Lesson 4: A day of exploration in Kyoto

ESL Course: The Johnsons Visit Japan

Practice your English with the Johnson family as they explore Japan. This is lesson 4 of a 10 lesson course.

PDF: A day of exploration in Kyoto

Warm-up

  1. What sightseeing spot in Kyoto would you recommend to the Johnsons? (They should go to...)
  2. What advice would you give them for getting around the city? (I think they should…)
  3. What other activities are a "must-do" in Kyoto? Why? (Oh! They really must…)

Vocabulary Match

exploring -   - monument
beautiful -   - picturesque
landmark -   - looking around
marvel -   - admire

Vocabulary Match 2

significance -   - importance
bow -   - praise
sip -   - greeting
compliment -   - drink a little

Story

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.

Quiz

  1. What landmark did the Johnson family hike up in Kyoto?
  2. What did the Johnson family learn about at the traditional Japanese tea ceremony?

Conversation

Mr. J: So, what are we supposed to do at this tea ceremony again?
Mrs J: I think we bow, sip the tea, and then compliment the host on their beautiful tea set.
Mr. J: Okay, got it. Wait, how do we bow again?
Mrs J: I think you bow from the waist, like this.
(Both try to bow and accidentally bump heads)
Mr. J: Ow! Maybe we should just skip the bowing part.
Mrs J: Agreed. And let's hope we don't spill any tea on these fancy tatami mats!

Discussion

  1. Have you ever attended a traditional tea ceremony? What was your experience like?
  2. Are there any popular events or festivals in Kyoto? When are they?
  3. Which city do you prefer, Kyoto or Tokyo? Why?
  4. Where do you think the Johnson family will go next?

Vocabulary Answers 1

exploring → looking around
beautiful → picturesque
landmark → monument
marvel → admire

Vocabulary Answers 2

significance → importance
bow → greeting
sip → drink a little
compliment → praise

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. They hiked up the torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  2. They learned about the significance of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture.

Next Lesson

The Johnsons Visit Japan - Lesson 5

Lesson List

  1. The family arrives in Japan
  2. First day in Tokyo
  3. The Johnsons head to Kyoto
  4. A day of exploration in Kyoto
  5. A day trip to Hiroshima
  6. Enjoying the sights in Kobe
  7. Osaka Castle and street food
  8. A relaxing day at the onsen
  9. Two exciting days in Tokyo
  10. The family's last day in Japan

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