Instructions
Welcome, Junior Explorer! Today, you are a travel blogger planning a virtual journey to Japan, an island nation in East Asia that beautifully blends ancient traditions with ultra-modern technology.
Follow these steps to complete your travel dossier:
- Read the background information in each section.
- Complete the vocabulary puzzle, math budget challenge, and etiquette quiz.
- Design your own Japanese lunchbox (Bento Box) in the creative section.
- Check your work using the Answer Key at the end of the worksheet.
Section 1: Landmarks of Japan
Match each famous Japanese landmark to its correct description by writing the correct letter (A, B, C, or D) in the blank space.
- Mount Fuji: A majestic, snow-capped active volcano that is the tallest mountain in Japan.
- Shinkansen: High-speed "bullet trains" that fly across the country at speeds up to 200 mph (320 km/h).
- Tokyo Skytree: One of the tallest self-supporting towers in the world, offering views of the entire capital city.
- Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): A stunning Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto covered entirely in brilliant gold leaf.
- __ This landmark is a golden temple reflecting beautifully over a peaceful pond in Kyoto.
- __ Visitors ride this super-fast train to travel quickly between cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
- __ On a clear day, you can see this giant, sacred, snow-capped volcano from Tokyo.
- __ You can ride an elevator to the top of this massive tower to look out over Japan's busiest city.
Section 2: Japanese Travel Vocabulary
When traveling, it is helpful and polite to learn some local words! Below is your pocket translator guide. Complete the missing spaces in the table below.
| Japanese Word | Pronunciation | English Meaning | When to use it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Konnichiwa | Kohn-nee-chee-wah | Hello / Good afternoon | Use this to greet people politely during the day. |
| Arigatou gozaimasu | Ah-ree-gah-toe go-zye-mahs | (1) __ | Use this to thank a waiter, shop clerk, or host. |
| (2) __ | Soo-mee-mah-sen | Excuse me / Sorry | Use this to get a waiter's attention or if you bump into someone. |
| Itadakimasu | (3) __ | "I gratefully receive this food" | Say this out loud right before you start eating a meal. |
| Sayonara | Sah-yoh-nah-rah | (4) __ | Use this when saying goodbye to someone for a long time. |
| Oishii | Oh-ee-shee | Delicious | (5) ____ |
Section 3: The Bento Budget (Math Challenge)
In Japan, the currency used is called the Yen (¥).
- Traveler's Tip: To make quick calculations, imagine that 100 Yen (¥100) is roughly equal to 1 US Dollar ($1.00). (So, ¥500 is about $5.00).
Imagine you have a budget of ¥1,500 to buy lunch at a Japanese convenience store (konbini). Look at the menu below and answer the questions.
- Onigiri (Rice Ball): ¥150
- Melonpan (Sweet Melon Bread): ¥200
- Bento Box (Meal Prep Tray): ¥650
- Green Tea Bottle: ¥120
- Gyoza (5 Dumplings): ¥380
- Mochi Ice Cream Dessert: ¥200
-
You buy one Onigiri and one Green Tea Bottle.
- What is the total in Yen? ¥____
- About how much is this in US Dollars? $___
-
You want to buy a Bento Box, Gyoza, and Mochi Ice Cream.
- What is the total cost in Yen? ¥____
- Do you have enough money in your ¥1,500 budget? [ Yes / No ]
- How much Yen do you have left over, or how much more do you need? ¥____
-
You pay for a Melonpan (¥200) using a ¥1,000 bill. How much change in Yen should you receive back?
- ¥____
Section 4: Culture & Etiquette: True or False?
Japanese culture has unique customs and manners. Circle True or False for each statement.
-
True / False: It is considered polite to walk down the street while eating and drinking.
- Hint: Most people in Japan stand near the shop or vending machine to finish their snack before walking.
-
True / False: Slurping your noodles (like ramen) is actually polite because it shows the chef you enjoy the hot food.
-
True / False: You should keep your outdoor shoes on when entering a Japanese home or temple.
- Hint: Look for a raised entryway called a genkan where you swap your shoes for house slippers.
-
True / False: Bowing (ojigi) is used to greet people, say thank you, and show respect.
Section 5: Design Your Own Bento Box!
A Bento Box is a traditional single-portion takeout meal that is carefully balanced, colorful, and arranged like a work of art.
In the box below, draw and label your dream Bento Box. It must include:
- A starch (like white rice molded into a cute shape, or noodles)
- A protein (like chicken teriyaki, beef, tofu, or boiled egg)
- Fruits or vegetables (like edamame, cherry tomatoes, or apple slices)
-
A tiny cute detail (like sesame seed eyes on your rice, or decorative food picks)
[ MY TRAVEL BENTO BOX ] Compartment A: Starch ------------------------------------------------- Compartment B: Protein Compartment C: Veg/Fruit ____ ____
Describe your Bento Box design here in 2 sentences. What shapes and colors did you use to make it look delicious?
Answer Key
Section 1: Landmarks of Japan
- D (Kinkaku-ji / Golden Pavilion)
- B (Shinkansen)
- A (Mount Fuji)
- C (Tokyo Skytree)
Section 2: Japanese Travel Vocabulary
- Thank you (very much)
- Sumimasen
- Ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs
- Goodbye
- Use this to express that your food tastes great! (Accept similar answers showing appreciation for delicious food)
Section 3: The Bento Budget
- ¥150 + ¥120 = ¥270 (About $2.70 USD)
- ¥650 + ¥380 + ¥200 = ¥1,230.
- Do you have enough? Yes (¥1,230 is less than ¥1,500)
- Change leftover: ¥1,500 - ¥1,230 = ¥270 left over.
- ¥1,000 - ¥200 = ¥800 change.
Section 4: Culture & Etiquette
- False (It is generally considered poor manners to eat while walking in public)
- True (Slurping cools the noodles and is a compliment to the chef!)
- False (You must take your shoes off at the entrance to homes, traditional accommodations, and temples)
- True (Bowing is a vital part of Japanese daily etiquette)