What I Ate in Japan

Parker Larson is a student studying Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Dentistry and a minor in Accounting at Grand Canyon University. Parker studied abroad in summer 2025 in Tokyo through CIS Abroad. He loves cars, whether that involves going to car meets, working on cars, or just talking about them and was inspired by The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift to visit Japan’s car scene.

What I Ate in Japan

Before studying abroad in Tokyo, I already knew I liked Japanese food. Ramen, sushi, gyoza—solid favorites. I was curious to see if the “real” versions in Japan would be different from what I was used to, but I didn’t expect to love them even more.

Ramen hit different. The flavor was deeper and every shop had its own style. I tried them all from tonkotsu to shoyu broths and loved them all. The sushi was super fresh—especially the tuna—and it was way more affordable than I expected. Gyoza was amazing: crispy, juicy, and somehow better at even the smallest spots.

But my surprise favorite? Yakiniku.

I’d never had it before Japan. A few new friends and I went to a local spot one night, and it quickly became one of my top meals. You grill the meat yourself at the table, piece by piece, and eat it right away. It was simple but super good. Definitely a food experience I didn’t expect to love that much.

On the flip side, one thing I thought I’d enjoy more was soba. I liked it fine before—chilled with dipping sauce. But during a traditional soba meal in Japan, they brought out sobayu at the end, which is the water the noodles were boiled in, and you’re supposed to pour it into your dipping sauce and drink it. It just wasn’t for me. A little too bland and starchy. I wanted to like it more, but it didn’t really do it for me.

My Advice to Future Students

If you’re heading to Japan to study, try as much food as you can. Even stuff you think you won’t like—just give it a shot. Some things you’ll love, and others, not so much, but you’ll learn a lot either way.

Also, don’t be afraid to eat by yourself. Japan’s really chill about solo dining. I had some of my best meals just wandering into random places after class. It’s a cool way to slow down and just enjoy the food.

Trying new food was a big part of what made studying abroad feel real—not just like I was visiting, but like I was actually living there.

Learn more about studying abroad in Japan here!