Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/
- encourage /en-KUR-ij/
- enhance /en-HANS/
- littering /LIT-er-ing/
- voluntary /VOL-uhn-ter-ee/
[noun] – a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity:
The local government’s authority includes overseeing public safety and managing infrastructure projects.
[verb] – to give someone the courage or confidence to do something
My teacher always encourages me to do my best in school.
[verb] – to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something
Adding colorful illustrations can enhance the attractiveness of the book.
[noun] – the act of leaving rubbish in a public place
Littering in the park is not allowed; please use the trash cans provided.
[adjective] – done, made, or given willingly, without being forced or paid to do it.
Voluntary work at the local animal shelter can be rewarding and fulfilling.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Hikers on Mount Fuji’s Yoshida Trail must now book in advance and pay a fee due to crowding, litter, and safety concerns. From July 1 to September 10, daily climbers will be capped at 4,000. Most slots are available online, with a few available in person on the day. Authorities also encourage donations for conservation. These measures aim to protect Mount Fuji’s environment and enhance safety. Climbers will start their journey from one of four “5th stations” at Mount Fuji’s halfway point. To prevent unsafe “bullet climbing” without proper rest, hikers must choose between a day hike or an overnight stay. Each climber will receive a QR code at the 5th station, and those attempting to climb at night without an overnight booking will be turned back. This new system aims to improve safety and reduce littering, encouraging climbers to keep the mountain clean. Shizuoka Prefecture, which borders Mount Fuji, has had a voluntary climber fee since 2014 and is considering additional environmental protection measures.
Tourist numbers at Mount Fuji are nearing pre-pandemic levels, with even more expected this year. The town of Fujikawaguchiko has started managing tourist crowds influenced by social media trends, reflecting the broader issue of overtourism in Japan. Post-pandemic, Japan has seen a surge in visitors due to a weaker yen, with predictions for record-breaking tourist numbers in 2024. The new measures for Mount Fuji are part of efforts to manage this tourism surge and protect the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Tourist numbers at Mount Fuji are nearing pre-pandemic levels, with even more expected this year. The town of Fujikawaguchiko has started managing tourist crowds influenced by social media trends, reflecting the broader issue of overtourism in Japan. Post-pandemic, Japan has seen a surge in visitors due to a weaker yen, with predictions for record-breaking tourist numbers in 2024. The new measures for Mount Fuji are part of efforts to manage this tourism surge and protect the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Can you share any memorable experiences you’ve had while hiking or climbing mountains? If so, what made those experiences special to you? If not, would you be interested in trying hiking or mountain climbing in the future?
- Have you ever visited an overcrowded tourist destination? If yes, how did it impact your experience? If not, would you like to visit such a destination, or do you prefer quieter places? Why or why not?
- Do you agree with the measures authorities are implementing to manage tourism at Mount Fuji?
- What do you think could be the long-term consequences of overtourism on popular destinations like Mount Fuji? How can governments and communities work together to address these challenges?
- How do you think the new measures implemented by authorities will impact the experience of climbers on Mount Fuji? Do you believe these measures strike an appropriate balance between preserving the environment and ensuring safety? Why or why not?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- fee
- available
- booking
- record-breaking
- surge