Lesson 8: A relaxing day at the onsen

ESL Course: The Johnsons Visit Japan

Practice your English with the Johnson family as they explore Japan. This is lesson 8 of a 10 lesson course.

PDF: A relaxing day at the onsen

Warm-up

  1. Why do you think the Johnson's are going to a hot spring? (Hmm… probably because…)
  2. What do you think the family will do after they take a bath? (I think they'll…)
  3. What do you think they will have for dinner? (Maybe they'll have…)

Vocabulary Match

onsen -   - a formal event
yukata -   - traditions
ceremony -   - Japanese robe
customs -   - hot spring

Vocabulary Match 2

soaking -   - relaxing in water
amazed -   - tasty
thrilled -   - impressed
delicious -   - excited

Story

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.

Quiz

  1. What were the family amazed by?
  2. What did the Johnsons participate in?

Conversation

Sam: What's this? The plates are tiny! Is this all we're getting?
Sarah: I think it's called "kaiseki ryori". It's a traditional meal with a load of different courses.
Sam: Kaise-what? Is it like sushi?
Sarah: Not exactly. There might be some sushi, but it's more like a fancy multi-course meal.
Sam: (Takes a bite) Hmm, not bad, but I'm still hungry. When does the next course come?
Sarah: I don't know, but let's try to enjoy it. It's a new experience, and we can always grab a
McDonald's after this if we're still hungry.

Discussion

  1. Do you like to go to hot springs? When do you go, and why?
  2. What traditional clothing do people wear in your country? Do you ever wear it?
  3. What do you think about "kaiseki ryori"? Which is your favorite part?
  4. Do you like to experience different cultures? What would you like to try in the U.S.?

Vocabulary Answers 1

onsen → hot spring
yukata → Japanese robe
ceremony → a formal event
customs → traditions

Vocabulary Answers 2

soaking → relaxing in water
amazed → impressed
thrilled → excited
delicious → tasty

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. They were amazed by the natural beauty of the hot spring.
  2. They participated in a traditional ceremony.

Next Lesson

The Johnsons Visit Japan - Lesson 9

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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