Mari | Japan Travel 🎌

On my recent trip to Kyoto, I finally had the chance to make my own chopsticks (actually it’s gonna be a present 😆) from scratch! I never had the possibility to do step by step from the very beginning and go through the process so not only was it fun but also very interesting!! 🥢 I went to HASHI LAB, specifically their main store 5 minutes on foot from Kyoto station, a unique workshop housed inside a beautiful, century-old traditional building 🥰 The entire process takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and lets you connect directly with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. You begin by choosing your preferred timber from a wide selection of natural woods. That was probably the most difficult part for me cause I had more than a couple I really liked 😆 Using a traditional woodworking plane (kanna), you meticulously shave and shape the wood to your exact liking, smooth it down, and finish it with protective natural oil. To make it completely personal, you can even customize your pair with a custom engraving - making it an incredibly meaningful souvenir or a thoughtful handmade gift. 😍 If you want to add this to your Kyoto itinerary, I highly recommend booking from their website: https://hashilab.studio.site/en ⏱️ Duration: ~45 minutes 🪵 What’s included: Choice of wood, step-by-step guidance, finishing oil, custom engraving options, and gift wrapping. Of course English-speaking staff will be present! #hashilab #chopsticks #pr #kyoto

When I visited Shima Onsen, a lovely hot spring town in Gunma prefecture, three hours from Tokyo, I was looking for some relax, quiet and also to escape the city heat 🥵 I booked my stay and my JR Pass on Klook, easy and fast. Use my code if you purchase something on the platform, it’s MARIJAPANKLOOK 🎟️ You might think that onsen is not the best choice in summer to get “refreshed” and I think it’s partly true, it really depends where you go! Compared to Tokyo, I could feel the difference here, the temperatures are not the same 😆 I initially wanted to book the more famous Sekizenkan because it resembles the Spirited Away bathhouse, but it was fully booked for my dates and I found this instead. The reviews were pretty great so I thought it would be a good alternative and in fact it did not disappoint 😍 Not only the rooms are spacious with beautiful views, there is a publica bath and three beautiful private baths ♨️ they don’t require reservations, you’ll just see in the corridors or in front of the entrance a light: if it’s on someone is using it, if it’s off then you can go ahead and have such a great time. My favorite one is the one I’m showing at the right beginning! But I did go to all three of them 😆 I’ve also had dinner and breakfast, Japanese style, but they also give you the choice whether you want western-style breakfast. I chose Japanese-style because I wanted to try all the local dishes and ingredients, especially konnyaku (konjac) which Gunma prefecture is famous for (and produces over 90% of Japan’s konnyaku 😆). At night I went to check out the center of Shima Onsen where you can also see Sekizenkan, and it’s a lovely town. Of course more lively during the day when the shops open and everyone is strolling around! I had the relaxing time I was looking for and I felt refreshed and rested 🥰 #shimaonsen #gunma #ryokan

The Aso UNESCO Global Geopark in Kumamoto is a place where you can witness the raw, living power of the Earth alongside some of the most serene landscapes in Japan. 🌋 Since the Geopark is massive, I rented a car through Klook to navigate the winding mountain roads. It’s easily the best way to see the "Land of Fire" at your own pace! 🚗 If you book anything on Klook, use my discount code MARIJAPANKLOOK! 🎟️ What I saw: • Kusasenrigahama: a stunning double-crater prairie. • Komezuka: I stopped at the observation deck for this view! It’s a perfectly symmetrical volcanic cone that looks like a velvet-green rice bowl. 😆 • The Crater: on this visit, I couldn’t get right up to the Nakadake Crater. Even when the alert is at Level 1, the viewing area often closes due to volcanic gas levels or visibility. It’s a living volcano, so always check the live status before your drive! ☁️ 🗺️ Other Geopark spots you might wanna see: • Daikanbo Lookout: for the most famous panoramic view of the "Reclining Buddha" mountain silhouette. • Shirakawa Suigen: a crystal-clear spring where you can bottle some of Japan’s most delicious naturally filtered water. 💧 • Aso Shrine: one of Japan’s oldest and most significant shrines, deeply tied to the volcano’s history. • Milk Road: a scenic drive along the caldera rim. 📍 Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Japan 🚗 Booking: car rental via Klook 💡 The weather in the highlands is unpredictable, bring a jacket even if it’s sunny in the city! 😆 #mountaso #kumamoto #landoffire #volcano

I finally made it to the last prefecture I still had never visited: Iwate! And what better way to start if not from the Pikachu Train! 😆🙌 If you’re a Pokémon fan (or just love unique Japanese trains), this needs to be on your bucket list. This "Joyful Train" is essentially a mobile playground covered in Pikachus, and it’s just as cool as it looks 😍 🚞 The train runs along the JR Ofunato Line in the Tohoku region. It travels between Ichinoseki Station (Iwate) and Kesennuma Station (Miyagi). 🗓️ The "POKÉMON with YOU" project actually started in 2012 to bring smiles to children in the Tohoku region after the 2011 earthquake. The current all-Pikachu design we see now was launched in 2017.  🎟️ How to Book: • All seats are RESERVED. You cannot just hop on!  • You can book via the JR-East Train Reservation website or at a JR Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi).  • It only runs on select days (mostly weekends and holidays), so check the schedule ahead of time! It’s covered by the JR East Pass (Tohoku area), but you still need to secure that seat reservation (no additional charge). Indide there is a dedicated Communication Seat car and a Playroom car filled with giant plushies, a mini driver’s seat, and plenty of photo ops.  😆 👉 I got my JR easy pass (yes residents in Japan can also get it!) on Klook, I got my reservation for this train and then I exchanged everything at the station for a paper ticket 🎟️ get your JR pass on Klook and use my discount code MARIJAPANKLOOK 😎 #pikachutrain #pokemon #iwate #pikachu