Japan Stage 5 Comp Japan - A Country of Contrasts PDF

STAGE 5 Unit focus: Japan Text focus: Information Text Japan - A Country Of Contrasts Japan is a country where old and new sit side by side, where traditional culture thrives alongside the mod...

STAGE 5 Unit focus: Japan Text focus: Information Text Japan - A Country Of Contrasts Japan is a country where old and new sit side by side, where traditional culture thrives alongside the modern and high-tech and where the beauties of the natural world and the buzz of city life coexist. Japan has something for everyone and, thanks to its high-speed modern rail service, it is easy for tourists to sample what Japan has to offer. When to visit Spring is a wonderful time of year and if you time it right, you could enjoy the cherry blossom festival when the magical pink blossoms come to life and the parks are filled with people out to enjoy the spectacle. Summers can be hot and humid unless you head for the mountains where the climbing season will be in full-flow. Autumn brings more bearable temperatures again and the colours in the forests turn to reds and oranges. Winter, meanwhile, is a dream for snow sports enthusiasts: Japan has ideal conditions for skiing especially in January and February. Cities and Culture The entry point for many tourists will be Tokyo. This frenetic capital city can be overwhelming but its bright lights and 24 hour fun will hold city-lovers captive for days. Its also a great place for those who want to check out the newest technology on the market or for lovers of art and music. However, as you explore the hustle and bustle, you will also stumble across magnificent temples too. If they give you a taste for more traditional Japan, head to Kyoto – sometimes called Japan’s most beautiful city - to admire more stunning Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and tranquil gardens. It is the Japan of your imagination. Nature and the Outdoors Japan’s natural icon is of course the volcano Mount Fuji. It looks like the mountain of children’s drawings: a perfectly symmetrical peak with a dusting of snow on top. It is a stunning sight but can also be climbed for those looking for more adventure. Hikers have a great deal to choose from besides Mount Fuji: 70% of Japan is mountainous a er all. Japan is also a heavily forested country and the Japanese have even come up A with something called ‘forest bathing’. Scientists have discovered that ding ro Rea und all resources ©2023 Literacy Shed e um C u r r ic ul Th http://www.literacyshedplus.com immersing (or bathing) yourself in the forest can bring physical and mental benefits – why not give it a go? Beach lovers meanwhile should head for one of the picturesque tropical islands of Okinawa. The crystal-clear azure water is perfect for diving and snorkelling and the beaches are great for relaxing. Food and Drink Japanese food, whether its simple street food or high-end restaurants, is truly a feast for the senses. As an island nation, it’s no surprise that seafood is on the menu. Rice is the other common food which forms a part of many meals. Sushi is famous around the world and consists of seasoned rice filled or topped with fish or vegetables and wrapped with seaweed. Noodles are popular, as are Japanese curries such as katsu curry. Green tea is important in Japanese culture and visitors should take the chance to take part in a tea ceremony. You will be participating in a ritual that goes back centuries. So what are you waiting for? A warm Japanese welcome awaits you! RETRIEVAL FOCUS 1. What time of year is Japan’s cherry blossom festival? 2. When is Japan’s skiing season? 3. What can visitors see in Kyoto? 4. How much of Japan is covered by mountains? 5. Which part of Japan is suggested for diving? VIPERS QUESTIONS V What does ‘thrives’ mean? V What does the word frenetic suggest about Tokyo? I How can we tell that Tokyo may not be to everyone’s taste? E What is the main purpose of this text? To entertain readers To inform readers To persuade readers E How does the writer achieve this purpose? all resources ©2023 Literacy Shed http://www.literacyshedplus.com