Whether it’s autumn foliage painting the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colours or winter preparing to cast its white powdery coat, Japan beckons travellers with natural splendours. Come spring and flowers and trees burst into vivid cherry blossom pinks and bright yamabuki yellows, marking another peak season. During the exhilarating autumn and spring periods, serenity can be found everywhere from gardens hiding between Tokyo’s skyscrapers to shrines in Kyoto.

Female chefs have been making great strides in the UK in recent years, with powerhouses such as Hélène Darroze, Angela Hartnett, Clare Smyth, Anne-Sophie Pic, and Margot Henderson paving the way for the next generation.