योकोहामा रात की बाँहों में....

For a Delhiite like me, the Ocean invariably holds an exotic charm! Therefore, during my stay in any port city, the 70 percent chances on a weekend are that you find me loitering around the promenade by the bay area. This weekend was not any exceptional , spent at Yokohama harbour ogling wistfully at the charming cruise ships sailing in and out of the bay . Then there is Hikawa Maru the giant luxury liner majestically anchored there . This ship has been turned into a museum now the luxurious interiors of which evoke the memories of Titanic… well as seen in the movie only . Sun sets early and by 5pm it is pitch dark and the lights in various hues impart a distinct and somewhat magical charm to this entire area .

The city of Yokohama ,by the way, has been sister city of Bombay since 1965 and it is an official status based on a mutual agreement . Like Mumbai this city also used to be a fishersmen's village . Inaugurated on 2 June 1859 the port of Yokohama was the the first one opened by Japan for foreign trade on regular basis . The unique architecture has a clear western influence and the city showcases the beauty and cultural richness of Japan with an international appeal.