Mari | Japan Travel 🎌

On January 1st 2024, the Noto Peninsula was struck by a strong earthquake that had a huge impact on the area. I visited in July and you can still see the aftermath of the quakes, so the prefecture has partnered up with Pokémon to attract more people to the area and boost the economy. And it’s so cool! You can find the one and only Pokémon airport, onsen, train stations, manholes, a train as well, and so on! Definitely worth going, especially since it’s close to Kanazawa that most know about :) #pokemon #ishikawa

I didn’t really know what to expect originally, I was just very curious and it didn’t disappoint. 🙌 It was precisely the prehistoric atmosphere that captured the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki. While Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki and lead artist Kazuo Oga spent extensive time exploring Yakushima, specifically the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine. Which is the one I’m showing in the video! Yakushima became the direct inspiration for the film’s iconic Iron Forest (the realm of the Forest Spirit and Kodama) for several distinct reasons: 🍃 Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine: the lush and emerald gorge where Miyazaki sketched key landscapes for the film. 🍃 Deep moss and primeval flora: the island’s high rainfall sustains over 600 species of moss, blanketing every trunk, stone, and root in a deep green carpet mirroring the ancient, living forest of the movie. 🍃 Ancient Yaku Sugi cedars: the stunning centuries old cedars mirror the giant, ancient trees that shelter the Forest Spirit. 🍃Coexistence with wildlife: Yakushima’s native Yakushika deer and Yaku monkeys roam freely throughout the forest canopy, evoking the spirit of San’s wolf tribe and the sacred animal gods protecting the woods. The only thing we didn’t see where deer and monkeys inside the forest, but along the streets there were plenty! I’ll for sure share more about this island as there is so much to do here! 🐢🌊🐒 #yakushima #ghibli #mononoke

This is Kosoyu, a beautifully restored Meiji-era public bathhouse standing right in the heart of Yamashiro Onsen (Ishikawa Prefecture). With its stained-glass windows, wooden architecture, and nostalgic lanterns, it feels like stepping directly into Spirited Away. Yamashiro Onsen is a historic hot spring town with over 1,300 years of history. Unlike nearby Kanazawa - which doesn’t have its own natural thermal hot spring district - Yamashiro is a true onsen town packed with over 20 unique ryokan (traditional inns) to choose from. It’s arguably one of the best-located stops in the Hokuriku region. It sits perfectly in the middle of everything, making it the ultimate hub to explore: - Kanazawa: Just a quick 20-minute train ride away. - Fukui: An easy day trip to see the famous dinosaur museum or Eiheiji temple. - Shirakawa-go: Accessible for a gorgeous detour into the historic thatch-roof village. - 📌 Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly to JR Kaga Onsen Station. From there, it’s just a quick 10-15 minute local bus ride or taxi straight into the center of Yamashiro Onsen. #spiritedaway

This is Bekkō Ame, a traditional Japanese sugar art crafted by Yao Shoten in Osaka. Using nothing but melted sugar, the artist draws animals, characters, and even dragons right before your eyes: all freehand, in just a few minutes! It’s so cool to watch!! 🎨✨ The current master craftsman, Shinpei Sasamoto, inherited his skills from his father Noboru (artist name “Ryushō”), who founded this unique craft style. 🙌 Noboru, who first sold ordinary amber candy meant to be eaten, started to “draw” with candy instead of using molds, creating what is now known as Bijutsu Bekkō Ame (Artistic Amber Candy). Yao Shoten doesn’t have a fixed store: instead, they travel around Japan giving live demonstrations and selling their creations at department stores, festivals, and special events. You can check their upcoming appearances on their official website: ameyasan.com 🔗 This beautiful candy is made from just three ingredients: sugar, syrup, and water. Shinpei’s technique is to draw freehand directly on an iron plate with the hot, melted candy. A simple character candy takes only 1–2 minutes to make and prices start around ¥600 (about $3–4 USD) for small designs. Some pieces are also three-dimensional, like dragons or detailed figures (and it can take 8 hours to make!!). 🐉🐲 If stored properly in a dry, cool place with a desiccant, these candies can last for several years as decorative art. 🥰 #osaka

This is Japan’s deepest (and creepiest) train station: Doai Station in Gunma Prefecture 😱🚉 Hidden deep underground, this abandoned-looking stop is nicknamed the “Mole Station” because you have to walk down 462 steps 👀 It’s actually part of the JR Joetsu Line, and you can get here directly from Minakami Station or from Tokyo via Takasaki, I came from Yuzawa, Niigata, since it’s not so far away! Save this for your next trip… if you dare 😏 Follow me for more adventures and lesser-known spots 😆🙌 #gunma

If you’re a JoJo fan, Kuse ga Tsuyoi Menya Reiwa in Osaka is a must-visit 😎 The name literally translates to “Ramen with a Strong Personality,” and they aren’t kidding! From the second you walk in, you’re surrounded by a massive collection of figurines, manga speech bubbles, and JoJo episodes playing on loop. But the real star is the Master: stay for the noodle-straining ritual where he counts down and hits you with a legendary “MUDAMUDAMUDA!” battle cry. 👊 It’s high-energy, totally eccentric, and the ramen is also pretty good! 🚩 Save this for your next Osaka trip! Line up to avoid waiting in line for hours and bring cash!! 📍 Kuse ga Tsuyoi Menya Reiwa, Osaka #jojo #jojosbizarreadventure #osaka

Did you know Tottori has an entire airport themed after Detective Conan? 🕵️‍♀️ Renamed Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport in honor of creator Gosho Aoyama (who was born here!), this spot is packed with life-sized character statues, photo ops, themed shops, and hidden mysteries throughout the terminal. 🫆 This used to be my favorite anime growing up, I would come back from school every day and watch it 😆 I also have the manga itself, I think until number 80 😎😎 I’ll finish it when it does lol #tottori #conan #caseclosed #detectiveconan

This is the coolest Yokai street ever, packed with over 170 bronze monster statues that bring the world of GeGeGe no Kitaro to life! 👹 Spanning 800 meters from JR Sakaiminato Station toward the Mizuki Shigeru Museum, this avenue in Sakaiminato, Tottori, honors the celebrated manga author Shigeru Mizuki. 👺 Having grown up in Sakaiminato, Mizuki played a pivotal role in Japanese pop culture by introducing traditional yokai, supernatural spirits from folklore, through his classic 1960s series GeGeGe no Kitaro. 🙌 As you walk down the street, you'll encounter intricate bronze depictions of Kitaro, Medama-Oyaji, and dozens of other mythical creatures. The road also hosts local artisan shops, themed bakeries, the Yokai Shrine, and eye-ball shaped street lamps that glow after dark. 😆 Even if you’ve never heard of Gegege no Kitaro, I recommend visiting because it’s so cool, interesting and so original! 🥰 #tottori #gegegenokitaro #sakaiminato #yokai

One of the experiences I’ve seen so many times on social media that I was really curious about! 😆 This is a traditional kawakudari (punting) ride along the historic waterways that once served as the moat system of Yanagawa Castle. 🏯You’ll float gently through narrow canals on a long, flat boat called a donko-bune, guided by expert boatmen. Along the way, they share stories about the town, sing traditional songs, and sometimes even perform incredible stunts like jumping from the boat onto a bridge and back again, a fun and iconic moment many visitors try to capture, as only certain operators offer this show! 🙌 🚆 How to get there: take the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Yanagawa Station, about a 50-minute train ride. After arriving, it’s a short walk from the station to the cruise boarding area. Yanagawa is also famous for its local specialty: unagi seiro-mushi (steamed eel over rice), a must-try 🍚 🌸 Spring could be the best season to visit as the canals will be covered in cherry blossoms! But also autumn and summer are very beautiful. You’ll get a different view depending on the season. I went a couple of weeks ago and it was freezing cold but unfortunately no snow 😆 📍Yanagawa, Fukuoka

You can find these fun fruit bus stops along Route 207 in Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture 🍈 There are 16 of them: oversized, whimsical shelters shaped like giant produce items. Built for the 1990 Nagasaki Journey Expo, and inspired by the pumpkin carriage from Cinderella, they were designed to welcome visitors arriving in the region with a playful visual touch. 🍓

I have lied, this is my favorite ryokan stay now 😍 This is 📍Fuefukigawa Onsen Zabou in Yamanashi, a hidden sanctuary near Mt. Fuji that makes the ultimate countryside retreat from Tokyo 🙌 #ryokan #retreat #mtfuji #yamanashi

📍Jimbocho, “Tokyo’s Book Town” 📚 I can’t believe I had never been here before 😆 I was just so happy to wander and look around, each corner hides something and there’s so much to explore. A couple of hours is not enough! I’ll go back for the cafes for sure ☕️ #tokyo

This is Kumihimo, a 1,000-year-old Japanese silk braiding art! 🧵 It’s surprisingly relaxing and so satisfying to make your own souvenir! I did mine at Domyo in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, but you can find Kumihimo workshops in other parts of Japan as well. I booked the experience directly on Klook: you can use my discount code MARIJAPANKLOOK at checkout to save on your booking! 🎟️ It is also the traditional craft that appears in Your Name, if you’re a fan then this could be a great experience! 🥰 #tokyo #kumihimo #yourname

And this is not even everything! 😆 I also have cushions, t-shirts, shorts, bags, umbrella, I even made my own costumes for Halloween 🍟 this is definitely my favorite snacks and I just love how you can really find anything with it! What is your “addiction”? 😆 Japan snacks

👇3 Underrated day trip from Tokyo: - Ōme Town: Tokyo’s retro 1950s Showa-era time capsule, famous for vintage movie posters and nostalgic streets. 🚊 JR Chūō Line direct from Shinjuku to Ōme Station (~75 min). - Mt. Nokogiri: A massive quarry mountain featuring a 31m cliffside Buddha and the thrilling “Hell’s Peek” cliff lookout. 🚊 JR Uchibo Line to Hama-Kanaya Station (or take the Tokyo Bay Ferry from Kurihama). - Kita-Kamakura: Skip the Kamakura main crowds for peaceful Zen temples, bamboo groves, and cozy forest matcha spots. 🚊 JR Yokosuka Line direct from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Kita-Kamakura Station (~50 min). Tokyo day trips

Attack on Titan Cafe in Shinjuku! It’s not permanent, but temporary until October 12th. ⚔️ 📍 BOX cafe&space, Lumine Est Shinjuku, 8F 🎟️ Entry: Online reservation required in advance ⏰ Time Limit: 75 minutes per table 💰 Average Cost: ~¥2,500 – ¥4,000 per person The drink was great, the plate was nice! With this kind of cafes it’s usually quite expensive and the quality not so great. I’m happy with my choices, now next is JJK 😎 Attack on titan cafe in Tokyo

Hidden deep in the forests of Tottori, Mitaki-en (みたき園) feels like stepping directly into a Ghibli movie. Here you can enjoy seasonal sansai ryori (wild mountain vegetable cuisine) cooked over open fires alongside mossy trails, wooden bridges, and running streams. 📍 Mitaki-en, Chizu, Tottori Prefecture #ghibli #tottori

Slowpoke got its very own park in Kagawa, and it’s as cute as you’d imagine. From giant Slowpoke slides to themed benches, this spot is a must for any Pokémon fan exploring Shikoku! 📍Yadon Park, Ayagawa, Kagawa Prefecture

Here 3 of my favorite day trips from Osaka/Kyoto 👇 1️⃣ Chogosonshi-ji Temple (Nara) - The famous “Tiger Temple” on Mount Shigi. Home to giant tiger statues, hundreds of lanterns, and a dark pitch-black tunnel walk under the main hall! 🚃 ~1 hour from Osaka/Kyoto via JR Line to Oji Station + local bus.  2️⃣ Minoh Park (Osaka) - A tranquil nature escape featuring a scenic path alongside a mountain stream, ending at the stunning 33-meter Minoh Waterfall. Don’t forget to try Momiji Tempura (deep-fried maple leaves)! 🚃 ~30 minutes from Hankyu Umeda Station (Osaka) to Hankyu Minoo Station. 3️⃣ Kurama-dera & Kibune Hike (Kyoto) - Escape into Kyoto’s northern mountains. Hike through sacred cedar forests from the historic Kurama-dera Temple down to Kibune Shrine, where you can dine on platforms over the river (Kawadoko). 🚃 ~30 minutes from Demachiyanagi Station via Eizan Railway. What’s your favorite day trip from Osaka/Kyoto?

📍Yakushima, Kagoshima Hayao Miyazaki personally flew here and got inspired. You can totally see him and feel it 🙌 #ghibli #mononoke #yakushima