great privilege for me to introduce our tour participants to these people, in a true spirit of cultural exchange.” he shared.
Many people are not aware that most of Japan, including the entire country west of Tokyo, was physically untouched by the disasters. In Kyoto, the traditional and spiritual heart of Japan, and the focus of this tour, everyday life has proceeded more or less as usual.
If you would like to join us on this special journey, please contact Esprit Travel & Tours at 800-377-7481 or on our website at www.esprittravel.com.
About Esprit Travel & Tours
Esprit Travel & Tours, whose Tour Planner Nancy Craft has been named one of the “Greatest Travel Specialists on Earth” by Conde Nast Traveler for the past 9 years, was founded in 1974. It is one of the oldest established companies offering tours to Japan. With its deep expertise in the art, culture, cuisine and traditions of Japan, and its passion for offering each traveler an intimate and deeply personal experience of this fabled country, Esprit is the tour operator of choice for those seeking an enriching journey. Esprit offers travelers a personally meaningful cultural immersion by introducing them to local people, walking and using public transportation, eating local delicacies, staying at ryokans and traditional inns, and most of all, helping travelers to be honored guests, rather than tourists. Esprit offers individual travel planning for the discerning traveler looking for guidance on getting off the beaten path and into the heart of Japan.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Elaine Baran
President, Esprit Travel & Tours
ebaran@esprittravel.com
http://www.esprittravel.com