Five Things to Know About the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT

The Japan Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase has no movie or thrill ride, but what it does have is pretty amazing. The Pavilion showcases Japan’s history and architecture, and offers truly remarkable dining experiences. There’s an air-conditioned mini-museum that offers a great respite from the heat. And for the merch-inclined, this is where you’ll find what may be the best place to shop in all of EPCOT!

1. The architecture mixes authentic styles and periods.

The Japan Pavilion opened with EPCOT on October 1, 1982, as one of the original nine countries in World Showcase. Tucked between the Morocco and American Adventure Pavilions, it reflects traditional Japanese settings. Each building draws from significant historical periods and architectural styles of Japan. And Imagineers worked alongside Japanese architects to ensure cultural accuracy and respect throughout the pavilion.

The red Torii gate stands in the Lagoon, across from the Pavilion’s buildings. It’s inspired by the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Bay. The Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan was the model for the Pavilion’s five-story pagoda. Each level representing one of the five elements in Buddhist cosmology: earth, water, fire, wind, and sky. The main building is the “Shirasagigi,” or White Egret Castle. It’s modeled after the Himeji Castle.

Throughout the pavilion, the beautiful landscaping is full of Japanese features. You’ll find koi ponds, a rock garden, and real bonsai trees, which require meticulous care from the Disney groundkeepers.

2. The activities help you gain a cultural understanding of Japan.

The Bijutsu-kan Gallery is a museum-style exhibit in the pavilion. The gallery offers exhibits focused on learning about Japan’s artistic heritage. The current exhibit is “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture”; past exhibits have had displays on mythical creatures and samurai traditions. Another big plus: the museum is air-conditioned and has quiet places where you can sit a while. On our last visit, I was surprised by how respectful and quiet other guests were!

Matsuriza Taiko drummers provide the live entertainment in the pavilion. They perform on the steps of the pagoda, demonstrating a traditional Japanese style of drumming. Their performances immediately attract crowds, due in part to how loud the drums are!

Finally, there’s a Kidcot Fun Stop. Kids can collect a card filled with history and cultural facts about Japan to add to their collection of cards from other pavilions.

3. Some attractions were planned but never materialized.

Back in the concepting stage, the Imagineers considered several rides. One idea was an indoor bullet train simulator ride. It would have featured a journey through Japan, highlighting famous landmarks and cultural experiences. I’ve read that Disney even discussed including Godzilla, but couldn’t get the rights to do so. In the end, the whole idea for the attraction was scrapped.

Also discussed were plans for a Mount Fuji roller coaster similar to the Matterhorn Bobsleds in Disneyland. This one never came to fruition due to budget constraints. And maybe more significantly, Kodak (a major Disney sponsor at the time) raised concerns about the name being similar to their main competitor, Fuji Film. So this attraction, too, was put on the scrap pile.

I’ve also read that there was yet one more speculated and scrapped attraction that never made it. Meet the World would have been similar to the attraction of the same name at Tokyo Disneyland. Shown inside a rotating theatre, it would have illustrated the history of Japan. This one got so far that a building was actually constructed near the Japan Pavilion. But complications popped up, and the project was shelved. The building was turned into a space now used for storage and rehearsal.

4. Eating in Japan is authentic in every detail – and delicious.

The Japan Pavilion has three Quick Service and three Table Service spots to choose from. And the dining ranges from casual to one of the most refined culinary experiences in Disney World.

The Quick Service Katsura Grill may have the most beautiful outdoor dining in EPCOT. (“Katsura” is a tree that symbolized the joining of earth and sky in Japanese folklore.) You can enjoy sushi, noodle bowls, teriyaki, ramen, desserts, and more – all while overlooking a peaceful koi pond.

Kabuki Café is a snack stand close to the entrance. This is the place for kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) plus other Japanese favorite snacks, assorted Japanese sodas, beer, wine, and sake. The Garden House is a kiosk that serves only drinks, with and without alcohol. You can wet your whistle with Japanese beer, specialty cocktails, soft drinks, wine, green tea, and Violet Sake, a favorite of patrons.

But the Table Service options are where this pavilion shines. Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya serves lunch and dinner. “Shiki-Sai” literally means “coloring of the four seasons”; here it’s loosely translated to mean “festival of the four seasons.” And Izakayas are common in Japan; they are a kind of informal dining spot that features both alcohol and small plates. Diners at Shiki-Sai can watch sushi being made at the bar or select from the expansive menu of food and drink. And there are beautiful views of World Showcase Lagoon for fireworks viewing if you are lucky with your timing and your seat! (Review: Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Wins With Family-Friendly Fare)

Teppan Edo is a teppanyaki restaurant right next door to Shiki-Sai. “Edo” means “bay entrance”; it was once the name of Tokyo. Teppanyaki means “iron plate cooking,” and chefs prepare meals on hibachi grills at your table. The interactive dining experience makes this one of EPCOT’s most entertaining restaurants: it’s dinner and a show.

Then, there is Takumi-Tei. This Signature restaurant is one of the most refined and immersive dining experiences at Disney World. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, not least because the prix-fixe options start at $150 per person. But it boasts an elegant atmosphere, exquisite Japanese cuisine, and a deep sense of cultural storytelling. The name means “House of the Artisan,” and the five rooms take inspiration from five elements of Japanese craft: water, wood, earth, stone, and washi (paper). It’s not only the food that’s an artistic experience here!

5. Japan hosts one of EPCOT’s best places to shop.

There’s only one shop in this pavilion, but it’s absolutely incredible. The Mitsukoshi Department store is one of the largest shops in the World Showcase and is the only Mitsukoshi store in North America.

You can shop for anime plush toys, figures, and merchandise from Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and more. More traditional goods include Kimonos, calligraphy sets, and even samurai swords. There are also Japanese cosmetics, bath products, and incense for your browsing pleasure.

Lastly – and this is my favorite section – is the snacks and candy area. You’ll find what can only be called an overwhelming selection of Japanese treats. Look for Pocky, mochi, rice crackers, green tea-flavored treats, and matcha-flavored sweets. And don’t overlook the exotic flavored potato chips and Kit-Kats!

One of our favorite activities in the pavilion is Pick-a-Pearl. Located inside the Mitsukoshi store, guests choose an oyster from a water tank. The oyster is fished out and opened with much fanfare and drumming. Inside the oyster is (always) a pearl, which is measured and can be set into jewelry. Our granddaughters all absolutely loved doing this and talk about it to this day!

Even if you don’t think the Japan pavilion is for you, you have to visit the Mitsukoshi Department store! It may just change your mind.

The Bottom Line.

The Japan Pavilion is a great place to learn more about the culture, history, and cuisine of Japan. And while the pavilion has no ride or movie, it’s a wonderful place to eat, shop, and learn. The food is fantastic, the department store is filled with a remarkable selection of goods, and there are places to take an enjoyable break from your touring.

Have you visited the Japan Pavilion? Had a favorite dining experience? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!