I arrived at Shuzenji Onsen in late October, before the fall leaves had completely turned. I had come to the area to stay at Kikuya, a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that was renowned for its old-world architecture and distinctly Japanese baths. Roughly located at the center of the Izu Peninsula, the Shuzenji Onsen area is home to three spots that captured a coveted two-star rating (three being the maximum) in the 2009 edition of the respected French guidebook, Michelin Green Guide Japon: Shuzenji (the central shrine), Chikurin no Komichi (a wooded pathway) and Shigetsuden (a temple).

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During May, when Sendai's trees were sprouting their fresh green leaves, we went to visit the city to research our Sendai special report, and found a city blessed with fine ingredients from the sea and the surrounding mountains in Miyagi Prefecture. There was no lack of delicious food, and here is just a selection of the great eating on offer.