To the man who gave me directions in the train station. Osaka, Japan
Dear Stranger,
We met briefly at the Osaka train station in May 2023. I had just started my three-year journey around the world, and Japan was my first stop. I quite ambitiously decided to travel for four weeks without a SIM card because I wanted to relive a traveler’s world from before cell phones and Google Maps. This also meant avoiding public WiFi, even when it was available.
While a grand idea, it was especially challenging for two reasons. First, I didn’t speak the language, and without a SIM card, I couldn’t use Google Translate. And in Japan, most people spoke Japanese, even in big cities. Second, I was traveling through major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, where the train stations are massive and public transport is a complex web of switching metros and buses.
On this particular day, I decided to go to a suburb of Osaka called Minoh, which was roughly two hours from the Shinsaibashi area in Osaka where I was staying. Like a good traveler, I had written the names of the stations and directions on a piece of paper. I successfully navigated the first two legs of the trip and felt like a rockstar.
But once I arrived at Osaka-Umeda station, that feeling quickly evaporated. To say “I was confused” is putting it mildly. I weaved through the station filled with hundreds of people, and within minutes, I realized I was completely lost. I couldn’t find an information desk anywhere. That’s when I saw you.
You were waiting on a platform for your own train. I came up to you a little flustered, showed you my paper, and asked where I should wait. You looked at me, appearing a bit overwhelmed; I realized then that you weren’t comfortable with English. When I said “Minoh,” you still looked unsure. I apologized for bothering you and walked away to try my luck elsewhere.
Five or six minutes later, as I was walking toward a distant platform, I realized someone was running behind me. I turned around, and it was you. You were sweating profusely—partly from the heat, I think, but also partly from nervousness. You told me exactly which platform to go to and even walked me there. You explained that I should ride the train for four stops to Ishibashi Handai-mae, then switch to the Hankyu-Mino line for three more stops.
You offered to wait with me, but I told you it was okay and that you had already done so much. I realized then that you had likely missed your own train just to find me. I was so moved by your kindness, especially knowing how uncomfortable you felt speaking English. In that moment, I was enveloped by so much gratitude that I wanted to hug you, but I refrained, fearing you might panic even more! Instead, I bowed deeply and thanked you over and over again.
I returned to Japan two more times after that, spending a total of six months there. I got a SIM card the next two times which made my life much easier, and I learned enough Japanese to ask for directions when I needed them. But every time I found myself in a crowded station, I thought of you.
I hope you are doing well, and that you are met with the same kindness and thoughtfulness every day of your life that you showed me on that spring day.
With love,
Mia
© Dear Dhuniya 2026