I am writing regarding Amy Chavez's Japan Lite column published online on Aug. 27 (in print Aug. 28) entitled "Blame for 'bad tourists' to Japan lies with the advice they never receive."
I am a licensed English-speaking guide for the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage site, including Mount Koya and various communities in Wakayama Prefecture.
Let me first say that I agree almost entirely with the article Ms. Chavez wrote. As a guide, English teacher, consultant for the city and guide trainer, I emphasize and share the belief that understanding the diversity of the guests who are coming to visit Japan while trying to assess their traveling needs, as opposed to unfairly "grouping" them into "good/bad" stereotypes, is infinitely more productive for all parties concerned. Thank you for making that important point.