Difficulty Level: CEFR B1 - Intermediate
A 10-lesson ESL course about an American family visiting Japan. Each lesson includes warm-up questions, a vocabulary match-up activity, a story passage with audio, a mini quiz, a role-play conversation and some discussion questions.
Each lesson is listed separately below, but if you would like to download a PDF of all the lessons, you can do so here:
After a long flight from the US, the Johnson family finally arrived in Tokyo. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, along with their teenage daughter Sarah and 10-year-old son Sam, were eager to begin their adventure in Japan. They collected their luggage and made their way to their hotel in Tokyo.
The city amazed them with its efficiency and cleanliness. To get a feel for the area, they decided to take a stroll and try some local street food for dinner. They indulged in some mouth-watering delicacies and were delighted by the warm reception from the locals.
On their first day in Tokyo, the Johnson family was up bright and early, eager to explore the city. They headed out to visit the famous Senso-ji Temple, where they were mesmerized by its beauty and history. They then took a leisurely walk around the Asakusa district and decided to indulge in some traditional Japanese food for lunch. In the evening, they went to Tokyo Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Excitement filled the air as the Johnson family boarded the bullet train to Kyoto, where they would experience traditional Japanese hospitality and food. Upon arrival, they headed out to explore the old capital city, renowned for its temples, shrines, and traditional culture. They made their way to the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which offered an awe-inspiring view of the city.
The Johnson family spent the day exploring Kyoto, visiting some of its most famous landmarks. They began at the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine and hiked up the torii gates, marveling at the beauty of the shrine. They then headed to the Golden Pavilion, a renowned landmark in Kyoto.
Later in the evening, they attended a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where they learned about the significance of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture.
The Johnson family took a day trip to Hiroshima, where they rode on a streetcar to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. They learned about the devastating impact of the atomic bomb and the importance of peace in Japanese culture. Later, they visited Hiroshima Castle and enjoyed some local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
As the day came to an end, Mr. Johnson couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn about the history of Hiroshima.
Upon arriving in Kobe, the family headed straight to Meriken Park, eager to see the iconic red steel Kobe Port Tower and the stunning waterfront views. They spent the morning walking around the park, taking photos, and enjoying the fresh air. They even had the chance to explore the Maritime Museum, where they learned about Kobe's history as a port city.
Afterward, they headed to Chinatown, where they tried various street foods, including savory dumplings and sweet red bean cakes.
As the sun began to set, the Johnson family headed back to Meriken Park, where they watched the tower light up in a beautiful display of colors. They couldn't believe how magical the park looked at night, and stayed to enjoy the view before heading back to their hotel.
The Johnson family's first trip to Japan included a visit to Osaka. They headed to Osaka Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan. The castle's beauty and history left them in awe.
Next, they explored the Dotonbori district, famous for its street food and nightlife. They sampled some delicious takoyaki and okonomiyaki for dinner. Sarah and Sam were amazed by the colorful billboards and neon lights in the area. The family used their smartphones to navigate the busy streets of the city. They had a fantastic time, but Mrs. Johnson was feeling sore from all the walking.
The Johnson family was thrilled to visit a traditional Japanese onsen. They were not familiar with the customs, but they followed the rules, and they were amazed by the natural beauty of the hot spring. The family enjoyed a relaxing day soaking in the hot water and trying local Japanese food for lunch.
In the evening, they put on their yukatas and participated in a traditional ceremony, feeling like true locals. Afterward, they had a delicious traditional “kaiseki ryori” Japanese dinner.
The Johnson family wrapped up their trip to Japan with two jam-packed days of adventure in Tokyo. First, they headed to the lively streets of Harajuku to try their hand at singing karaoke. With a plethora of Japanese and English songs to choose from, they sang their hearts out and had a blast. Afterwards, they visited the nearby Pokémon Center, where they marveled at the cute and colorful displays of their favorite characters.
In the evening, they made their way to Shibuya, known for its shopping and nightlife. The bright lights and crowds of people were a sight to behold.
On their last day in Japan, the Johnson family attended the Sumidagawa fireworks festival in Tokyo. The vibrant explosions illuminated the sky, leaving the family awestruck by their beauty and grandeur. It was a completely new experience for them, unlike anything they had ever seen before.
After the show, they celebrated their final night at a ramen restaurant, reflecting on their trip and all the amazing experiences they had had. They were grateful for the opportunity to visit Japan and knew they would never forget this incredible adventure.