u/mikenmar

Voces en la Mesa near Nijo station, a block north of the Sanjo shotengai.

NB: I have no connection to this restaurant or the owner; I just love good Mexican food. I lived in California for 35 years before moving to Kyoto, and I've missed Mexican food dearly. So I was absolutely thrilled to discover this place!

It’s not just good Mexican food by Japanese standards; it’s some of the best I’ve had anywhere, including Mexico itself. Don’t expect big greasy plates loaded with cheese and beans though; this is much more refined.

First, this guy’s tacos are OFF THE HOOK delicious. Homemade tortillas with delectable fillings that explode with perfectly balanced flavors. The salsas are equally outstanding. The salsa verde has a wonderfully spicy kick you rarely find in Japan, and the pico de gallo is super fresh and tangy.

Second, the interior is beautifully done. He’s kept the charm of a traditional Kyoto space while decorating it with just the right colors, knick-knacks, and touches that make it feel genuinely Mexican. It’s kind of amazing, actually.

Finally, it’s not on the menu, but I have to tell you: He makes an outstanding margarita.

I’ll be back, many times, I’m sure. I can’t wait to try the mole enchiladas!

As in title, where are the best spots for viewing the 大文字?

Ideally, something not too far from central Kyoto. One person recommended the Imperial Garden area, for example.

The first time I came to Japan, before I knew any Japanese, I would often ask people, “英語わはなせますか” because that’s how Google translate told me to ask someone in Japanese if they spoke English.

Pretty much 100% of the time, the other person would appear uncomfortable—often grimacing or looking away—and respond that they know little or no English. People would respond this way even if, as often became apparent, they did actually speak some basic English, or they could at least understand spoken English reasonably well. I don’t think anyone has ever responded with anything like, “Yes, I can speak basic English,” even when they actually speak it well.

Eventually I realized this approach is pretty much guaranteed to make a Japanese person feel uncomfortable, and that it's a downright lousy way to find out if someone can speak or understand any English at all.

So what’s a friendlier way (in Japanese) to ask a Japanese person if they know any English—even if at a very basic level? I guess you could just ask them in English and see how they respond, but this strikes me as equally rude or presumptuous.