Mexican life in Japan
The experience of traveling to Japan with a Mexican family can be a truly enriching and remarkable one. Japan, a culturally diverse and welcoming country, offers an array of foods, activities, and sights that are highly attuned to Mexican interests. Most of all, the country is known for its respect and admiration for Mexican people, evidenced in the vibrant Mexican-Japanese fusion cuisine.
While a Mexican family will undoubtedly feel at home in Japan, there will still be some cultural differences to consider. There are unique cultural and religious customs that Mexicans must observe. For example, it is customary to remove one’s shoes before entering a Japanese home. Additionally, it is also expected that one do not point with an index finger as it is seen as rude.
Unique Cuisine
The cuisine in Japan offers a unique fusion of Mexican and Japanese gastronomy. Mexican style dishes like tacos, tamales, and enchiladas can be found all over the country in some form, and some Japanese dishes have even been adapted to suit Mexican tastes. A great example of this is Japan’s tonkatsu, a dish of deep-fried pork cutlet served over white rice, which has now been reimagined as ‘tacoskatsu’, a dish of deep fried pork cutlet served over tacos.
Mexican travelers should also be aware that eating out is generally more expensive than eating at home. However, this should not be overly concerning as Japan has a very diverse range of restaurants catering to various tastes and budgets.
Language Barrier
The language barrier can be a bit of a challenge for Mexican travelers to Japan. When conversing with people that speak Japanese, it is important to remember that some structures and vocabularies might be foreign to them. It is advisable to brush up on some basic phrases and polite phrases such as “please”, “thank you” and “excuse me” in Japanese before the trip.
Fortunately, English is more commonly spoken in Japan than many other parts of the world. Japanese people usually have a good understanding of English, though it is rare to find someone whose English is completely fluent. Because of this, it is useful to carry a few essential words or phrases in Japanese to help facilitate a conversation when necessary.
Historic Places
The cultural capital Tokyo offers many cultural sights and activities for Mexican families to explore. A family might visit some of the iconic structures such as the Tokyo Skytree, or take in the grandeur of the Meiji Shrine. Some other noteworthy destinations are the Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and even some of the country’s outstanding national parks.
There are also some interesting historic sites to explore that are outside of the major cities, such as the ancient city of Nara. Here, a Mexican family can marvel at the famous Buddhist temples, colorful shrines, and statues of Todai-ji, plus mingle with the 730 wild deer which roam the city.
Geographical Diversity
Japan is a geographically diverse country, and Mexican visitors are sure to be impressed by its range of environments. From the desert-like landscapes of the Hokkaido prefecture to the picturesque views of the Shikoku Island, a Mexican family will surely have a memorable time here.
In the north of the country, the mountains of Honshu are great for trekking, while the pristine coastal areas along the Seto Inland Sea are perfect for lazily swimming through crystal clear water. Further south, the islands of Okinawa offer a quieter and secluded alternative to mainland Japan.
Unique Activities
A Mexican family in Japan can pursue unique activities that are in touch with the local culture. Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local cuisine through interactive experiences, while visiting local markets and experiencing regional snacks are other good options.
Japan is also known for its natural hot springs or ‘onsen’ which can provide a relaxing break from sightseeing. Families can also attend some traditional Japanese festivals which are a great way to experience the country’s history and culture.
Shopping Districts
One of Japan’s most beloved districts is Harajuku, located in Tokyo’s fashionable district Shibuya. Here, a Mexican family will find a huge array of styles and shops, plus popular street food vendors such as taco-rice and tacos tamales. Other shopping districts to explore include Ginza, the upscale shopping area of Tokyo, and Yokohama, the historic port district nearby.
In Shinjuku, the busiest shopping district of Tokyo, Mexican families can check out local department stores as well as many manga stores. Odaiba Island is one of the most recent attractions of the city, where diners and shoppers flock for the gigantic ferris wheel and aquarium.
Food Adventures
Japan is home to some of the world’s best cuisine, and Mexican families will enjoy discovering some of the unique culinary offerings of the country. Japanese favorites include sushi, ramen, and tempura. For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, a Mexican family can explore the country’s incredible street food scene.
In the streets of Tokyo, Mexican families can explore Japanese take on Mexican favorites such as tacos, burritos, and tortas. There are also some great fusion dishes that combine Mexican and Japanese flavors in unique ways, such as sushi burritos.
Traditional Experiences
Japanese culture is something Mexican families should take the time to experience and explore during their trip. From attending traditional tea ceremonies, to participating in the ancient art of ikebana, there are plenty of opportunities for families to experience traditional cultural events and practices.
No trip to Japan is complete without visiting a Shinto Shrine. These sacred places of worship serve as a connective link to spiritualism and feature unique architecture and decorative items. The most famous Shinto shrine is the Grand Shrine of Ise, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, and an important place for Mexican families to visit.
Cultural Exchange
Traveling to Japan with a Mexican family offers them a unique opportunity to encounter a unique culture and be immersed in the daily life and customs of Japan. Beyond just sightseeing, Mexican families can make the most of their trip by participating in local activities and learning about Japanese traditions.
By indulging in some cultural exchange with the locals, they can truly feel a part of the country and experience Japan in a way that is not possible as a tourist. This exchange may include things like learning the language, visiting historical sites, and partaking in traditional activities.
