A Day in Tokyo — reading about cities and cultures to build real-world English skills

Introduction

Tokyo — the city that never stops moving. From the moment the first train leaves the station before sunrise, the city hums with quiet order and endless energy. Neon lights, sushi bars, vending machines, and polite bowing — this is everyday life in one of the busiest cities in the world.

In this lesson, learners explore a typical day in Tokyo and discover how people balance modern life with traditional customs.

Morning in Tokyo

At six o’clock, the streets are already busy. Office workers in dark suits walk quickly to the train stations. Convenience stores — called konbini — open their doors to early commuters buying rice balls, sandwiches, or hot coffee from a machine.

In small apartments, children put on their school uniforms while their mothers prepare miso soup and rice for breakfast. Outside, the trains arrive every few minutes — always on time. Even in the rush, everyone stays quiet and respectful.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What time do people start their day in Tokyo?

2. What do many people buy from convenience stores in the morning?

3. How would you describe the atmosphere in the trains?

4. What do children eat for breakfast before school?

5. Why do you think people stay quiet even when they are in a rush?

Midday in Tokyo

By lunchtime, office towers and department stores are full of activity. Many workers go to small restaurants that serve bento boxes — rice, fish, vegetables, and pickles in one neat meal. Others eat in parks, enjoying a short break from the office.

Schoolchildren gather in groups, chatting and laughing. Delivery drivers rush between buildings, carrying packages or food orders. Tokyo’s energy never seems to slow down.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What do workers often eat for lunch?

2. Where do some people spend their lunch break?

3. What kinds of people are still working hard in the streets at midday?

4. Why do you think bento boxes are so popular in Japan?

5. What words or phrases in the text show that Tokyo is a very active city?

Evening in Tokyo

When the sun sets, Tokyo lights up like a sea of colour. Office workers stop for dinner or drinks with colleagues before going home. The narrow streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya are full of noise — people talking, music playing, bright advertisements flashing.

In quieter neighbourhoods, families eat dinner together while watching TV. Some people relax in a hot bath, while others head to karaoke bars to sing late into the night. Even when midnight comes, Tokyo is still awake.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What do office workers often do after work?

2. What are Shinjuku and Shibuya known for?

3. What do people do to relax in the evening?

4. How is life different in the busy areas compared to the quiet neighbourhoods?

5. What does the line “Even when midnight comes, Tokyo is still awake” tell you about the city?

Vocabulary

1. commuter – a person who travels to work every day

2. convenience store – a small shop open for long hours selling everyday items

3. bento – a traditional Japanese lunch box

4. uniform – special clothes worn by students or workers

5. on time – not late; punctual

6. delivery driver – someone who brings packages or food to homes and offices

7. neighbourhood – a small area within a city where people live

8. advertisement – a picture or message that tries to sell something

9. karaoke – singing along to music in public or private rooms

10. tradition – a long-established custom or belief

Vocabulary Practice

A. Match the words to their meanings.

1. commuter

2. convenience store

3. bento

4. uniform

5. karaoke

6. advertisement
   
   

a. small shop open many hours
b. sings popular songs with music in a bar
c. travels to work or school every day
d. a poster or sign to sell something
e. Japanese lunch box meal
f. special clothes for work or school

B. Fill in the blanks.

Use these words: tradition · neighbourhood · on time · delivery driver

1. The train in Tokyo always arrives ________.

2. We live in a quiet ________ with many small parks.

3. The ________ brought hot food to the office.

4. Eating miso soup for breakfast is a Japanese ________.
   
   

C. Discussion with a partner:

Which of these words describe your own city?
(e.g. “In my city, most people are commuters too.”)

Expressions

1. never stops moving – always busy and full of activity

2. on the go – active and busy all day

3. right on time – perfectly punctual

4. take a short break – rest for a few minutes

5. full of energy – lively and active

6. lights up like a sea of colour – very bright and colourful at night

7. call it a day – finish work or stop an activity

8. late into the night – continuing until very late

Expression Practice

A. Choose the correct expression.

1. Tokyo __________ — there’s always something happening!
   (never stops moving / full of energy)

2. After working for ten hours, it’s time to __________.
   (call it a day / take a short break)

3. The train arrived __________ — exactly at 8:00.
   (on the go / right on time)

4. At night, Shinjuku __________.
   (lights up like a sea of colour / on the go)
   
   

B. Personal connection:

1. When do you usually take a short break?

2. What places in your city light up like a sea of colour at night?

3. Do you feel full of energy in the morning or evening?

Discussion Questions

1. Would you like to live in a city like Tokyo? Why or why not?

2. How is daily life in your city different from life in Tokyo?

3. What part of Tokyo life sounds most interesting to you — the food, the people, or the culture?

4. Do you think living in a big city is stressful or exciting?

5. How do people in your country balance tradition and modern life?