The Geography of Japan is a 7 lesson unit for KS3 designed to give students an introduction to both the human and physical geography of Japan. It is pitched at Year 7 and 8 classes but could be adapted for other year groups.

Tanabata is a summer festival based on an old story which tells of the annual reunion of two lovers in the Milky Way.

In this lesson, students learn about the weather of Japan and compare it with the UK or their local area. They also find out about the common sights and customs associated with the rainy season.

Hina-matsuri is a festival to celebrate the health and happiness of girls and is celebrated every March. It is common to see public displays of ornamental dolls dressed in Heian-era fashions.

New Year is the most important holiday in the Japanese calendar and celebrations are very different to those in the UK. This lesson will introduce your students to the New Year celebrations in Japan and the associated foods, decorations, and customs.

The Children’s Day Festival is celebrated on May 5th. On this day, families pray for the health and happiness of their children. It is called kodomo no hi in Japanese.

The Setsubun festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated annually in Japan between 2 - 4 February depending on the year. This lesson gives students the chance to learn how children in Japan celebrate the arrival of spring.