Two Streets Back Travel

02/05/2024

YAYOI KASUMA - One of Japan's "National Living Treasures" was born here in Matsumoto 95 years ago.

As a result she has generously donated some pretty awesome works of art from her personal collection which make up this permanent display.

If you are travelling to Matsumoto to visit their famous castle, drop in to the Art Museum and take a look. You won't be disappointed!

A "must-see" for any Kasuma fans 👍

www.twostreetsback.com

01/05/2024

TOYAMA GLASS ART MUSEUM - It's difficult to tell from these pics, but these stunning glass installations are all hand blown, and even more astonishingly, are all life size!!!

This is a permanent exhibit, so if you find yourself in Toyama city, it's well worth the 200yen entry fee 👍

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01/05/2024

"TATEYAMA ALPINE ROUTE" - It took 2 x Buses, 2 x Trains, 1 x Ropeway & 1 x Cable Car but we finally made it to the top of Japan and were rewarded with some mind blowing scenery!!! ❄️❄️❄️

The "Alpine Route" is a road cut through 25 metre snow banks. The road is open for a limited time each year from 15th April - 25th June.

Day trips are possible from Toyama, alternatively you can stay the night like we did on the mountain. Bookings are essential due to limited rooms.

Overseas visitors have only recently discovered this unique site, so numbers are increasing dramatically each year.

Well worth the effort 👍

04/12/2023

GINZAN ONSEN - Some fans say that this "hot spring" town was the inspiration for Miyazaki's bath house in the much loved Ghibli movie "Spirited Away".

That may be true, but either way, this perfectly preserved Taisho era onsen town (4 hours by bullet train & bus from Tokyo) will ignite your inner Kaonashi, not to mention relax and warm you from head to toe.

We stayed on the river at a small Ryokan called Kozankaku. Great location, private bath, friendly staff, iincluding dinner & breakfast.

We visited in Autumn/Fall but it's a seriously relaxing getaway for any season 👍

04/12/2023

01/12/2023

NAKASENDO WAY - If you are looking for an escape from the hectic grind of Tokyo, this is it!
The Nakasendo Trail is an impossibly beautiful walk dotted with perfectly preserved towns straight from a Samurai movie set 🥷

We chose to walk only one day (approx 8kms) between Magemono & Tsumago, and were rewarded with centuries old cedas, friendly locals & buildings dating back to the Edo era.

Others chose to walk the full length (5 days). Our friends at RAW TRAVEL are experts on the Kiso Valley & have the very best "self guided" product on the market!

We chose to stay in a 7th generation Ryokan (Echigoya Ryokan) in the largest post town on the trail - Narai juku. Great accommodation and even better food. Can book in English.

Happy hiking! 😁

https://rawtravel.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb_melbourne

www.naraijyuku-echigoya.jp

29/11/2023

ARASHIYAMA is so much more than the famous bamboo forest. I took these reflective photos from inside a hidden former ryokan (now a gallery) called YUSAITEI, perched high above the lovely Hazugawa River.
Highly polished lacquer tables are positioned under the windows for visitors to capture the autumn/fall trees lining the riverbank below 🍁🍂🍂

Bookings are essential. Entry tickets are not sold on the day, and you do have to choose an arrival time when booking. We booked in August for a November entry so it's not something to do spontaneously.
Good news is..... the booking site is in English 😁

Somekobo Yumeyusai Inc. https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1thggyt4&hl=en-JP&q=Somekobo+Yumeyusai+Inc.&kgs=ba5f04ded00959ff&shndl=17&source=sh/x/kp/osrp/m5/4

20/08/2023

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kumano Kodo & Koya-san.
What a magic tour. Thanks Wendy, Westy, Di & Nick for choosing "Two Streets Back" for your journey, it was a pleasure being your guide.
See you next time you visit Japan 🙏🇭🇲🇯🇵

25/05/2023

From dressing in lavish Kaga Yuzen kimonos to lessons on local Kaga cuisine, Kanazawa has much to lure travellers to this enticing Japan destination.

14/05/2023

"BEFORE JAPAN BECAME MODERN"
Shirakawa-go
www.twostreetsback.com

Just a short 50 minute bus ride from Kanazawa or Takayama & you're transported back to a bygone era. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this fairy-tale village of thatched-roof houses is the definition of picture postcard perfect.

You can cover Shinakawa-go in two hours, but staying overnight would be a magic experience. Advanced bookings are essential.

Largely undiscovered by foreign visitors to Japan, it is well worth adding this unique destination to your itinerary if you find yourself in the area.

11/05/2023

"HIKING THE JAPANESE ALPS"
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Bullet Train ➡️ Limited Express ➡️ Local Train ➡️ Bus & you're smack bang in the middle of one of Japan's most picturesque regions.

Although only open to visitors from April - November, this well kept secret offers some of the best hiking and nature walks in Japan.

Better still, there are no crowds & most accommodation have onsen (hot springs) on offer for their paying guests.

Camping is permitted in the designated area, plus a whole range of accommodation to take advantage of from budget hostels right through to the original 5 star Imperial Hotel 👍

08/05/2023

"CRAZY ABOUT FISH"- Shimbashi
(Sakana Baka Ichidai)
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Some of the best tuna I have ever tasted at this mouth-watering "seafood only" izakaya located in the back streets of Shimbashi, Tokyo.

The staff are friendly and efficient. Their sake list is extensive and pulled from every corner of Japan, poured at a very reasonable price.

What an extraordinary find 👍

06/05/2023

BIKING MT FUJI
WARNING - Fuji p**n!
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Just a relaxing 2 hour train trip from downtown Tokyo & you're at one of Japan's most iconic sites.

Hire a bike (we chose an E-Bike, 1,600 yen for 3 x hours), and circled Lake Kawaguchi for the best views of Fuji-san, stopping for a noodle lunch along the way. It's flat, picturesque & safe for any level of rider. And yes you can use your JRPass for most of the journey (to Otsuki at least, then jump on a local train to Kawaguchiko Station).

Disclaimer - Fuji-san is notoriously elusive, weather reports are not helpful, but hey.....you always have a 50/50 chance right 👍

13/03/2023

EVER WANTED TO EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN JAPANESE CHEF? 🍣🍱🍶

Spend an evening enjoying a succulent Japanese meal in a 100 year old Kyoto townhouse, prepared by your very own Japanese chef.

Not sure you can eat traditional Japanese food? No problem, Chef Akitomo
will accommodate to a more "western" palate when requested.

Just bring your own sake or wine & let your private translator guide you through 9 delicious courses. A rare opportunity to have all of your questions answered by one of Kyoto's top "Kaiseki" chefs.

Min 2/Max 6
20,000 yen p/p
Reservations Essential

[email protected]
www.twostreetsback.com

01/03/2023

FOR THOSE EARLY RISERS 🌄

Special firewood written with people’s wishes (Gomagi) are put into a hearth & set alight before the Buddha.

Held around 7:00am every morning, overnight guests, as well as anyone who has applied in advance, are welcome to participate in this spectacular ritual.
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27/02/2023

PLUM BLOSSOM TEA CEREMONY 🌸

The Plum Blossom Tea Ceremony had its origins at the Kitano Tenmengu Shrine.
It’s a rare opportunity to drink tea and eat Japanese confectionery in the company of Geisha and Maiko from the nearby Kamishichiken geisha district.
www.twostreetsback.com

15/02/2023

SAPPORO ICE FESTIVAL ❄️

From its humble beginnings in 1950, when local high school students created six snow sculptures in Odori Park, to one of the biggest ice festivals in the world! www.twostreetsback.com

08/02/2023

90 MINUTES FROM EVERYWHERE ❄️

A Short 90 minute flight from either Tokyo or Osaka takes you to Japan's most northern capital of Sapporo. Famous amongst the world's best snow skiers, it's also home to the ever popular Ice Festival held every February. Thanks for getting us here Peach Airlines 🙏

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05/02/2023

KYOTO'S QUIET RETREAT 🧘⛩️

Kyoto Train Station 👉 O'Hara = 40 minutes by bus.
Need a break? Take a day trip to the mountain town of Ohara, just a short journey north of Kyoto but a world away from the hustle and bustle of most Japanese cities.

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26/01/2023

"DRESSED TO IMPRESS"
It's a rare privilege to capture the Golden Temple (Kinkakuji) covered in snow..... but yesterday was the day! 🙏

Check out our latest tours here: 👇
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24/01/2023

ART LOVERS THIS ONE'S FOR YOU 🎨🖌️

Visit Naoshima Island where even the buildings are art. One of our favourite places in the Seto Inland Sea.
Join us - "Sail The Setouchi Inland Sea" tour.
👇
www.twostreetsback.com

22/01/2023

ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELLER?

No problem. For an extra ¥‎2000 (AUD$220 /USD $155) enjoy your tour knowing you can relax in your own private room.

(*Applies to "Japan's Hidden Backstreets" & "Sail The Setouchi Islands". Subject to availability)
👇
www.twostreetsback.com

19/01/2023

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN KYOTO

Cherry blossoms are amazing anywhere in Japan, but in Kyoto they are next level 🌸

Join us on our "Flavours of Japan" tour to coincide with this extraordinary travel experience. 25-31 March 2023.
All of our tours have a maximum 6 guests only!
👇
www.twostreetsback.com

16/01/2023

TAKO-YAKI ANYONE?

Takoyaki is one of Osaka’s most well-loved dishes. Imagine golf ball-sized balls of gooey batter studded with pieces of octopus - creamy, salty, and savoury all at once 🤤
Join us and meet the characters that serve these treasures up every night by the thousands.
👇
www.twostreetsback.com

15/01/2023

FOR LOVERS OF JAPANESE FOOD! 🇯🇵

On this week-long tour, you will be traveling by Bullet Train, with your own private guide, from Tokyo to Kyoto, via Kanazawa and Osaka, exploring the best of Japan’s culinary traditions, culminating in a night of delicious Kyoto inspired cuisine prepared by your very own personal chef 🙏 (Max 6 travellers only)

👇
https://twostreetsback.com/tour/flavours-of-japan/

10/01/2023

LUNCH WITH THE LOCALS ON MIYAJIMA ISLAND ⛩️
No visit to Hiroshima would be complete without a visit to this unique little island with its famous floating red torii gate.
Join us and explore one of Japan's top 3 scenic spots!
👇
www.twostreetsback.com

10/01/2023

TEA BREAK IN KURASHIKI 🍵
Discover this charming little trading village from the Edo era on our "Sail The Setouchi Inland Sea" tour.
👇
www.twostreetsback.com

09/01/2023

DISCOVER YOUR JAPAN! 🇯🇵
This fascinating 6 x day journey will allow you to discover three of the most popular destinations in Japan. Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto, each with their own distinctive character, culture & history.

www.twostreetsback.com

05/01/2023

DISCOVER JAPAN'S NEXT HOT SPOT!!!

A must-see for all art & food lovers. Be one of the first visitors to discover this unseen side of Japan.

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Located in Western Japan, the stunning Setouchi coastal area surrounds Japan’s largest inland sea. Setouchi’s unique beauty stems from its more than 700 islands dotted throughout the calm sea between two of Japan’s main islands, Honshu and Shikoku. Each island having its own customs and own tr...

04/01/2023

FOOD TOUR!

This mouth-watering 7 Day/6 Night culinary journey will provide you with a unique experience exploring a variety of local food and drink, while delving behind the traditions and culture that have made these Japanese dishes universally loved and admired throughout the world.

Welcome to Japan, a culinary hotbed, and a world-class food destination in it’s own right. On this week-long tour, you will be traveling by Bullet Train, with your own private guide, from Tokyo to Kyoto, via Kanazawa and Osaka, exploring the best of Japan’s culinary traditions.