TOKYO — Last night’s dinner was arguably the best meal of the trip. We headed to a small neighborhood restaurant to enjoy an authentic Japanese experience — complete with seats on the floor.

This is not the kind of restaurant you read about in a guide book. It’s more the kind of place you know about because you’re with a friend who knows the beaten path, but also knows where to walk — that’s anywhere but the beaten path.

I had this realization when I was walking through a subway stop with a beer in my had, just one person in a sea of humanity. Tonight was my last night in Japan.

Now, I’ll be honest. I never placed Japan near the top of must-see places. That said, I believe you can judge a trip by how it changes you. Maybe Japan wasn’t No. 1 on my list of travel destinations, but it certainly makes the short list of places to see again.

As we walked out of the restaurant, I couldn’t help but wonder how much Japan has changed over the last 10 years, say. Many signs are in English. And, next to the restaurant, there was a Starbucks. Heading away from Tokyo and into a city like Hiroshima, one sees the difference. Maybe it was the stares from kids who had never seen an American (or rarely saw one). Maybe it was the Japanese kids who wanted to have their picture taken with an American. It’s the experiences like that that stick with you, that make you appreciate the country a little more.

I’m not ready to leave, but who ever is? Maybe I’ll be back again some day. In the meantime, I have great memories, a few souvenirs and mediocre pictures to remember these nine days in Japan.