Travel is not just about places, it’s also about people, conversations, and those small, unforgettable moments that stay with us long after the journey ends. During our recent trip to Tokyo, we decided to stay in Yokosuka, a charming coastal city that turned out to be the hidden gem of our adventure.
Staying in Yokosuka: A Cultural Crossroad
Located about an hour south of Tokyo, Yokosuka is serene and scenic, with its unique mix of Japanese culture and American influence thanks to the U.S. Naval Base stationed here. We stayed at the lovely Mercure Hotel, which offered not just comfort but easy access to the waterfront, parks, and the vibrant Coaska Bayside Mall.
Sarees, Smiles & the Bay Breeze
As is our tradition when traveling abroad, my sister and I made sure to dedicate at least one day to wearing Indian sarees—not just for photos but as a joyful expression of our culture. That day, we stepped out in our vibrant sarees and walked towards Verny Park, excited to capture the moment.
While descending the steps from Coaska Bayside Mall toward the park, we were met with a heartwarming surprise: an elderly American couple saw us in our traditional attire, paused, and clapped joyfully. It was such a spontaneous gesture of appreciation—it instantly made our day brighter. First we were a bit surprised but then said thank you to them.
Kindness Through a Lens
A few steps later, we were met with another beautiful moment. A young Japanese lady, clearly in a hurry, stopped in her tracks when she saw us. With a warm smile, she offered to take a picture of both of us together. Her kindness, despite her busy schedule, reminded us that simple gestures can be so powerful.
Roses, Bindis & Conversations
As we strolled through Verny Park, the charm of the place unfolded. On our way back to the hotel, we were stopped by two Japanese ladies who were curious about my bindi and necklace. She wanted to know if I made my own necklace. They asked about our country and sarees. We shared a lovely conversation, exchanged smiles, and even took a selfie together. It was one of those rare, meaningful exchanges that cross all language barriers. Later on I went back to the mall in my neighborhood from where I purchased my necklace. I told the guy about those two ladies. I asked the guy if he could pass on those two ladies’ compliments to the makers. He agreed readily and told me, “agli baar aap ke liye kuch aur achcha le aaunga” !!
Now we were about to head to the coffee shop and sit down for a while after all these activities. Near the rose garden, a few elder volunteers were tending to the park. They noticed us and struck up a cheerful conversation, asking about India, complimenting our attire, and wishing us well. Their genuine curiosity and hospitality touched our hearts deeply.
More Than a Trip
What started as a quiet photo day in sarees turned into a beautiful tapestry of human connection. Whether it was the applause of strangers, the kindness of a passerby, or the curiosity of locals, our sarees didn’t just capture attention, they sparked connectiones.
PS. This post is written by my sister Alka
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