Travel is not practically places, it’s also about individuals, conversations, and those small, unforgettable minutes that stick with us long after the journey ends. Throughout our current trip to Tokyo, we chose to stay in Yokosuka, a lovely seaside city that ended up being the concealed gem of our experience.
Remaining in Yokosuka: A Cultural Crossroad
Found about an hour south of Tokyo, Yokosuka is serene and beautiful, with its unique mix of Japanese culture and American impact thanks to the U.S. Naval Base stationed here. We stayed at the beautiful Mercure Hotel, which offered not simply 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 sis and I ensured to dedicate a minimum of one day to using Indian sarees– not just for images however as a cheerful expression of our culture. That day, we stepped out in our lively sarees and strolled towards Verny Park, thrilled to record the minute.
While coming down the actions from Coaska Bayside Mall toward the park, we were met with a heartwarming surprise: an elderly American couple saw us in our conventional clothing, stopped briefly, and clapped happily. It was such a spontaneous gesture of gratitude– it immediately made our day better. Initially we were a bit stunned but then stated thank you to them.
Generosity Through a Lens
< img width ="574"height ="1024"src="https://traveltalesfromindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/mridula-saree-japan-1-574x1024.jpg" alt=""/ > A couple of steps later on, we were consulted with another lovely minute. A young Japanese lady, clearly in a hurry, dropped in her tracks when she saw us. With a warm smile, she provided to take a picture of both of us together. Her compassion, regardless of her busy schedule, reminded us that simple gestures can be so effective.
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 2 Japanese women who were curious about my bindi and necklace. She wanted to know if I made my own locket. They asked about our country and sarees. We shared a lovely conversation, exchanged smiles, and even took a selfie together. It was among those unusual, significant exchanges that cross all language barriers. Later I went back to the shopping mall in my community from where I bought my locket. I told the guy about those 2 women. I asked the guy if he could hand down those two ladies’ compliments to the makers. He concurred readily and told me, “agli baar aap ke liye kuch aur achcha le aaunga”!!
Now we were about to head to the coffee bar and sit down for a while after all these activities. Near the rose garden, a couple of elder volunteers were tending to the park. They discovered us and struck up a joyful conversation, asking about India, complimenting our clothes, and wishing us well. Their genuine curiosity and hospitality touched our hearts deeply.
More Than a Journey
What began as a peaceful picture day in sarees developed into a gorgeous tapestry of human connection. Whether it was the applause of strangers, the compassion of a passerby, or the interest of residents, our sarees didn’t simply capture attention, they sparked connectiones.
PS. This post is written by my sister Alka