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Lesson 8: Hotels and Ryokan
It used to be a traditional Japanese restaurant.

I can read about and understand a place’s past.

INTRODUCE

Learning about a place’s past can help you appreciate its present state.

PRESENT

STEP A VOCABULARY

I. Listen and repeat.

be run-down

be fashionable

renovate

be exclusive

have vacancies

be well-known for [thing]

II. Which of the words above describe this hotel?

III. Practice reading the words.

/iz/

/ɪz/

vacancies

sandwiches

secrecies

garages

policies

researches

STEP B GRAMMAR TIP

Use used to to talk about actions that were true in the past but are no longer true in the present.

Use used to with the base form of the verb.

  • That inn used to be known for its fashionable decor.
  • This hotel used to be exclusive, but now a lot of regular people stay here too.
  • That ryokan used to have vacancies during winter, but now their rooms are fully booked all year round.
  • Billy’s Hostel used to be run-down, but they renovated it last year.

UNDERSTAND

READING

Sho and Daniel are reading a review of the ryokan they are going to stay in Nikko.

★★★★★ – Five stars for the authentic traditional atmosphere, good service, and excellent food!

We stayed at the Akanishi Inn for seven days. The rooms were not so big, but the location is easy to find and very convenient. The owners said it used to be a traditional Japanese restaurant, but they renovated it and turned it into an inn. That’s why the food they served was really good! The owners were very friendly and helpful, and they speak English pretty well! They said it’s because they used to work abroad. They made sure we were a hundred percent comfortable and had everything that we needed.

TRIVIA

Did you know that the Japanese sound ryo (りょ) is one of the most difficult sounds in Japanese for native English speakers to pronounce? That’s because it doesn’t exist in English. Many English speakers will pronounce ryokan like ree-yo-kan. To avoid this, you can also use the term Japanese inn.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Read 6-year-old Hana’s speech. Then, complete 27-year-old Hana’s speech with used to using the information in 6-year-old Hana’s speech.

I love to play outside a lot. I enjoy running around with my friends at the playground. I eat candy every day. I absolutely hate vegetables!

I’ve changed a lot. When I was young, I _______ outside a lot. I _______ with my friends. But now, I love to stay at home and read. I don’t like to go out too much. Also, I _______ every day. I remember that I _______, but now, I love to eat them!

STEP B EXERCISE

Make sentences using the pictures and words.

BEFORE

NOW

 

The Amber Inn

a lot of vacancies

very popular

 ex. The Amber Inn used to have a lot of vacancies, but it’s very popular these days.

 

BEFORE

NOW

 

Franklin Manor

a run-down mansion

an exclusive inn

1. __________,  but now it’s an exclusive inn.

 

BEFORE

NOW

 

Celestial Springs

small, private onsen

bigger public bath house

2. __________, but now it’s a bigger public bath house.

 

BEFORE

NOW

 

Lancelot’s Inn

simple rooms

fancy rooms

3. __________, but now it has very fancy rooms.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

You and your friend are planning a trip to Osaka. You found a magazine review about the hotel that you’re thinking about staying at.


Read the review. Then, talk about it with your friend.

Today's grammar tip

  • used to

“Four stars to the Grand Hotel for the luxurious rooms and amazing facilities.”


This hotel is amazing! It’s a bit more expensive than most hotels in the area, but it’s worth it! I heard it used to have a lot of vacancies because it was a bit run-down. But when the owner upgraded the hotel, more guests started staying there, and I can see why! The rooms are fashionable and comfortable. They also have facilities like a game room, a lap pool, a spa, and a playground for kids. They used to accept guests without reservations, but now you have to book at least two months in advance.

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

RYOKAN

2

HOTELS VS RYOKAN

3

PLACES WITH A PAST

1

RYOKAN

  1. What makes a ryokan unique?
  2. What are some do’s and don’ts in a ryokan?
  3. Aside from sleeping and resting, what else can you do in a ryokan?
  4. What are the disadvantages of staying in a ryokan?

2HOTELS VS RYOKAN

  1. What are some differences between hotels and ryokan?
  2. Do you prefer to stay at a hotel or at a ryokan?
  3. Which should be more expensive, a hotel or a ryokan?
  4. Do you prefer old or new hotels? Do you prefer old or new ryokan?

3PLACES WITH A PAST

  1. What places in your area have an interesting past?
  2. Do you try to research a place’s past before you visit it?
  3. Do you think it’s important to preserve historical sites?
  4. Are you afraid of places with a negative past?

FEEDBACK

I can read about and understand a place’s past.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK