Lesson 6: Enjoying the sights in Kobe

ESL Course: The Johnsons Visit Japan

Practice your English with the Johnson family as they explore Japan. This is lesson 6 of a 10 lesson course.

PDF: Enjoying the sights in Kobe

Warm-up

  1. What are some popular attractions in Kobe? (Well, there's…)
  2. What do you think the Johnson family will do for lunch? (I think they'll go to…)
  3. What do you think they will do in the evening? (I'm not sure, but maybe they'll…)

Vocabulary Match

iconic -   - quay
waterfront -   - appetizing
savory -   - famous

Vocabulary Match 2

maritime -   - presentation
dumplings -   - naval
display -   - gyoza

Story

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.

Quiz

  1. What did the Johnsons learn at the Maritime Museum?
  2. What did they do in Chinatown?

Conversation

Sam: Wow. The ground is all broken up! What happened here?
Dad: It's from the earthquake in 1995. They kept this part so people remember it.
Sam: I wonder what it feels like to be in an earthquake.
Dad: It's not fun at all. In fact, it feels like this! (Dad picks Sam up and shakes him.)

Discussion

  1. Have you been to Kobe? What do you like the most about the city?
  2. Plan a weekend in Kobe. Where will you go? How will you get around? Where will you stay?

Vocabulary Answers 1

iconic → famous
waterfront → quay
savory → appetizing

Vocabulary Answers 2

maritime → naval
dumplings → gyoza
display → presentation

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. They learned about Kobe's history as a port city.
  2. They tried various street foods.

Next Lesson

The Johnsons Visit Japan - Lesson 7

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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