にほんごで 文化体験 is a workbook for learning Japanese through cultural experiences. Based on a short-term language and culture exchange program at Hosei University, the book is designed for learners to get out of the classroom, go experience Japanese culture, connect with locals, and learn Japanese throughout the experience. Each chapter consists of preparation, main activity, then post-activity sections.
For example, a chapter about Japanese food starts with a quiz on common Japanese dishes, online research of food using onomatopoeia, and online restaurant searches. After the research and preparation are done, you are actually going to a restaurant. But the goal is not only to enjoy the food — you are expected to do a 食レポ, which you often see in Japanese TV programs, where hosts eat and share what they think of the food with the audience (kind of like Guy Fieri does!). Then after going to a restaurant, you share your dining experience with classmates, and even have a foodie debut on Japanese Yelp, writing an online review for the restaurant! There are various activities like this, and you'll get to learn and practice using different kinds of related vocabulary and expressions.
Although this resource is originally intended for a classroom environment or "going out to do stuff" (which is hard during the global pandemic), this material can be used flexibly to fit different learning environments like online tutoring. A separate guide is available for educators, to help teachers and tutors to tailor the learning experience according to their students' learning environment and level. The vocabulary list has English translations, but the book is mostly written in Japanese with furigana.