Mari | Japan Travel 🎌

For 3 years straight, The Pizza Bar on 38th held the undisputed crown as the #1 Best Pizzeria in Asia. But the 2026 50 Top Pizza list just flipped the entire scene upside down. 🤯🏆 Entering Tokyo’s newly crowned king: RistoPizza by Napoli Sta’ Ca at Azabudai Hills! 🇯🇵🍕 Chef Giuseppe Errichiello officially took the No. 1 spot in Tokyo and the entire Asia-Pacific region 🙌 Here is everything we ordered that proved why they deserve the crown 👑 * 🧆 Arancino: The perfect, crispy Italian rice ball to start the meal. * ⭐️ Don Salvo: Their legendary signature star-shaped pizza! The points of the star crust are stuffed with rich ricotta and spicy salami, while the center is a perfect Margherita. Mind-blowing. * 🍕 Kita kara Minami e: An incredible white pizza combining savory gorgonzola, creamy mozzarella, pistachio powder, and sweet pear jam. The sweet and salty balance is insane. * 🍋 Yuzuncello: A creative Japanese twist on traditional Italian limoncello to finish the night perfectly. * Drop this in your Tokyo food bucket list immediately. 😆🙌 It was great going there! The chefs are from Bergamo and Naples, I am from near Venice, and my boyfriend is from Milan! We basically united Italy in the pizzeria! 😆🇮🇹 📍 RistoPizza by Napoli Sta’ Ca, Azabudai Hills, Tokyo #pizza #tokyo

Rumor has it that several visitors that came here to pray for financial luck then won the lottery… 💰 The Golden Torii at Lake Ikeda in Ibusuki, Japan is one of the most eccentric and flashy wealth “power spot”! 😆 If you want to claim some of that luck for yourself, you have to complete the local rituals: 1️⃣ Step into the Golden Shoes: At the entrance, you’ll see a pair of giant golden shoes. Stepping into them is said to quite literally help you “step into wealth” and guide good fortune your way. 2️⃣ The Coin Toss Challenge: Try throwing a coin into the golden basket perched at the top of the massive torii gate. If it lands inside, your wishes for prosperity are bound to come true! 3️⃣ The Triple Gate Walk: Walk through the main golden torii and the two miniature gates flanking it to fully lock in your financial vibes. 4️⃣ Awaken the Dragon: Pop a quick token in to trigger Kimporyu (the Golden Abundant Dragon), who will spray a splash of “happy water” for prosperity! Backed by the gorgeous backdrop of Mt. Kaimon and the mysterious deep blue lake, it’s a quick 10-minute roadside stop that might just make you rich. 😎 Would you visit this spot on your next Japan trip? 👇 📍 Golden Torii (黄金の鳥居) – Lake Ikeda, Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture 🎟️ Free admission & free parking!

I spent one week around Kagoshima prefecture, I went back to see some spots again and visited new ones! Such an underrated prefecture and it’s such a shame cause it literally has everything: volcano, shrines, temples, lakes, sea, caves, delicious foods, forests… to put it simply one week is not even enough! 🤣 I have put together a list of all the places I have visited this time + other places I have visited in the past but really recommend. If you’re interested just comment KAGOSHIMA or message me (sometimes I cannot see messages though) and I’ll send it to you! It’s quite long 😆 #kagoshima

Number 1 reason why I wanted to go back to Kagoshima’s Senga-en Garden 🐱 I visited years ago but now it’s much different and there are cat statues and decorations everywhere. Not only Senga-en is a beautiful garden, it’s also got great views over Sakurajima 🌋 You can visit📍Nekomizu Shrine to pray for the health and long life of your pets :) #kagoshima #catshrine #sengaen

JUST JOKING 😆 I didn’t take all these things home, but it is true you can take most products (I put back the torch, the bin, tissue paper holder and so on don’t worry 😂 I took only what could be taken home of course!). I booked my stay on Klook and if you’re gonna do that as well, use my discount code MARIJAPANKLOOK 🎟️ It was definitely one of the hotels I was most curious about.. I mean, who doesn’t like MUJI?! 🙌 Not only is it so visually beautiful and elegant, the MUJI HOTEL GINZA is also located in a great area. The reception is on the 6th floor, and that’s where you’ll find the lounge that will also become the breakfast spot in the morning. The breakfast (buffet style) was great and everything was delicious, you get to try MUJI products too and nothing disappointed us 😆 like always, I’d just love to have infinite space in my stomach to try everything, unfortunately I just couldn’t eat more and missed some foods 🤣 All the other floors down are MUJI floors so you can have a fun time shopping as well 😌 so many products!!! The thing I like the most was probably the mattress, I think I might get it eventually lol Overall, one of the best stays I’ve ever had the chance to try! 🙌🙌 #mujihotel #tokyo @klookkreator @klook_usa

This is one of Japan’s most refreshing summer culinary traditions: Sōmen-nagashi spinning around cold pure spring water 🥢 This place is called Tōsenkyō Municipal Sōmen-Noodle Restaurant and it’s located in Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture. You have to catch your thin noodles with your chopsticks before dipping them into a savory tsuyu sauce. Delicious 🤤 Together with grilled trout, miso soup, and sashimi it is one of the most fun ways to eat noodles 😆 #kagoshima #ibusuki #Summer #nagashisomen

Kagoshima Prefecture’s Ibusuki City features exclusive Eevee Poké Lids because its name sounds exactly like the Japanese phrase “Eevee suki,” which translates to “I like Eevee.” 😆 They’re all quite close to each other, this was our way to finish the tour around Kagoshima in an area I hadn’t visited yet (amazing!!) 🥰 #pokemon #kagoshima #evee #pokelids

A place I’ve been meaning to visit for years! 😍 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 #princessmononoke #ghibli

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

Nishi-Ōyama Station is the southernmost point of Japan’s JR rail network. 🚉 It is set against the magnificent backdrop of Mt. Kaimon (often called the “Fuji of Satsuma”) and it’s even cooler now with the sunflowers 🌻 in front of it! 🙌 Don’t forget to stop by the yellow postbox right outside the platform: it’s said to bring happiness to anyone who sends a letter from here! 📮 📍 Nishi-Ōyama Station, Kagoshima Prefecture 🚃 JR Ibusuki Makurazaki Line #kagoshima #nishioyama

Most people know Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, but there are other beautiful Inari Shrines around Japan! This one is Jintoku Inari Shrine in Kanoya city in Kagoshima prefecture and it’s famous for its rare, modern glass Torii gate. ⛩️ 🚗 The easiest and most direct way is by rental car (about 1.5 hours from Kagoshima Airport or 2 hours via ferry/drive from Kagoshima City). Free parking is available on-site! And it’s not so far away from Sakurajima, the volcano 🌋 #kagoshima #inarishrine

Finally seeing this clock in Tokyo! Located in plain sight in Shiodome, the NI-TV Clock, designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, comes to life just a few times a day. Standing over 12 meters tall and built from hand-hammered copper, this mechanical masterpiece feels straight out of Howl’s Moving Castle. 😆 📍 NTV Headquarters, Shiodome (Tokyo) ⏰ Shows run daily at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, and 20:00 (plus 10:00 on weekends). Catch it 3 minutes before the hour to see the mechanics start moving! The schedule could change! #ghibli #tokyo #clock

What is the thing you miss the most about Japan? 🍗🤣 #famichiki #familymart

Miura Beach is just 1h30 by Keikyu Line from Shinagawa to Miurakaigan station and another 5/10 minutes on foot! It is one of the best beaches around Tokyo that is also quite easy to reach. Until the end of August they’re holding different events “Miura Fun Beach”, yesterday they also had fireworks but I missed them 🎇 I often come here because it’s very relaxing and it never gets too crowded. 🥰 #tokyo #beach #miura

I saw this activity on Klook and I was quite curious about it.. remaking your own kimono? 👘 You can easily book your a lot on Klook and use my code MARIJAPANKLOOK for a discount 🎟️ The concept is born from the fact that putting on a kimono takes time and can be difficult especially if you’re by yourself! By “remodeling” it, you’ll basically have two pieces that you can put on by yourself in just a few minutes instead! 🙌 You’re gonna choose from a huge variety of kimono (or yukata). Each yukata has a label with a specific color, green is the base one and doesn’t have an extra fee, while the other colors do: 2000, 4000, 6000 yen depending. 👘 You’re gonna cut it in half, and you’ll use iron and hemming tape to make it! The staff speaks English and they’re gonna explain to you and follow you throughout the whole process. At the end you can choose your obituary and accessories and put it on! 🥰 And it’s ready to take home! You can also purchase the obi and the other accessories if you want (I strongly recommend it). Soon after your visit you’ll receive an email with all the info about how to put it back on by yourself in case you’ve forgotten some steps. It was a great experience and now I have my very own kimono 😍 @Klook USA

Exploring Northern Japan by train is easily one of the most seamless ways to travel, and if you’re heading up to Tohoku, the JR East Pass is worth looking into. 🎟️ In fact it’s ¥35,000 (5 days) or ¥50,000 (10 days) and if you think about it a round-trip Shinkansen ride between Tokyo and Aomori costs almost the same as the entire 5-day pass! Everything else you take after that is pure value. 😌 It covers all Shinkansen and JR lines across the northern prefectures (and newly expanded to cover Niigata and Nagano as well). In this case I’d purchase the 10-day one cause in 5 days you won’t be able to also go to Niigata and Nagano 😆 I used it this summer to hop between Aomori and Akita to catch five of the region’s most magnificent festivals 🏮 1. Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori) 2. Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri (Aomori) 3. Goshogawara Tachineputa (Aomori) 4. Tenku no Fuyajo (Noshiro, Akita) 5. Akita Kanto Matsuri (Akita) 1️⃣ You can purchase your pass easily on Klook and once in Japan, head to a JR exchange counter/ticket office with your physical passport to pick it up (all explanation can be found on the Klook website). 2️⃣ Key Shinkansen lines in Tohoku (like the Hayabusa and Komachi) are reserved-seat only. When you pick up your pass at the office, ask the staff to help you book your seat reservations for your main travel days on the spot, they’ll guide you through it smoothly. #jreastpass @Klook USA

A festival quite popular among locals but not so well-known for tourists! Most in fact know the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori, which is absolutely stunning, but neighboring cities and towns also have their own! I have recently date the Neputa Matsuri in Hirosaki and this is the Tachineputa Matsuri in Goshogawara 🏮 Towering over 23 meters tall and weighing 19 tons, it is usually referred to as the parade of the giants! They’re so immense and they pass by so close, you can really feel how big they are (and also look at all the details on them, stunning 🙌) 📍 Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture, Japan 🗓️ August 4–8, 2026, two more nights! #aomori #goshogawara #tachineputa #nebuta

Aomori prefecture is known as the “Apple prefecture” because it produces about 60% of all apples in Japan 🍎 And because of that you’re gonna see lots of apple-themed decorations and details everywhere, especially in Hirosaki at the Apple Park 🍏 Not only apples here are really delicious 🤤 but it’s also just fun to go around and spot all these cute little details. It made my trip even more fun! 😆 #aomori #hirosaki #apples

One of the most fun festivals I’ve got to see with my own eyes! 🏮 This is the Akita Kanto Festival and it’s still going on until August 6th, so if you’re around you should definitely go and check it out 😆 or save it for next year! Tohoku at this time is always so busy with such amazing festivals. I’ve got to see and share a couple but I’m really thinking I should go back and see a couple more. I don’t think I can wait one year 🤣 At this festival performers balance massive bamboo poles (called kanto) weighing up to 50 kilograms and holding up to 46 lit paper lanterns 🏮 they use only their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and hips. 👀 It’s crazy to watch them adding sticks on sticks and balancing such tall poles! One almost feel on me and sometimes they catch fire 🔥 📍Akita Kanto Festival until August 6th, Kanto Ōdōri street in Akita city #akita #akitakanto #tohoku

If you can’t handle big crowds too much like me but you’d still love to experience these kind of events, then I’d recommend this festival in Hirosaki! 🍎 It is called Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri and is taking place now in Hirosaki (the apple city in Aomori just 40/50 minutes away by train) until August 7th! The floats are smaller compared to Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, but there are less people and you can stroll around without problems. Also, you won’t need to get your good spot too far in advance, people started gathering around just two hours in advance (which I know it’s already early but compared to other events or even the parades at Tokyo Disneyland it’s nothing!! 😆). I would suggest taking a blanket or a chair just to be more comfortable. I completely forgot mine and the group of people next to me offered me a chair, they were so nice and they definitely saved me!! 😭 I went to the Apple Park and a couple of cafes (to eat some delicious Apple pie 🥧) during the day and then found my spot a couple of hours before the beginning of the parade. The weather in Tohoku is much cooler than Tokyo for example so it was easier to wait outdoor (also because in my case it was actually cloudy and raining a bit so it was kinda chilly 🤣). 📍Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri #hirosaki #aomori #neputa #nebuta