Last week, when I wrote a few paragraphs about the new Getty Museum in Los Angeles, I thought, How inadequate! There is so much more, and so brief a mention cannot begin to give even the concept of so huge a complex. Perhaps all I can do is make you want to go, and perhaps that is enough. Fortunately, more information is available, not only on the entire Getty Center but on greater L.A. as well.

Los Angeles needs no help in promoting Hollywood. Unfortunately, many think that's all there is to see. "Discover Los Angeles" is a book to expand your L.A. horizon and help you discover the cultural wealth of this great city and its wide range of arts and events. The introduction by Kevin Starr, author of a prize-winning history of California, gives an overall view of L.A. that will help you to better understand the city with its theater, gardens, music, museums, galleries and the all inclusive "others." For convenience, the city is divided into nine districts. Each section includes an essay on some special feature of that area. For example, the section on Hollywood, Miracle Mile and Beverly Hills has a feature on theater and dance by Tom Provenzano; "Along 405 and West to the Pacific" includes "Virtual L.A.," by Margaret Trumbull Nash, who shows us how to use the Internet to discover the city's resources. There are occasional marginal notes, such as one on a wildflower hotline, where visitors can learn where to find them, and on farmers' markets as well. These, too, are a part of Los Angeles. Also included are notes on public art and children's activities.

As you can see, it is a user-friendly guidebook, and you will enjoy your visit more if you use it to plan an itinerary that will be of the most interest to you. "Discover Los Angeles: an informed guide to LA's rich and varied cultural life" (ISBN 0-89236-479-3) was compiled by Letitia Burns O'Connor. Many longtime Tokyo residents will know her as Tish O'Connor, wife of Dana Levy, who created some of Japan's most memorable books back in the days when fine printing, paper and photography were the norm and not the exception. His "Bamboo" and "Water," both published by Weatherhill, will remain classics as long as there are people around who appreciate quality. Tish and Dana (Perpetua Press) continue to produce exceptional publications on a variety of subjects, all lavishly illustrated, including a number of catalogs for museum exhibitions.

Have you heard of Universal Taxi? The company, Keihin Bolag, has an I-Love-You logo with a heart bouncing from word to word on its brochure. The phone number is (03) 3790-0117, fax (03) 3790-0110. Write them down. My getting to know them was a coincidence in a city with 40,000 taxis. One stopped for me on my way to the New Takanawa Prince Hotel to catch a bus for Narita. The coincidence is that one was also in line to take me to my apartment when I returned. I remembered because they are van taxis, recommendable for groups, people with lots of luggage or equipment like skis and musical instruments, and people in wheelchairs who will appreciate the auto-lifts and the space -- the seats fold up to allow plenty of room. Even brides should consider a van taxi. One photo shows how easy it is for a bride in her full-skirted Western wedding dress to get in the wider than usual door with a lower than usual step, also appreciated by her friends in kimono. The vans are available for charter. Make your arrangements well in advance because they are becoming much in demand. The fares start at the usual 660 yen and special prices are quoted for charters.

Even more important is the service. The driver had chosen a good route to get me home, but the street became congested as we neared my apartment. He apologized and turned off the meter! I said it was OK, that it was usually crowded there, but he insisted. And how long has it been since a driver has personally opened the door, helped you with your luggage and then carried the heavy bags to the door without being asked?

Previously I wrote about MK Taxi, phone (03) 5565-5551, with lower fares and hire-car service. Let's hope this new competition will eventually influence the usual Tokyo taxi-company driver whose main interest seems to be keeping his white gloves clean.