The lights of Tokyo gleamed in the dusk, lighting up the city's high-tech buildings. Like samurai, they stood there quietly, telling the story of their people. The towers looked strangely at ease against the old foundations, the way everything did on the way home. The only thing making it uncomfortable was hunger.

"Let's check this ramen place out."

"Great idea. I'm starving."

The spot turned out to be no tourist trap, the real thing with local mentality on full display. On a busy day, office workers from around the area gather here to eat, a small daily ritual of Japanese life. Standing right at the heart of it, Needle and Plate fueled up before setting off for a night out with the city.

"It's amazing how much warmth there is in everything around here."

"This is a part of the world that holds onto its traditions, and it shows."

Darkness swallowed the streets. Odd little signs in kanji and bright ad banners gave the whole scene a carefree, floating feeling. Toylike yet fully grown-up, this world was a discovery for the two Dutch kids. After a very short while, the magic trip was to come to an end. See you again, Japan!