Kyoto Style Sushi at Izuju | Kyoto, Japan

While in Kyoto, I ate one of the best meals of my life at Izuju. Izuju specializes in Kyoto-style sushi, which is a bit more creative than sushi that we're accustomed to. I'm not a huge fan of mackerel but Izuju made me a believer. They pickle the mackerel, which gives it this flavor that is incredibly delicious. For one of their signature rolls, Sabazushi, they fill the entire body of the fish with rice. I thought it might be too meaty or fishy, but it was so tasty and I wished that more sushi rolls were like that. The rest of the sushi was just as good and I was glad that we ordered a variety. The meal itself wasn't too expensive and worth the money. It was one of my top three meals for sure and one that I will never forget!

Kinkaku-ji | Kyoto, Japan

Never in my life have I ever seen anything like Kinkaku-ji. After living in Korea for two years, I've seen so many different kinds of Asian temples, but nothing like this! The name translates to Temple of the Golden Pavilion and was originally a villa built in 1397 by a powerful statesman. In 1950, the villa burnt down when a monk attempted suicide. Afterward the pavilion was rebuilt in 1955. It's a close replica to the original villa and was covered with pure gold-leaf.

I loved Kinkaku-ji and the surrounding gardens were absolutely beautiful. It does get a bit busy with tourists but it's definitely a must-see when you're in Kyoto!

Toei Kyoto Studio Park | Kyoto, Japan | 3 of 4

Warning, the next two installments of the Toei Kyoto Studio Park are going to be super geeky. If you are uninterested, take a moment to peruse my other offerings from our Japan trip. Maybe a glance at the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Groves or the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine? If you are a super geek like Markus and I, get ready to fulfill your otaku dreams with some Super Sentai.

If you were anything like us as kids, you devoted some of your television time to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I have to admit that I was clueless to it's original Japanese counterpart, but not Markus. He knew all about the original predecessors. As a kid from the early 80s, he spent afternoons watching Spectreman, Ultraman and Godzilla. That's why spent an obscene amount of time in this part of the theme park. I didn't mind though, anything to make the boy happy!

Toei Kyoto Studio Park | Kyoto, Japan | 2 of 4

So this one time, I travelled to a far away land called Japan. In the beautiful city of Kyoto, I found a village that was somehow lost in time. It was the middle of August and the days were long and hot. I was incredibly parched as I walked through the village. When I thought I would die of dehydration, I saw this well. Luckily, a handsome gentleman offered to fetch me some water. I believe I would've perished if it weren't for him.

Okay, but seriously, can we just talk about how dreamy my husband is? He's gonna be so embarrassed. Oh well! I can't help it if I'm one lucky lady.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park | Kyoto, Japan | 1 of 4

Since Kyoto is amazing and there was so much to do, we almost missed out on an amazing attraction. As you all know, Markus and I are very geeky. In my last post, we visited the Kyoto International Manga Museum. On our last day in Kyoto, we visited the Toei Kyoto Studio Park, the only film set theme park in Japan. It also had heaps of exhibits that included anime, manga and Super Sentai. For our first post about the theme park, we walked through the sets and traveled back in time to Feudal Japan. I had a great time walking through the sets and we even came across a camera crew filming a fight scene. It as incredible and something I will always remember!