Pre-Listening Exercise
Finding budget plane tickets, hotels, and tours packages is not difficult in Tokyo, Japan. However, after you arrive, you still need to find your way around the city, especially like one as big as Tokyo. Buses and trains are very popular.
In your country, what are two of the most common ways to get around? Do foreigners visiting your country have a difficult time using public transportation in major cities? Why or why not?
Idioms
“golden opportunity” = wonderful opportunity
“Going to Europe is a real golden opportunity to see the world.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Man: Let me see now. Which train do I need to get on?
Woman: Excuse me. Do you need any help?
Man: Yes, I want to go to Tokyo Tower, but I’m really lost. This is my first visit to Japan, so I have no idea on how to ride the trains.
Woman: First, you need to buy a ticket to your destination. [Um-HUH] From here, it’s a hundred and thirty yen.
Man: A hundred thirty yen. Okay.
Woman: Then, get on the Hibiya Subway Line at platform number 4.
Man: Number 4, alright. Oh, and how often do the trains come around this time of day?
Woman: Usually, they come about every six minutes or so.
Man: Alright. And where do I get off the train?
Woman: Get off at Kamiyacho Station, three stops from here. The sign at the station is written in English, so you’ll be able to read it.
Man: Three stops. Got it. Thanks for your help.
Woman: No problem. Good luck.
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
- destination (noun): the place to which you are going
– It took four hours to arrive at our destination. - yen (noun): the money system of Japan
– I need to exchange some money for yen so I can pay for some things in cash in Japan. - platform (noun): a raised area where you can get on and off a train
– Please meet me on the platform 15 minutes before the train is scheduled to leave. - no problem (expression): another way to say, “You’re welcome” or “It isn’t a bother.”
– No problem. I’m happy to help.