Pretty Okay Travel

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

@pax Hi! Is it possible to know when the room block for PAX UNPLUGGED 2023 will open so I dont miss it?

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

@ciaobirdiecos Calling the hotel is useless at this point. They are sold out on the hotel side - all the rooms are "booked" by the hotel block that Katsucon and its reservation management team.

This is true *even before the rooms go live*, if you call and ask for the dates, as Katsu reserved

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

@m0shim0chi You actually saw and got an Atrium Room? Congrats! I was convinced they didn't even go live. I caught the rooms at 11:55 and the Atriums were already gone.

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

Often times #temples or #shrines seem to have these smaller side shrines. They’re usually not as big or front-and-center as the main one, but rather off to the side with statues of other dieties. In general I’ve found so many of these to be more aesthetic to catch photos of.

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

We went to Kiyomizu-dera not knowing it was culture day. The long hike up the Kyoto hills was packed with locals going for a holiday shrine visit. The top was worth it though, as the views against the backdrop of the city were breathtaking.

#japan #kyoto #kiyomizudera #temples

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

@tanb @RocKM16827690 @AbroadInJapan @galileoferrari @GearoidReidy They're definitely not centralized. Trying to book for December and we've been using primarily the strategy Chris recommends. I get 3rd parties not having access, but the main site (just in English) usually doesn't either. See Shibuya Stream or Hotel Gracery for examples.

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

On our trip this winter I want to continue taking photos of all of the amazing statues at shrines, but I want to be a lot more cognizant about marking which shrine it is, and why they have the specific subset of ones they do.

#japan #travel #inari #kyoto #philosopherspath

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

We really need to be better about tagging some of our photos. We’ve got so many of these of amazing little streets just full of dozens of delicious smelling shops. Once it gets dark out and all the vibrant lights turn on they really are overwhelming to all your senses.

#japan

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

The Hakone Open Air Museum had a tower entirely of stained glass called the Happiness in Symphonics Sculpture. It was incredible on the inside. One of the most beautiful pieces there for sure.

#japan #japantravel #hakone #photography #art

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

Kuma Cafe, near Osaka Aquarium. Everything inside is bear themed, the portions are massive, and the owner is so sweet and seems to love having pleasant conversation with you. Will definitely visit this anytime I’m in the area in the future.

#osaka #japan #japantravel #kumakafe

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

Owakudani is a stop near the crater of Mount Hakone showing signs of a 3000 year old erruption. Sulfur clouds fill the air, and tourists fill the area looking for a perfect photograph and some egg ice cream. Happy to see we got plenty of both.

#japan #japantravel #hakone

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

This was from Asakusa late at night, highly recommend going then for some good night shots. We loved the placement of the brightly glowing modern convenience of a vending machine just feet away from this massive, historic looking Temple.

#japan #japantravel #asakusa #tokyo

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

We started planning a trip for mid December to see the Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo and the like. Japan has illuminations up year round in some spots, and they are always so vibrant and beautiful. Can’t wait to catch some more in photos.

#japan #tokyo #shibuya #japantravel

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

We’ve read Shibuya is trying to transform into a more modern and updated vibe over a decade of work. This “Neo Shibuya” attempts to create its own identity via lots of pink and purple lights and modern graffiti.

Shibuya Parco Pokemon Center.

#japan #japantravel #pokemon

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

While at our hotel in Osaka I said to Sasha “I think theres a cool Lions Head Shrine nearby.” At that moment she opened the window and we realized we had a view of this guy from above. We hurried down for a visit and some photos of #yasakashine

#japan #japantravel #namba

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

Ema Boards at Shinto Shrines are always one of our favourite things to stop and look at. People write their wishes and prayers and leave them at the shrine. We’ve taken to buying one at each shrine we visit and bringing it home in hopes of building our own.

#japantravel #shinto

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

Doing the Hakone loop and heading to Yama no Chaya Ryokan, we decided to start by visiting a still functioning tea house - Amazake no Chaya. The environment was very relaxing and we were served amazake and black sesame mochi, both delicious. #japan #japantravel #hakone #amazake

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

We go back and forth on our favourite area of Tokyo. Ikebukuro often tops our list. That said, we almost always will choose to stay in Shibuya. Miyashita Park, pictured here, is one of the most interesting parts, fusing a walkable park with fun food and nightlife built below.

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

Near Tokyo Tower is Zozoji Temple. We visited it briefly while wandering near Tokyo Tower and loved the aesthetic. A service was going on inside and we picked up a happy bell!

#japan #japantravel

[Pretty Okay Travel @PrettyOkTravel]

We had the pleasure of staying at Momijiya Bekkan Kawa no Iori just outside of Kyoto. Its a quiet area, but there are some nice walks you can do. We found this beautiful bridge with bright foliage that lead to a Buddhist Temple, Saimyo-ji Temple, you can pay some yen to go see