In continuation of our 35 to Epcot 35, the next stop on our journey around the world is Japan. The Japan Pavilion is located between the American Pavilion and the Moroccan Pavilion, in Epcot’s World Showcase.
Buildings and Landscape of the Japan Pavilion
Primarily made up of buildings surrounding a courtyard, the Japan Pavilion features a beautiful Japanese Pavilion. The blue roofed pavilion, which was inspired by the 17th century Horyuji Temple in Nara Japan, towers 83 feet over the land. Behind this beautiful building is an even more beautiful garden featuring a waterfall, rocks, flowers, lanterns and rustic bridges. On the right side of the entrance, another large building greets guests with a beautiful building inspired by the ceremonial and coronation hall at the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. This building features a large retail shopping area, Mitsukoshi, and a Hibachi restaurant, Teppan Edo. The Japan Pavilion also features a quick service restaurant, Katsura Grill, which is located behind the garden. Finally in the back of the pavilion, Bijutsu-Kan Gallery, is a gallery taking guests on a journey through the origin and evolution of Kawaii (pronounced Hawai’i), Japan’s “Cute” culture.
Dining in Japan
First and foremost, lets talk about the food in Japan. At Teppan Edo guests can “celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine during an exciting dining experience that’s part meal, part show. In the communal ritual of Teppan-yaki-style cooking, skillful chefs chop and stir-fry dishes on grills at your table.” Secondly, at Japan’s quick service restaurant, Katsura Grill, guests can choose between a selection of sushi, noodle and shrimp & chicken dishes.
Finally, at Kabuki Cafe, you can enjoy the refined yet refreshing Japanese favorites of otsumami-style sushi, edamame, kakigōri, assorted Japanese sodas & beer, plum wine and hot or cold sake.
Shopping In Japan
At Mitsukoshi, guest can purchase some standard Disney merchandise as well as authentic Japanese Kimono and other gifts and apparel. Additionally, you ill also find some authentic candies & treats and even try a sample of Sake at the Sake Bar towards the back of the shop. Pick-a-pearl is a really cool experience in Mitsukoshi.
At Pick-a-pearl, guest can select an oyster which contains a pearl of varying size and colors. This experience runs about $16-$18 dollars and you can also purchase a setting for it from the jewelry sections in the store. While this experience is not unique at Disney, the experience is quite entertaining with the amazing cast member interaction.
The store itself is massive and wraps around to the back where you can find Bijutsu-Kan Gallery. This attraction features a colorful array of toys, jewelery and tchotchkes from Japanese artist and designer Sebastian Masuda’s travels.
What is your favorite part about the Japan Pavilion? What do you consider a must do here? Let us know in the comments below.
[Source: Disney Park’s Blog, Touring Plans, Disney]
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