Japanese Basic Course 1732 Studios

Japanese · Lesson 103

Lesson 105

Reading Japan

131 lines

Planning a shrine visit · Dialogue 1 of 6

A nearby destination

Two travelers plan a three-day holiday. One proposes *日光は どうですか*, "What about NIKKOO?"

*日光* is famous for its scenery and *東照宮*. A train from Tokyo reaches Nikko in less than two hours.

The shrine at Nikko

*東照宮は 徳川 家康 を まつった お宮で* identifies the shrine as one that enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The shrine was built in 1634-36 as his mausoleum. Its art and architecture include extensive gold leaf, gates, and a sanctuary.

Kanji: 光, 照, 徳

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

Kanji: 祝

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

Kanji: 宮

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 1

    らいしゅうまつはしゅくじつがあるので、みっかのやすみになります。それで、どこかちかくてよいところにいってみたいとおもってるんです。

    It will be a three-day holiday next weekend, because there is a festival day. So, I am hoping to go some place close and nice.

    来週next weekend
    末next weekend
    はtopic
    祝日festival day
    がsubject
    あるthere is
    のbecause
    で、because
    三three days
    日three days
    のof
    休みholiday
    にinto
    なりbecome
    ます。polite
    それso
    で、so
    どこsomewhere
    かsomewhere
    近くclose
    てand
    よいnice
    所place
    にto
    行っgo
    てgo
    見try
    たいwant to
    とquote
    思っam hoping
    てるam hoping
    んthe fact is
    です。is
  2. 2

    にっこうはどうですか。

    What about NIKKOO?

  3. 3

    そうですね。にっこおですと、ゆっくりいってこられるし、そこへいくことにしましょう。

    That’s right. If it’s NIKKOO, I can go and come back leisurely, so I’ll go there.

  4. 4

    とうしょうぐうはけんぶつしたことがあるんですか。

    Have you ever seen TOOSHOOGUU?

  5. 5

    きぬがわへいったとき、ちょっとよったんですが、けんぶつしたとはいえませんよ。

    I stopped by briefly when I went to Kinugawa, but I can’t say that I did the sights.

  6. 6

    とうしょうぐうはとくがわいえやすをまつったおみやで、うつくしいことではそれにおよぶものはないとおもいますね。

    TOOSHOOGUU is a shrine that enshrines TOKUGAWA IEYASU and as far as the beauty is concerned, there is nothing that matches it, I think.

UCHI, preceded by a negative. When UCHI is preceded by a sentence modifier consisting of or ending with a non-past negative, the expression means ”before so-and-so happens.” Examples: AME GA FURANAI UCHI NI, KAERIMASHOO. ”Let’s go home before it starts raining.” DENSHA GA TOMARANAI UCHI NI, ORITEWA IKEMASEN. ”You musn’t get off before the train stops.” NIKKOO O MINAI UCHI WA KEKKOO TO IU NA. ”Don’t say KEKKOO before you see NIKKOO.” KODOMO GA OKINAI UCHI NI, NAOSHIMASHOO. ”Let’s fix it before the children wake up.” KURAKU NARANAI UCHI NI KAERIMASHOO. ”Let’s go home before it gets dark.”
The prefix MA is used with color to denote the meaning of ”pure ---”, ”true ---”. MA used with AKA becomes MAKKA; SHIRO ” MASSHIRO; KURO ” MAKKURO; AO ” MASSAO
2 NIKKOO Known equally for the splendors of its famed TOOSHOOGUU Shrine and for its gorgeous scenery, NIKKOO is easily reached from Tokyo in less than 2 hours by the Japanese National Railways from Tokyo station or by the Tōbu Railways from Asakusa station. Nestled in a valley below lovely Lake Chuuzenji, Nikkoo boasts fine hotels, excellent sporting facilities, good fishing, and a year-round specialty as part of its cuisine--the mouth-watering lake trout from Lake Chuuzenji. Among recommended sights to see, TOOSHOOGUU Shrine is naturally at the top of the list.
TOOSHOOGUU Shrine Constructed in 1634-36, Tooshooguu is one of the best and most compact examples of the Momoyama Period’s art and architecture. Utilizing enough gold leaf to cover six acres, over 15,000 men brought from Kyoto, labored to construct this mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Of special interest are the Yoomeimon Gate, the Chinese Gate, and the sanctuary itself. In ancient days, only high-ranking nobility were allowed to enter the chapel, but now it is open to the public.
Kegon Waterfall Kegon Waterfall is Japan’s most famous cataract. You can descend in an elevator to the bottom of the 330 foot cascade. Lake Chuuzenji itself is lovely, and most visitors stop at one of the lakeside hotels to have lunch.
Lake Chuuzenji Lake Chuuzenji is located on the slopes of Mt. Nantai at an altitude of 1,276 meters above sea level. It is 17 miles in circumference, measuring 5 miles from east to west and 2 miles from north to south. The deep blue water is picturesque, and you will spend many pleasant hours yachting or motorboating. Another feature of this lake is that it gives delight to anglers because of the abundant trout to be found in its waters.
NIKKOO SUGI-NAMIKI It is popularly said that Matsudaira Masatsuna could not afford to contribute such expensive offerings to the shrine as the other Daimyoo (War lord). He, therefore, devised the less expensive, but more tedious plan, of planting avenues of Japanese cedars along the approaches to the shrines. The planting of these avenues took more than 20 years and was not completed until the year 1651. Fires in places along the roads have caused gaps in the rows, but some 15,000 of the original trees are still standing.
7 NEMURI-NEKO (Sleeping Cat) From the terrace between the Yoomeimon and the Karamon, the visitor proceeds through the decorated, red lacquered corridor of the enclosure. In the east open corridor is a gateway, over which a small cat is carved. This is the famous Nemuri-Neko, popularly said to be the work of the famous sculptor Hidari-Jingoroo.
来週
next week
は
leaves
祝日
holiday; festival day
が
but (See Gram. Notes)
ある
certain, some
の
See Grammar Notes
で、
--is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
三
three
に
on (See Gram. Notes)
ます。
trout
か
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
近く
vicinity
よい
good (See Gram. Notes)
所
address, place
と
and (See Gram. Notes)
てる
to shine (v.i.)
です。
to be (See Gram. Notes)
日光
Nikko, P.N,; sun’s ray
そう
numerical counter for ships
ね。
isn't it (See Grammar Notes)
ゆっくり
slowly; deliberately; leisurely
し、
city
そこ
there
へ
to (See Gram. Notes)
ましょう。
let's (See Gram. Notes)
川
river
時、
time
ちょっと
a little
を
particle denoting direct object (See Pattern Drill)
およぶ
match; reach (v.i.)

Shrine architecture and decoration · Dialogue 2 of 6

Architecture or ornamentation

The speakers discuss Toshogu and its splendor. One asks whether it comes from *けんちく様式*, "architectural style."

*けんちく様式と言うよりは そうしょくの方ですね* answers that it is ornamentation rather than architectural style.

The ornamentation gathers sculpture, painting, and other arts and crafts from the early Tokugawa period.

Before seeing Nikko

*日光を 見ないうちは けっこうと 言うな* gives the saying "Don't say KEKKOO before you see NIKKOO."

Here *見ないうちは* means "before you see Nikko."

Kanji: 期

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

Kanji: 初, 絵

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 7

    「にっこおをみないうちはけっこうというな」とかいうたとえがありますね。

    There is a saying something to the effect that ”Don’t say KEKKOO before you see NIKKOO.'-

  2. 8

    まったくそのとおりです。

    You are completely right.

  3. 9

    それでけっこうというのはけんちくのよおしきですか。

    And, does KEKKOO refer to the architectural style?

  4. 10

    いいえ、けんちくよおしきというよりはそうしょくのほうですね。

    No, it is an ornamentation rather than an architectural style.

  5. 11

    なるほど。

    I see.

  6. 12

    まあ、とくがわしょきのちょうこく、かいがなどびじゅつこうげいのすいをあつめているといえますね。

    Well, you can say that it is a collection of the cream of arts and crafts, such as sculptures and paintings of the early period of Tokugawa.

「日光
Nikko, P.N,; sun’s ray
うち
home, house
けっこう
splendid, fine
言う
to say
な」
I wish, I hope, huh
たとえ
saying
ます
trout
全く
truly, entirely
通り
street
で
--is and -- (See Grammar Notes)
けんちく
architecture; construction
様式
mode; form; style
より
than (See Gram. Notes)
なるほど。
I see, indeed, to be sure
まあ、
Well! Oh, my!
初期
early period
ちょうこく、
sculpture; engraving
絵画
paintings
など
and so forth, etc.
すい
essence; quintessence; elite
いる
to need (See Gram. Notes)

Famous carvings and autumn colours · Dialogue 3 of 6

Masterpieces among the decoration

The speakers find the decoration excessive, but praise the individual carvings.

*ほり物の 一つ一つは けっさくと言えます* means "Each one of those sculptures is a masterpiece."

The sleeping cat

*三えん 又は 三さる や ねむりねこ など、せかい的に有名です* names the Three Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat as world famous.

*ねむりねこ* is a small cat carved above a gateway in a red lacquered corridor. People say Hidari-Jingoroo made it.

Kanji: 陽

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 13

    ようめいもんはとくにうつくしいですね。でもあるいみではかざりがおおすぎるようで。

    Yoomeimon is especially beautiful, isn’t it? But, in some respects it seems there are too many decorations.

  2. 14

    なんだか、そうしょくかじょうというきぶんがでますね。

    Somehow you get a feeling of excessive ornamentation,

  3. 15

    でも、ほりもののひとつひとつはけっさくといえます。

    But, you can say that each one of those sculptures is a masterpiece.

  4. 16

    さんえんまたはさんさるやねむりねこなど、せかいてきにゆうめいです。

    The ”Three Monkeys” and the ”Sleeping Cat” are world famous.

  5. 17

    まあ、みるものはおおいですね。

    Anyway, there are a lot of things to see.

  6. 18

    いまはじゅういちがつだから、やまはもみじでいちばんうつくしいときですよ。

    It»s November now, so the mountains will be in autumn color and it is the most beautiful time,

門
gate
です
to be (See Gram. Notes)
も
as much as, as many as (See Grammar Notes
かざり
decoration; ornament
だ
to be (informal equivalent of DESU. See Grammar Notes)
か、
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
かじょう
excessive; overly; surplus
気分
feeling
一
one
けっさく
masterpiece
や
and---among others (See Gram. Notes)
ねこ
cat
など、
and so forth, etc.
せかい
world
十
ten
月
moon, month (See Grammar Notes)
から、
from (See Gram. Notes)
山
mountain
もみじ
maple
一番
number one (See Grammar Notes)
時
time

Lakeside autumn scenery · Dialogue 4 of 6

A pure red mountain

*真赤になった 男体山* is "Mt. Nantai which turns crimson red."

The prefix *MA* before a color adds "pure" or "true." With *AKA*, it becomes *MAKKA*, "true red."

The blue lake

*真赤になった 男体山が 中ぜん寺湖の 青い水に かげをうつして* describes crimson Mt. Nantai reflected in the blue water.

*中ぜん寺湖* lies on the slope of Mt. Nantai. Its deep blue water and the autumn mountain form the scene under discussion.

Kanji: 坂, 真

New kanji in these lines. Read down: the kanji, its reading, then the words it makes.

  1. 19

    にっこうはもみじのめいしょですか。

    Is Nikkoo noted for its maple trees?

  2. 20

    まあめいしょといえますね。にっこおをでて、だいやがわにそってさかみちをのぼっていくと、うまがえしのあたりからもみじのきがいちめんにはえています。

    Well, you might say it is a famous place. If you climb up a steep road along the Daiya River after leaving Nikkoo, from around Umagaeshi, maple trees are growing all over.

  3. 21

    それでは、ちゅうぜんじこのあたりはかくべつうつくしいでしょうね。

    Then, around Lake Chuxizenji will be especially beautiful, wouldn’t it?

  4. 22

    うつくしいですね。まっかになったなんたいざんがちゅうぜんじこのあおいみずにかげをうつしてなんともいえないけしきですよ。

    It surely is beautiful. Mt, Nantai which turns crimson red reflects on the blue waters of Lake Chuuzenji and it is an indescrible sight.

  5. 23

    にっこおからちゅうぜんじにいくみちはよくなったとか。

    I heard that the road going from Chuuzenji to Nikkoo has improved.

  6. 24

    ええ、よくなりましたね。よんじゅうはちまがりのいろはざかもじどうしゃでどんどんいけるようになりましたよ。

    Yes, it has improved. Even on the IROHA hairpin slope with 48 turns, you can now proceed rapidly by car.

名所
famous places
か。
either--or-- (See Gram. Notes)
まあ
Well! Oh, my!
坂道
inclined road; steep road
あたり
vicinity, neighborhood
から
from (See Gram. Notes)
木
tree, wood
一面
all over
い
stomach
寺
Buddhist temple
かくべつ
specially good
でしょう
probably (See Gram. Notes)
水
water
かげ
behind something; shade; back
けしき
scenery
道
road, street
よく
well, skillfully
ええ、
Yes
四十
40
八
eight
まがり
turn (N)
いろは坂
Iroha Hairpin Slope
車
vehicle, car
どんどん
rapidly

Waterfalls, hotels and cedar avenues · Dialogue 5 of 6

Two views of Kegon Falls

*けごんのたきです* names Kegon Falls, the most famous waterfall in Japan.

The travelers can descend by *エレベーター* or reach an observation platform by *空中ケーブル*. The waterfall falls 330 feet.

The avenue of cedars

*有名な すぎの なみき* is "a famous avenue of Japanese cedar trees" along the drive.

Matsudaira Masatsuna planted cedar avenues along the shrine roads. The work took over 20 years, and about 15,000 original trees remain.

  1. 25

    あそこにはなんとかいうたきがありましたね。

    There is a waterfall there, the name of which has escaped me just now.

  2. 26

    けごんのたきです。エレベーターでしたにおりてみてもよいし、うまがえしからケーブルカーであけちだいらにのぼり、そこからくうちゅうケーブルでてんぼうだいにでてながめるのもいいですよ。

    It»s Kegon waterfall, you may go down by elevator and look, and you may also go up to Akechidaira by cable car from Umagaeshi and from there go out to the observation platform by a ropeway and observe.

  3. 27

    にっこうでにばんとまるとすれば、どこがいいですか。

    If you are to stay for two nights in Nikkoo where do you think would be nice?

  4. 28

    にっこうのまちでひとばん、それからちゅうぜんじにでて、にっこうかんこうにひとばんとまって、ゆもとまでドライブにいったらいいでしょう。

    It probably would be nice if you stay one night at Nikkoo,and then go to Chuuzenji and stay one night at Nikkoo Kankoo Hotel, and go for a drive as far as Yumoto.

  5. 29

    そうすると、おくにっこおもたのしめるわけですね。

    Then, you can enjoy Inner Nikkoo, too, can’t you?

  6. 30

    そう。じどうしゃでいけば、とちゅうにはゆうめいなすぎのなみきもあるから、それもみたらいいでしょう。

    That’s right, if you go by car there is a famous avenue of Japanese cedar trees on the say, so you may see it, too.

あそこ
over there
たき
waterfall
エレベーター
elevator
ながめる
view, see (vt)
いい
good (See Gram. Notes)
二
two
とまる
to stop
町
town
まで
as far as, to (See Gram. Notes)
ドライブ
a drive
でしょう。
probably (See Gram. Notes)
たのしめる
can enjoy (v.i.)
な
I wish, I hope, huh
すぎ
past, after

Agreeing to a plan · Dialogue 6 of 6

Agreement on the plan

The proposed trip includes Nikko, Lake Chuzenji, Yumoto, Kegon Falls, and the cedar avenue.

*じゃ、そうしましょう* closes the conversation with "I'll do that, then." The traveler accepts the itinerary.

  1. 31

    じゃ、そうしましょう。

    I»ll do that, then.

し
city

Acting before it happens · Perception drill

Before the sun rises

*日が出ない うちに出かけよう* means "Let's set out before the sun comes out."

The sun has not risen. The speakers place their departure before that event.

A negative before うち

A non-past negative clause before *うちに* or *うちは* means "before" the named event happens.

*売り切れないうちに このレコードを 買っておきなさいよ* means "Buy this record before it is sold out."

The negative clause names the later event. The other clause names the action that happens first.

  1. 32

    にっこおをみないうちはけっこうというな。

    Don’t say KEKKOO before you see NIKKOO.

  2. 33

    くらくならないうちにかえろうか。

    Shall we go home before it gets dark?

  3. 34

    うん、そうしよう。ぼくはよるうんてんするのがだいきらいだから。

    Yes, let’s, because I hate driving at night,

  4. 35

    あしたのあさいつごろしゅっぱつするんかね。

    Around what time shall we depart tomorrow morning?

  5. 36

    ひがでるとあつくなるから、ひがでないうちにでかけよう。まあ、ごじごろだな。

    It gets hot when the sun comes out, so let’s set out before the sun comes out. Well, it will be around 5 o’clock,

  6. 37

    そつぎょうしきはらいしゅうのきんようびですから、わすれないうちにどこかにかいておきなさい。

    The graduation ceremony will be next Friday, so write it down some place before you forget it,

  7. 38

    はい、しょうちしました。

    Yes, certainly,

  8. 39

    うりきれないうちにこのレコードをかっておきなさいよ。

    Buy this record before it is sold out,

  9. 40

    そんなにひょうばんがいいのか。

    Is it that popular?

  10. 41

    ええ、とても。

    Yes, very much so,

  11. 42

    ひえないうちにたべなさいよ。つめたくなると、おいしくないから。

    Eat it before it gets cold, because it won’t taste good when it gets cold,

  12. 43

    ええ、では、いただきます。

    O.K,, then. I’ll have some.

な。
I wish, I hope, huh
なら
if it is (See Gram. Notes)
うん、
Yes, all right.
僕
I (see notes)
夜
night, evening
から。
from (See Gram. Notes)
明日
tomorrow
朝
morning
出る
come out to the phone, go out, come out (vi)
五
five
ひょうばん
reputation
とても。
very, indeed

Finishing things before changes · Pattern 1 1 of 3

Before the rain starts

*雨が降り始めないうちに 出かけましょう* means "Let's leave before it starts raining."

The negative before *うち* places leaving before the rain begins.

Before another change

*よごれないうちに この本を かえします* means "I will return this book before it gets dirty."

The same form places returning, writing, reading, or taking medicine before the named change.

  1. 44

    これをすませないうちはきょうしつからでてはいけない。

    You must not leave the classroom until you finish this.

  2. 45

    あめがふりはじめないうちにでかけましょう。

    Let's leave before it starts raining.

  3. 46

    たなかさんがこないうちにこれをすませたいのです。

    I want to finish this before Mr. Tanaka comes.

  4. 47

    よごれないうちにこのほんをかえします。

    I will return this book before it gets dirty.

  5. 48

    わすれないうちにあなたのでんわばんごうをかいておきます。

    I will write down your telephone number before I forget it.

  6. 49

    こどもがおきないうちにしんぶんをよみます。

    I will read the newspaper before the children wake up.

  7. 50

    かぜをひかないうちに、このくすりをのみなさい。

    Take this medicine before you catch a cold.

せ
height (of man)
いけ
pond, dam, reservoir
雨
rain
本
numerical counter for counting long slender objects (See Notes)
電話
telephone
かぜ
wind

Plans before circumstances change · Pattern 1 2 of 3

A plan before getting older

*あんまり年を とらないうちに 日本へ遊びに行きたい* places a visit to Japan before the speaker gets too old.

The visit happens first. Becoming too old is the later change.

Before prices rise

*あまり高くならないうちに 買おうと思っているんだ* means "I am thinking of buying one before they get too expensive."

The form also places a holiday before the speaker becomes too busy.

  1. 51

    はながさかないうちにうえかえなければいけません。

    We must transplant the flowers before they bloom.

  2. 52

    なくならないうちに、このほんをかっておきなさい。

    Buy this book before it is gone.

  3. 53

    ぼくはあんまりとしをとらないうちににほんへあそびにいきたいとおもっているんだ。

    I am thinking of going to Japan for a visit before I get too old.

  4. 54

    としをとってあそびにいってはおもしろくないからね。

    It wouldn't be much fun to go after getting old, you know.

  5. 55

    またじどうしゃのねだんがあがるそうだね。

    I hear the price of automobiles is going up again.

  6. 56

    それであまりたかくならないうちにかおうとおもっているんだ。

    So I am thinking of buying one before they get too expensive.

  7. 57

    あまりいそがしくならないうちにいっしゅうかんのきゅうかをもらってロスアンゼルスのほうへあそびにいこうとおもっているんだ。

    I am thinking of taking a week off and going to the Los Angeles area for a visit before I get too busy.

年
year (See Grammar Notes)
だ。
to be (informal equivalent of DESU. See Grammar Notes)
また
thigh
ねだん
price
上る
to eat, drink, come

Leaving before events begin · Pattern 1 3 of 3

Before he takes time off

*休まない うちにね* means "before he takes time off."

The negative before *うち* places the visit before his holiday.

Before the movie starts

*映画が始まらないうちに 行こうじゃないか* proposes going before the movie starts.

The contrasting line says they usually go after it starts. The negative *うち* form reverses that order.

  1. 58

    さらいしゅうごろからしごとがいそがしくなるからね。

    Work will get busy around the week after next, you know.

  2. 59

    スミスさんのところへあそびにいこうじゃないか。

    Why don't we go visit Mr. Smith?

  3. 60

    うん、よかろう。じゃ、さっそくいこうじゃないか。かれ（he）がやすまないうちにね。

    Yes, all right. Then let's go right away, before he takes time off.

  4. 61

    こんばんえいがにいくか。

    Are you going to the movies tonight?

  5. 62

    いくよ。

    Yes, I am.

  6. 63

    では、こんばんはえいががはじまらないうちにいこうじゃないか。いつもえいががはじまってからいくから。

    Then let's go before the movie starts tonight. We always go after it has started.

  7. 64

    じゃ、さっそくでかけよう。

    Well then, let's leave right away.

よかろう。
that's good!
さっそく
right away, immediately
かれ
he
映画
movie
は、
leaves
いつ
when?

Shrine art and carvings · Reading Selection 1 of 2

The art of Toshogu

*東照宮は 徳川 家康を まつった お宮で* identifies Toshogu as the shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Its early Tokugawa arts include sculpture and painting. The Yomeimon Gate, Three Monkeys, and Sleeping Cat are world-famous masterpieces.

*日光を 見ないうちは けっこうと言うな* uses the negative before *うち* for "before you see Nikko."

  1. 65

    にっこうにはいろいろりっぱなおみやがたくさんありますが、そのなかでもほかのくににみることのできないものはなんといってもとうしょうぐうです。

    There are many fine shrines in Nikko, but above all, Toshogu is something that cannot be seen in any other country.

  2. 66

    とうしょうぐうはとくがわいえやすをまつったおみやで、とくがわしょきのちょうこく、かいがなどびじゅつこうげいのすいをあつめています。

    Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it brings together the finest arts and crafts of the early Tokugawa period, including sculpture and painting.

  3. 67

    ようめいもんはとくにうつくしく、さんさる、ねむりねこなどのほりものはけっさくで、せかいてきにゆうめいです。

    The Yomeimon Gate is especially beautiful, and carvings such as the Three Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat are masterpieces famous throughout the world.

  4. 68

    「にっこうをみないうちはけっこうというな」というたとえがあるくらいにっこうはけっこうなところです。

    Nikko is such a splendid place that there is even a saying, “Do not say splendid until you have seen Nikko.”

  5. 69

    にっこうはまたけしきのよいところです。

    Nikko is also a place with beautiful scenery.

国
country, nation
もの
things (tangible)
くらい
dark

Autumn lake and waterfall · Reading Selection 2 of 2

Autumn at the lake

The color prefix *MA* in *真赤になった 男体山* describes Mt. Nantai turned bright red by autumn leaves above the blue water.

*けごんのたき* is nearby. Visitors can descend by *エレベーター* or reach an observation platform by *空中ケーブル*.

  1. 70

    ちゅうぜんじこの

    Around Lake Chuzenji...

  2. 71

    あたりはとくにうつくしいです。

    The area is especially beautiful.

  3. 72

    ことにあきはそうで、もみじでまっかになったなんたいざんがちゅうぜんじこのあおいみずにかげをうつしたありさまはなんともいえないすばらしいながめです。

    This is especially true in autumn, when Mount Nantai, turned bright red by the maple leaves, is reflected in the blue water of Lake Chuzenji, making an indescribably magnificent view.

  4. 73

    またここにはゆうめいなけごんのたきがあります。

    The famous Kegon Falls is also here.

  5. 74

    エレベーターでしたにおりてみることもできるし、くうちゅうケーブルでてんぼうだいにでてながめることもできます。

    You can go down by elevator to see the falls, or take the aerial cableway to the observation platform and view them from there.

秋
autumn, fall
有様
condition, situation, appearance
すばらしい
splendid, great, grand
ながめ
view (n)
ここ
here
出来る
to be manufactured; to be produced (v.i.)

Questions about shrine treasures · Questions 1 of 2

Toshogu's patron and treasures

The questions ask who Toshogu enshrines, what art it gathers, what Yomeimon is famous for, and the Nikko saying.

*東照宮 は だれを まつった お宮ですか* means "Who is enshrined at Toshogu?"

An answer names Tokugawa Ieyasu. Other answers name the early Tokugawa arts, Yomeimon's beauty, and the Nikko saying.

  1. 75

    にっこうにはりっぱなおみやがたくさんありますか。

    Are there many fine shrines in Nikko?

  2. 76

    そのなかでほかのくににみることのできないものはなんですか。

    Which of them is something that cannot be seen in any other country?

  3. 77

    とうしょうぐうはだれをまつったおみやですか。

    Who is enshrined at Toshogu?

  4. 78

    とうしょうぐうはなんのすいをあつめていますか。

    What kind of works does Toshogu bring together the finest of?

  5. 79

    ようめいもんはなんでゆうめいですか。

    What is the Yomeimon Gate famous for?

  6. 80

    にっこうについてなんというたとえがありますか。

    What saying is there about Nikko?

だれ
who?
つい
just; only

Questions about scenic landmarks · Questions 2 of 2

The autumn lake and waterfall

The questions ask about autumn at Lake Chuzenji, the nearby waterfall, and ways to view it.

*秋の 中ぜん寺湖の けしきは どんなですか* means "What is the scenery at Lake Chuzenji like in autumn?"

An answer describes crimson Mt. Nantai reflected in blue water. Other answers name Kegon Falls, the elevator, and the aerial cableway.

  1. 81

    にっこうはまたけしきのよいところですか。

    Is Nikko also a place with beautiful scenery?

  2. 82

    ことにどのへんがうつくしいですか。

    What area is especially beautiful?

  3. 83

    あきのちゅうぜんじこのけしきはどんなですか。

    What is the scenery at Lake Chuzenji like in autumn?

  4. 84

    ちゅうぜんじこのそばになんというたきがありますか。

    What waterfall is near Lake Chuzenji?

  5. 85

    このたきはどうしてみますか。

    How can you see this waterfall?

どの
which (pre-substantive) (See Notes)
どんな
what kind of; what sort of
そば
vicinity

Shrine architecture and sayings · Word list 1 of 4

A shrine and its ornamentation

These words cover Nikko, its shrine, and the local saying. *東照宮* is "Tōshōgū Shrine," and *たとえ* is "saying."

*けんちく様式* means "architectural style." *そうしょく* means "ornamentation," "adornment," or "decoration."

  1. 86

    にっこお

    Nikko, P.N,; sun’s ray

  2. 87

    しゅくじつ

    holiday; festival day

  3. 88

    およぶ

    match; reach (v.i.)

  4. 89

    とうしょうぐう

    Tōshōgū Shrine (See Cult. Notes)

  5. 90

    にっこおをみないうちはけっこうというな

    Don’t say KEKKOO before you see Nikkō.

  6. 91

    ---うち

    before (See Gram. Notes)

  7. 92

    たとえ

    saying

  8. 93

    けんちく

    architecture; construction

  9. 94

    よおしき

    mode; form; style

  10. 95

    けんちくよおしき

    architectural style

  11. 96

    ---というよりは

    rather than saying

  12. 97

    そうしょく

    ornamentation; adornment; decoration

東照宮
Tōshōgū Shrine (See Cult. Notes)
日光を見ないうちはけっこうと言うな
Don’t say KEKKOO before you see Nikkō.
---うち
before (See Gram. Notes)
けんちく様式
architectural style
---と言うよりは
rather than saying
そうしょく
ornamentation; adornment; decoration

Art, ornaments and feelings · Word list 2 of 4

Art and carvings

These words cover early Tokugawa arts and individual ornaments. *美術工芸* means "arts and crafts," and *ほり物* means "carving" or "sculpture."

*けっさく* is "masterpiece." *三えん* names "the three monkeys."

  1. 98

    しょき

    early period

  2. 99

    ちょうこく

    sculpture; engraving

  3. 100

    かいが

    paintings

  4. 101

    びじゅつこうげい

    arts and crafts

  5. 102

    すい

    essence; quintessence; elite

  6. 103

    ようめいもん

    Yomeimon gate in Nikkoo

  7. 104

    かざり

    decoration; ornament

  8. 105

    かじょう

    excessive; overly; surplus

  9. 106

    きぶん

    feeling; sensation

  10. 107

    ほりもの

    carving; sculpture

  11. 108

    けっさく

    masterpiece

  12. 109

    さんえん

    the three monkeys

ちょうこく
sculpture; engraving
美術工芸
arts and crafts
陽明門
Yomeimon gate in Nikkoo
ほり物
carving; sculpture
三えん
the three monkeys

Landmarks, roads and turns · Word list 3 of 4

Landmarks and roads

These words cover carvings and places around Nikko. *ねむりねこ* is "sleeping cat," and *けごんのたき* is "Kegon Waterfall."

*坂道* means "steep road." *四十八まがり* means "48 turns," while *いろは坂* names the Iroha Hairpin Slope.

  1. 110

    さんさる

    see-not, hear-not, and speak-not

  2. 111

    ねむりねこ

    sleeping cat (See Cult. Note)

  3. 112

    めいしょ

    famous places

  4. 113

    だいやがわ

    Daiya river in Nikkoo

  5. 114

    さかみち

    inclined road; steep road

  6. 115

    ちゅうぜんじこ

    Lake Chūzenji

  7. 116

    なんたいざん

    Mt. Nantai

  8. 117

    よんじゅうはちまがり

    48 turns

  9. 118

    いろはざか

    Iroha Hairpin Slope

  10. 119

    まがり

    turn (N)

  11. 120

    たき

    waterfall

  12. 121

    けごんのたき

    Kegon Waterfall (See Cult. Notes)

三さる
see-not, hear-not, and speak-not
ねむりねこ
sleeping cat (See Cult. Note)
大谷川
Daiya river in Nikkoo
中ぜん寺湖
Lake Chūzenji
男体山
Mt. Nantai
四十八まがり
48 turns
けごんのたき
Kegon Waterfall (See Cult. Notes)

Travel, trees and enjoyment · Word list 4 of 4

Travel through Inner Nikko

These words cover transport, lodging, and the area beyond Nikko. *空中ケーブル* means "skyway" or "ropeway," and *奥日光* is "Inner Nikkoo."

*すぎ* is "Japanese cedar," and *なみき* is "row of trees." Together they identify the cedar-lined avenues.

  1. 122

    エレベーター

    elevator

  2. 123

    あけちだいら

    P.N. in Nikkoo

  3. 124

    くうちゅうケーブル

    skyway; ropeway

  4. 125

    にっこおかんこう

    Nikkoo Kankoo Hot el

  5. 126

    ゆもと

    P.N. in Nikkoo

  6. 127

    おくにっこお

    Inner Nikkoo

  7. 128

    たのしめる

    can enjoy (v.i.)

  8. 129

    すぎ

    Japanese cedar; cryptomeria

  9. 130

    なみき

    row of trees

  10. 131

    かれ

    he

Guide for Free Conversation

1 Topic titles: Talk about the following with your classmate.

(1) NIKKOO

(2) TOOSHOOGUU Shrine

(3) Lake Chuuzenji

(4) Yooraeimon

(5) Kegon Waterfall

2a Visual Cues: Look at the pictures and sketch on Page 47 to Page 53 and talk about them.
Homework

1 Memorize the Dialogue and the vocabulary.

2 Study the Grammar Perception Drill.

3 Study the Pattern Practice and do the exercise at the end of each pattern.

4 Learn to read and write the new Kanji,

5 Read the Explanatory Notes.

6 Read the Guide for Free Conversation and do the exercise given.
あけちだいら
P.N. in Nikkoo
空中ケーブル
skyway; ropeway
日光かんこう
Nikkoo Kankoo Hot el
ゆもと
P.N. in Nikkoo
奥日光
Inner Nikkoo
なみき
row of trees

The particulars

The course
Defense Language Institute, Japanese Basic Course, 1967 to 1971. Public domain. The teaching pages and the narration are ours.
Reading aloud
Digital narration, directed by 1732 Studios.
The book
Botchan, the work this course leads to, free to read here.
Data
JSON · Markdown · A guide for agents
Two whoopie pies and a pine. An inside joke.