A Japanese Koukou (high school) has been our sister school since 1991.
There is lots of useful language for you to use at the back of this booklet, so
make the most of trying out your Japanese!
My host family names______________________________________
Address__________________________________________________
Phone Number___________
 I always take my shoes off when entering a Japanese home
 I always take my house slippers off, and put the toilet slippers on, when








going to the toilet
I always take my slippers off when entering a tatami room
I always say “itadakimasu” before eating anything and “gochisou sama
deshita” when I have finished eating.
I never stand my chopsticks up in my rice bowl.
I always wash myself outside of the bath, and rinse soap off thoroughly.
I never wash in the bath. I never pull the plug out of the bath.
I always offer to help with chores “ tetsudaimashou ka?” “testudatte mo
ii desu ka”
I initiate conversation and have photos to show of my family. I do not
have to have the conversation dragged out of me.
I excuse myself and go to my room at a reasonable time – I don’t keep
the family up late entertaining me. I am considerate, clean and tidy.
I try to have a great time with my new “adopted” family!
The Daruma doll is believed to bring luck to business, happiness, and good
health for life, protection from accidents, etc. Using black ink, one fills in a
single circular eye while thinking of a wish. Should the wish later come true,
the second eye is filled in.
Until then the daruma is displayed in a high location in one's home, typically
close to other significant belongings such as a Butsudan (a Buddhist praying
box). If the daruma doll was purchased within a temple, the owner can return
it for burning. Burning usually occurs at the year's end. This is done as a
purification ritual to let kami (Gods) know that the wisher did not give up on
the wish, but there is another path to make it come true.
高崎（たかさき）は
何が有名ですか。
Is most famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex
and mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the
Tokugawa shogunate, ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Nikko has
been a centre of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries.
Nikko National Park continues to offer scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes,
waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.
日光（にっこう）は、どんなどうぶつが有名ですか。そのどうぶつは、どん
なかっこうをしていますか。
Q. What did you find out about this famous carving?
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It is an authentic reproduction of the daily life of Japan’s
Edo Period. Those will be streets, shops, clothing of people,
shopkeepers and teashop waitress, ticket collectors, hairstyle,
Ryo currency (pre Yen currency), buildings and so on. You will feel as if you
live in Japan’s Edo era (1603-1867) once you step into the Nikko Edo Mura
village. Those details make the atmosphere of the village more realistic, and
are often used as sets for TV commercials, dramas and movies.
What was your favourite experience at Edo Mura?
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飯田橋（いいだばし）の駅のちかくにある、有名なたてものは
何ですか。Iidabashi Station is a major interchange station that straddles
Tokyo's Chiyoda, Shinjuku and Bunkyo wards. The youth hostel is on the 18th
floor of the building next to Iidabashi Eki (station)
Torii. One or more torii gates mark the approach and entrance
to a shrine. Most are made of wood, and many are painted orange and black.
Komainu. Komainu are a pair of guardian dogs or lions, often
found on each side of a shrine's entrance. In the case of Inari Shrines, they are
foxes rather than dogs.
Purification. Found near the entrance, the water of these
fountains is used for purification. You are supposed to clean your hands and
mouth before approaching the main hall.
Ema. Shrine visitors write their wishes on these wooden
plates and then leave them at the shrine in the hope that their wishes come
true. Most people wish for good health, success in business, passing entrance
exams, love or wealth.
Omikuji. These are fortune telling paper slips found at many
shrines and temples. Randomly drawn, they contain predictions ranging from
daikichi ("great good luck") to daikyo ("great bad luck"). By tying the piece
of paper around a tree's branch, good fortune will come true or bad fortune
can be averted.
Shimenawa. A shimenawa is a straw rope with white zigzag
paper strips (gohei). It marks the boundary to something sacred and can be
found on torii gates, around sacred trees and stones, etc.
Sensoji (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple located
in Asakusa, the center of the shitamachi ("low town").
The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon,
the goddess of Mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the
statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji
was built there for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645,
making it Tokyo's oldest temple.
How to get there: Asakusa is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa
Subway Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railways.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 130 Yen) and
transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 160 Yen).
From Shinjuku Station
Take the orange JR Chuo Line to Kanda Station (10 minutes, 160 Yen) and
transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 160 Yen).
浅草（あさくさ）の、有名なお寺の名前は何ですか。
Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate)
Kaminarimon is the first of two large entrance gates leading to Sensoji
Temple. First built more than 1000 years ago, it is the symbol of Asakusa.
The Nakamise shopping street leads from Kaminarimon to the temple
grounds.
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji ("Senso" is an alternative reading for Asakusa and "ji" means
temple) is Tokyo's most famous and popular temple. Built in the 7th century,
it is also one of its oldest, although the current buildings are postwar
reconstructions.
Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa Shrine, also known as Sanja-sama, was built during the Edo Period
and survived the air raids of 1945. The shrine's festival, the Sanja Matsuri, is
one of Tokyo's most spectacular and popular. It starts every year on the 3rd
Friday of May and lasts for three days.
Nakamise Shopping Street
The Nakamise shopping street stretches over approximately 250 meters from
Kaminarimon to the main grounds of Sensoji Temple. It is lined by more than
50 shops, it is a great place for getting cheap yukata (summer kimono).
Make sure you try some Kibidango - Skewered kibi-balls covered with
soybean powder, Agemanju - deep fried manju (soft cake with red bean paste
filling); Ningyoyaki - small cake with red bean paste filling
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
Shin-Nakamise or New Nakamise Shopping Street runs perpendicular to the
Nakamise Shopping Street. It is a covered shopping arcade lined by various
shops and restaurants.
There are a few good kusuriya (chemists) down this street.
.
Asahi Beer Tower
The Asahi Beer Tower and Asahi Super Dry Hall with its characteristic
Flamme d'Or were, completed in 1989 and host the headquarters of Asahi
Breweries. Furthermore, several restaurants can be found in the complex.
Q. What does the big golden statue look like to you?_______________
Q. Write the kanji for Rickshaw (jinrikisha, lit. "man powered vehicle")
Mythoughts/memories________________________________________________
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The focal point of Harajuku's teenage culture is Takeshita Dori (Takeshita
Street) and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion
boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared
towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.
In order to experience the teenage culture at its most extreme, visit Harajuku
on a Sunday, when many young people gather around Harajuku Station and
engage in cosplay ("costume play"), dressed up in crazy costumes to resemble
anime characters, punk musicians, etc.
How to get there: Harajuku is a station on the JR Yamanote Line, two stations
south of Shinjuku and one station north of Shibuya (130 Yen from either
station).
Harajuku is also served by the Chiyoda Subway Line, which stops at
Meijijingu-mae Station, next to JR Harajuku Station and provides a direct
connection to Otemachi Station (15 minutes, 190 Yen) near Tokyo Station.
原宿（はらじゅく）はどのような人たちに人気ですか。
なぜ人気ですか
Takeshita Dori
The symbol of Harajuku and birthplace of
many of Japan's fashion trends, Takeshita
Dori (Takeshita Street) is a narrow, roughly
400 meter long street lined by shops,
boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets
targeting Tokyo's teenagers.
Omotesando Hills
Opened in February 2006, Omotesando Hills
with its intriguing interior design, consists of
six floors (three of them underground) of
upmarket shops, restaurants, cafes and beauty
salons. Several apartments are located on top
of the shopping complex.
Omotesando
Referred to as Tokyo's Champs-Elysees,
Omotesando is a one kilometre long, tree
lined avenue, serving as the main approach to
Meiji Shrine. Numerous stores, boutiques,
cafes and restaurants, including several
leading fashion brand shops, stand along the
avenue.
Snoopy Town
A wide array of Snoopy goods is sold in this
store, located directly across Harajuku
Station.
Daiso Harajuku - 100 Yen Shop
This is one of the largest 100 Yen Shops in
central Tokyo, offering a wide array of goods,
including clothing, kitchenware, food and
stationary on multiple floors at 105 Yen per
item. It is located only a few steps from
Harajuku Station along Takeshita Dori.
LaForet Harajuku
LaForet Harajuku is a trend setting shopping
complex, consisting of seven floors of fashion
boutiques and shops, mainly geared towards a
young, female audience. The LaForet Museum
on the top floor hosts various events and
exhibitions.
Oriental Bazaar - Closed on Thursdays.
This is one of Tokyo's largest souvenir shops,
very popular among foreign travelers in
search of typical Japanese souvenirs, such as
kimono, tableware, lamps, dolls, furniture and
samurai related goods. The shop spans four
floors.
Kiddy Land
This is one of Tokyo's most famous and
popular toy stores. Located along the
Omotesando, it offers six floors filled with all
kinds of toys from electronic games to stuffed
animals. Many major toy brands, including
Disney, Barbie and Hello Kitty are present.
Mythoughts/memories________________________________________________
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Hint: use the fast pass!
How to get there; Tokyo Station JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line (about
15 minutes) get off at JR Maihama Station (South Exit)
ディズニーランドは、何のキャラクターで人気ですか。
Ryoanji is a Zen temple in northwestern Kyoto. The
temple's main attraction is its rock garden, the most famous of its kind in
Japan. The simple Zen garden consists of nothing but rocks, moss and neatly
raked gravel. The meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to
each visitor's interpretation. 龍安寺（りょうあんじ）のにわは、なぜ有名で
すか。
How to get there: Ryoanji is a 5 minute bus ride or 15 minute walk west of
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Ryoanji can also be reached by the Keifuku
Kitano Line, a small train that runs through the calm residential areas of
northwestern Kyoto and offers a connection to Arashiyama. To access Ryoanji,
get off at Ryoanji-michi Station from where it is a 5 minute walk to the
temple.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple
formally known as Rokuonji. In 1397 construction started on the Golden
Pavilion as part of a new residence for the retired shogun Ashikaga
Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimitsu's
death in 1408. The Golden Pavilion functions as shariden, housing sacred
relics of the Buddha and is covered in gold leaf. The present building dates
from 1955 as the pavilion was burnt by a fanatic monk in 1950. 金閣寺（きん
かくじ） このたてものはお寺ですか。
How to get there: Kinkakuji can be accessed by direct bus number 101 or 205
from Kyoto Station. A faster variant is taking the Karasuma Subway Line to
Kitaoji Station from where the temple can be reached in a short bus or taxi
ride.
Kiyomizudera ("Pure Water Temple") was founded in 780 and
remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within
Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO
world heritage sites.Part of the fun of visiting Kiyomizudera is the approach to
the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama
district. Products on sale range from local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki
pottery, sweets and pickles to the standard set of souvenirs.
How to get there: Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station in about
15 minutes by bus. Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi
or Gojo-zaka, from where it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the temple. 清水
寺（きよみずでら）のばいてんにある、テイラー先生の
大好きなおみやげは何でしょうか。
Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district. To
experience the traditional Gion, stroll along Hanami-koji, a street lined by
beautiful old buildings, teahouses and restaurants. In the evenings, you may be
able to spot a maiko (apprentice geisha).
My thoughts/memories of
Kyoto_______________________________________________________________
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祇園（ぎおん）で見られる、でんとうてきなおどりは、何と言いますか
.
Bells
On New Year eve, temple bells are rung 108 times, corresponding to the
Buddhist concept of 108 worldly desires.
Gates mark the entrance to the temple grounds.
There is usually one main gate, and possibly several additional gates, for
example, along the temple's main approach.
Pagoda
The pagoda, a structure that has evolved from the Indian stupa, usually comes
with three (sanju no to) or five (goju no to) stories. Pagodas store remains of
the Buddha such as a tooth, usually in form of a representation.
Main hall
The sacred objects of worship, such as statues, are displayed in the main hall.
In Japanese, main halls are usually called kondo, hondo, butsuden, amidado or
hatto.
Cemetery
Most cemeteries in Japan are Buddhist and are located at a temple. The
Japanese visit their ancestors' graves on many occasions during the year,
especially during the obon week, the equinoctial weeks and the anniversaries.
Himeji Castle is widely considered
Japan's most spectacular castle. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji
Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its
original form. It is both, a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage
site. In the 14th century, a fort was first built on the current castle site. Over
the centuries, the various clans, who ruled over the region, gradually enlarged
it. The castle complex, as it survives today, was completed in 1609.
姫路城（ひめじじょう）のやねについている物は、何ですか。
How to get there; From Himeji Station, the castle can be reached in a 15-20
minute walk or 5 minute bus ride along the broad Otemae-dori Street, which
leads in a straight way from the station to the castle.
Peace Memorial Park – where you are standing now. The area now known as
Peace Memorial Park was previously an urban district called Nakajima.
On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb in history exploded directly over
this area. In addition to the usual inhabitants, thousands of volunteer army
corps members and mobilized students were in the area demolishing buildings
for a fire lane.
Nearly all of these lives were snuffed out as the entire district vanished
instantly. On August 6, 1949, with enactment of the Hiroshima Peace
Memorial City Construction Law, it was decided that the entire Nakajima
District would be devoted to "peace memorial facilities," and that was the
beginning of what is now Peace Memorial Park.
Q. Write the kanji for Hiroshima, hint –“ spacious island”
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My thoughts/memories of Hiroshima
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Miyajima (literally "shrine island") has been
celebrated as a sacred island and one of Japan's three most scenic views. It is
most famous for Itsukushima Shrine, which, together with its large wooden
torii (gate), stands in the ocean during high tide. Deer move around the island
freely, and so do monkeys on top of Misen, the island's highest mountain. Try
to time your visit with a high tide to experience the shrine and torii floating
over water.
How to get there; From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to
Miyajimaguchi Station. The trip takes about 25 minutes and costs 400 Yen.
Alternatively, you can take the tram line number 2 bound for Miyajimaguchi.
The tram is slower, but costs only 270 Yen and stops on the way in
Hiroshima's city center.
From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is just a few steps to the ferry pier. Frequently
departing ferries take 10 minutes and cost 170 Yen for the crossing to
Miyajima. There are two companies operating the ferries, JR and Matsudai.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on JR ferries.
宮島（みやじま）には、何がありますか。このしまの人たちは、
このしかを食べますか。
What is the Japanese word for deer?____________________
Thoughts/Memories__________________________________________________
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Osaka International YH is close to Hagoromo station, which is connected to
the Namba Station by the Nankai line. Minami ("South") is one of Osaka's two
major city centres. The other one is Kita ("North") around Osaka and Umeda
Stations. Minami is Osaka's most popular entertainment and shopping district,
located around Namba Station.
Minami Attractions include the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, Amerikamura
("America Village"), Nipponbashi Den-Den Town (shopping area for discount
electronics), Doguyasuji (shopping area for non edible restaurant supplies) and
the colorful Dotonbori entertainment district.
大阪（おおさか）でカバナ先生の買いたい物は何ですか。
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大阪の海遊館（かいゆうかん）にいる、かにのあしのながさは
何センチぐらいですか
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Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, is probably Japan's best aquarium.
Marine life is displayed in 15 tanks, each representing a specific region of the
Pacific Rim. The central tank, representing the Pacifc Ocean, is nine meters
deep and home to a whale shark, the aquarium's main attraction. Visitors start
their tour of the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly spiral down floor by
floor around the central tank.
Osaka Aquarium is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka's Port
(Osakako) area.
How to get to the human rights museum (liberty Osaka)
Osaka Loop line to Osaka Station, JR Ashiharabashi Station/Imamiya Station.
Various resources on human rights, concerning social
integration, women’s rights, and the physically challenged,
are collected and made available to the public.
3-6-36 Naniwanishi, Naniwa-ku
JR: Ashiharabashi
Tel: 06-6561-5891 Fax: 06-6561-5995
Walk 5 mins
My thoughts/memories
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Its 45 stores span 160 meters and sell absolutely everything needed to equip a
restaurant—even the intricately made miniature plastic food samples used in
restaurant window displays (which make an interesting souvenir of your visit
to Osaka). Close to Namba station of Subway, Nankai, Kintetsu & JR Lines.
From Namba Takashimaya Department Store, go one block east on Nankaidori, then turn right for another one block. The following narrow street with
roof is the Doguya-suji.
How to get there; Subway Midosuji Line to Umeda Station , it takes 8 minutes.
Subway Shinsaibashi Station (Exit no.7) Walk 5 minutes.
(Electric and Electronic appliances town)
This is the best and most inexpensive place to shop for
computers, cameras, audio and video equipment, televisions and
all household appliances. People come here from not only Osaka
and the surrounding prefectures, but also from other Asian
countries.
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Explaining Symptoms
English
I have a fever.
English
Japanese
Hair
Kami
Head
Atama
Neck
Kubi
Shoulders
Kata
Chest
Mune
Waist
Koshi
Arms
Ude
Wrists
Tekubu
Fingers
Yubi
Hands
Te
Elbow
Hiji
My ~ hurts.
I cough a lot.
I feel listless.
I feel nauseated.
I feel dizzy.
I have the chills.
I swallowed something.
I am bleeding.
I broke a bone.
He/ She is unconscious.
I burned myself.
He/ She cannot breath.
He/ She had a heart attack.
My vision is worse.
I can't hear well.
My nose bleeds a lot.
Japanese
Nestu ga arimasu.
English
Japanese
Buttocks
Oshiri
Thigh
Momo
Legs
Ashi
Foot
Ashi
Knee
Hiza
Face
Kao
Eyes
Me
Nose
Hana
Throat
Nodo
Chin
Ago
~ ga itai.
Seki ga demasu.
Karada ga darui.
Hakike ga shimasu.
Memai ga shimasu.
Samuke ga shimasu.
Nanika o nondeshimaimashita.
Shukkestsu desu.
Kossestu desu.
Ishiki fumei desu.
Yakedo desu.
Kokyu Konnan desu.
Shinzoo hossa desu.
Shiryokuga ochimashita.
Mimi ga yoku kikoemasen.
Hanaji ga yoku demasu.
Ｔｒａｉｎｓ
ゆ
1…………
でんしゃ
行き
の
電車
は
なん
ばん
せん
から でます
か
Which platform does the train for ……….leave from?
う
2. きっぷ
ば
売り場
は
Where is the ticket-selling-place?
どこ
です か
（where can I buy a ticket?）
でんしゃ
3. この
電車
は…………に
とまります
か
Does this train stop at……?
4. ………ばんせん
は
どこ
です
か
Where is platform number………. ?
Phones
でんわ
ちか
1. こくさい電話 は この 近く に あります
Is there an international phone close by?
か
か？
ど でんわ
2. カード電話 は どこ です
Where is a card phone?
か
3. もしもし
Hello (on the phone)
4. Dial 0051 from any international phone, no money needed, to make a
collect call.
もしもし、ニュージーランド へ コレクトコール
を かけたいん です けど……
Hi, I want to make a collect call to New Zealand……
Then give the number, the person’s name you want to speak to & your
name. The person at the other end must agree to pay for the incoming call.
The phone operators in Japan can speak English if you get stuck with keigo
(polite business language)
If there is no one home, say you will call again later& thank the operator
はい わかりました。でわ、また あと で かけます.
よろしく おねがいします。