ClichĂ©s exist because there is a grain of truth at the centre of the sentiment. When people say “Japan is a land of contradictions”, they’re not just being glib. They’re onto something. Japan is steeped in rich culture, tradition and ancient history, and is one of the brightest hubs of innovation and technology in the world. …
It is said that you can’t have a bad meal in Tokyo, but I don’t think you can have a bad meal in Japan. Everything looked and smelt amazing and it was all new to us. We always immerse ourselves into the local food wherever we are. Whether it is the traditional food from Thailand or Italy (our …
The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto nestles in a valley in the South west of the country. Japan’s cultural centre, it was saved from total destruction during WWII and with 2000 temples and shrines, together with imperial palaces and other old buildings, it is one of the best preserved major cities in Japan. Â The …
Nicknamed Tenka no Daidokoro or “the nation’s kitchen”, this term originally referred to Osaka’s Edo Period status as Japan’s centre for rice trade. Nowadays, it refers to the city’s reputation as a gourmand’s paradise. And yes, it lived up to its reputation and yes, eat we did! 🍜 Our first impressions of Osaka were really …
The local Chuo train pulled into Narai having stopped at every station dropping locals off with their shopping. Narai is a simple country station, obvious by its lack of electronic station boards and station master. We wandered up the main street, the beautiful restored wooden buildings seemed to lean in on you. It was very quiet. …
Graveyards can be sombre and contemplative spaces. Coming across a 17th century burial site just above the Kanmangafuchi Abyss in Nikko, that was interring “The Graves of the Self-Immolation”, was especially intriguing. I’ll admit that I wasn’t exactly sure what ‘self-immolation’ meant and had to have Geoff explain to me that self-immolation is the act of …
Two hours from a Tokyo by bullet train is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko. Nikko is famous for its natural scenery of gorgeous mountains and rivers and also for its historical shrines and temples. After a rather warm Tokyo where we had been wearing t-shirts, it was notably chilly in Nikko. We were …
Nothing really prepares you for the impact of Tokyo. Despite all my pre-reading, Tokyo unleashed is overwhelming, but in such a good way. It’s a bit like being offered all your favourite foods at once. It’s hard to know where to begin. You just want to indulge in everything. Thursday afternoon We’d come for cherry blossom …
Possibly the only thing in Japan that isn’t completely punctual is the advent of cherry blossom flowering.  The more I read about timing one’s trip to ensure that you experience cherry blossom season, the more emphatic the advice to just turn up and focus on enjoying Japan as a whole. Such is the transient window …
Les saveurs de la vie is a blog about lifestyle, travel, food, photography and other musings. We are Nikki and Geoff, married since 1995 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦.