Originally from Tokyo, Mari Mihara began her musical training on the piano at five years of age before starting the organ with Kazuo Kohno at the age of thirteen. In 2004, she was admitted to the Tokyo University of the Arts where she studied organ with Naoko Imai and Rie Hiroe. In 2008, she obtained her Undergraduate degree with Distinction and was awarded the Ataka Prize and the Acanthus Prize. Her music studies continued in 2009 by participating in various academies and masterclasses with organists including Michel Bouvard, François Espinasse, Eric Lebrun, Olivier Latry, Christophe Mantoux, among others. She was awarded her Master's Degree in 2011 in Tokyo and has since been studying with Erwan Le Prado at the Conservatory of Caen. She has received the support of the Japanese Culture Minister through the Program of Overseas Study for Upcoming Artists and in 2012, was awarded the Grand Prix of the International Organ Competition of Chartres.