The Japan Pavilion is a cultural area within Epcot theme park where Guests of all ages can sense the history and aura of Japan. Walk through a stunning torii gate and enter a serene world of rock gardens, koi ponds and streams, and a handsome blue-roofed pagoda. Bamboo, Japanese maples, evergreen and monkey puzzle trees complete the landscape while the entrancing Taiko drummers provide an exciting atmosphere to dine and shop.
The Japan pavilion is made up of buildings surrounding a courtyard. The entrance to the courtyard features a Japanese Pagoda. A torii gate decorates the water in front of the pavilion. The area is filled with Japanese pools and gardens. At the end of the courtyard is the gate to a Japanese castle, including a moat, which leads into a display of Japanese culture. The bright red torii gate, which welcomes visitors to Japan, can be seen from around the World Showcase Lagoon. As your eyes move away from the lagoon, you see the blue-roofed 5 story Goju-no-to pagoda inspired by a shrine built at Nara in 700 A.D. A towering blue-roofed pagoda, which is a replica of a 7th century Horyuji Temple, is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Footbridges cross streams brimming with water lilies and colorful koi fish.
The "White Heron Castle" is modeled after a 17th century fortress that overlooks Himeji. In the castle, you'll find the Bijutsu-kan Gallery which displays both traditional and modern Japanese art. Entertainment in Japan has included the anesaiku (shaping brown rice candy into mythical animal shapes) and origami (paper folding). An exhibit in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery showcases the history of Japanese anime.
Attractions
Bijutsu-kan - A collection of Japanese arts. This gallery has continuously changing exhibits reflecting the Japanese culture. It is currently exhibiting "Spirited Beasts: From Ancient Stories to Anime Stars", a depiction of Japanese mythology's creatures being adapted into japanese pop culture. This new exhibit looks at how many anime characters and their traits are derived from ancient Japanese characters. As an introductory plaque says: "For centuries, heroic animals and magical creatures have appeared in traditional Japanese myths, stories and art. Today, they are the heroes and villains of Japan's manga comics and anime. These "spirited beasts" from Japan's past have become pop culture superstars, known and loved around the world. Join us as we celebrate these mysterious, magical and mischievous animal figures."
Touring Tips
- Japan is one of the more picturesque of the countries in the World Showcase. It also is one of the best spots for shopping.
- Photo enthusiasts will want to capture the large red torii gate that welcomes visitors to this pavilion.
- Spend some time in the beautiful hill garden where you will find rocks, flowers, lanterns, pebbles, water, foot paths and rustic bridges. Koi fish make a home in the pond in the garden. Japanese maples, bamboo, monkey puzzle trees and other native plantings provide a tranquil garden setting. This is a great place to sit and relax for awhile.
- Mitsukoshi Department Store - has some fascinating displays you'll want to find including fans, dolls, Japanese Swords and fresh water pearls. Your children will be happy to find Pokemon cards for sale in the shops in Japan.
- On a nice day, take your goodies from the Yakitori House and sit outside at the tables near the Japanese festive lights and the water.
Dining
Teppan Edo - At Teppan Edo, guests are seated at an 8 seat white corian counter around a large grill where chefs chop, prepare and cook your meal with such skill and speed, it provides a means of entertainment to enhance your dining experience. If there are less than 8 in your party, be prepared to sit with other guests. Entrees include chicken, beef, and seafood cooked alone or in combinations with crisp vegetables served with tasty sauces, steamed rice and salad. Sushi appetizers are also available. Mitsukoshi proudly presents Teppan Edo, where the spirit of Japanese cuisine is demonstrated through the culinary feats of Teppan Chefs, reflecting the vivacious festivity of the Edo period, which began in 1603. Guests will enjoy a dining experience featuring Teppan-yaki style cuisine and time-honored Japanese hospitality in an atmosphere of traditional majesty.
Tokyo Dining - Mitsukoshi Tokyo Dining offers traditional Japanese cuisine and ingredients with modern innovative presentations. The decor of the restaurant is elegantly done in a modern setting. From the moment walk in you are greeted by sincere Japanese cast members, and you'll find that their constant bowing adds to the authenticity of your overall experience. Bowing is a very important custom in Japan and it is impolite not to return a bow to whoever bows to you. Japanese greet each other by bowing instead of handshaking. The menu combines traditional food culture dating back to the Edo period with the spirit of modern Tokyo. Entrees include sushi and sashimi, steak, chicken, and shrimp, as well as beverages such as hot sake, green tea and Kirin beer.
Katsura Grill - his quick-service restaurant gives diners the option of eating indoors or outdoors and is known for its beautiful gardens. The outside of this restaurant is modeled after the strolling gardens of Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan, a historic landmark. Katsura Grill serves dishes such as sushi, Japanese curry, teriyaki, edamame, udon noodles, a panko-breaded chicken sandwich, and Okonomiyaki (a Japanese "pizza", with vegetables and sauce topping a pancake). Wash down your dinner with Japanese beers, wines, or sake.
Shopping
Mitsukoshi Department Store - A replica of the coronation and ceremonial halls of Japan's Imperial Palace is home to the Mitsukoshi Department Store. Named for the oldest department store in the world, the original store goes back three centuries. This shop is "the mall" of Epcot's World Showcase where you will find a large variety of Japanese gifts and souvenirs. You will see everything from Hello Kitty and Tamagotchis to traditional Japanese footwear and clothing. "Anime" trading cards, i-Pets, Kingdom Hearts action figures, and model cars are just a few of the cool items for children.
Mikimoto Store - The Mikimoto Store is a must see that showcases a gorgeous selection of pearl jewelry. If you're looking for a more affordable keepsake, you can Pick-A-Pearl for under $20. The extensive selection of books covers Japanese gardening and architecture, martial arts, origami, cooking, and learning the Japanese language. They also have an expanded section of the store for items pertaining to Japanese cooking, in particular for sushi preparation and serving. Several of the unique souvenirs available are bonsai trees, Iwach Wind Bells, the Japanese Tea Kettle, and Calligraphy brushes. If you have a more traditional souvenir in mind they carry chopsticks, Japanese lanterns and fans, and incense. Do not forget to check out the Sake Tasting Bar located in the back of the shop. In this area you can sample sake and purchase your favorite along with a Sake serving set.
Entertainment
Miyuki - One of the unique offerings at this pavilion is live demonstrations by Miyuki, a candy artist. This art goes back over 250 years in Japan with artists creating animals or flowers from very hot, soft dough that hardens when it cools. Of the current 15 Japanese candy artists, Miyuki is the only woman. Miyuki has been part of Epcot's Japan since 1996. She continues to delight children and adults with her skills.
Matsuriza - Matsuriza are traditional Taiko drummers and a Japanese Storytellers located at the base of the pagoda.
Facts
- A unique feature of Japan is the wide open courtyard. It's one of the few countries where you won't feel hemmed in while enjoying the sites.
- Matsuriza, Japanese taiko drumming is performed several times a day, check the park guide map for exact times.
- Holidays from Around the World features storytellers in each country. In Japan, the Daruma Seller (a humble Daruma doll vendor) makes appearances throughout the afternoon.
- The five 5 levels of the Goju-no-to pagoda (85 feet tall) represent the elements from which Buddhists believe all things are created: earth, water, fire wind and sky. Above the Goju-no-to pagoda is a bronze, nine-ringed sorin, or spire, with gold wind chimes and a water flame.
- To the right of the courtyard, stands the Shishinden, inspired by the ceremonial and coronation hall found in the Imperial Palace grounds in Kyoto. The Shishinden was built in 794. It is said to be one of the first true styles of Japanese architecture.
- On the east side of the courtyard the massive wood and stone Nijo entry castle with its huge sculptures of mounted samurai warriors beckons guests through the courtyard. Passing through it, visitors cross a wide bridge spanning a moat to the Shirasagigi or White Egret Castle with its curved stone walls, white plaster structures and blue tile roofs. Its style dates from the mid-1300s. In feudal times, great castles dominated the Japanese countryside. Inhabitants of the castle towns found great refuge in their walls. The Shirasagigi, overlooking the city of Himeji, is one of the best preserved castles of early Japan. The great beauty and strength of the bhold are captured in the majestic fortress.
- Every year during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Japan features an incredible floral wall, one year it was the Japanese flag, another year it wall was deep purple irises. Be sure to check out the musical clacker garden as well (a favorite with kids)! Across the way at the bright red torii gate is an incredible display of winning plants from the Florida Bonsai Society.
History
The Japan pavilion is one of the original World Showcase pavilions and had been in planning since the late 1970s. Many attractions have been proposed for the pavilion and one show building was built, but left unused. Meet the World was one planned attraction and was a clone of the attraction Meet the World that was once at Tokyo Disneyland. But because management thought that the Japanese film's omission of World War II might upset many Veterans, it was dropped. The show was so close to opening that the show building and rotating platform was built, but not used.
For years, Imagineers have considered building a roller coaster attraction based on Matterhorn Bobsleds from Disneyland but themed to Japan's Mt. Fuji. At one point, Godzilla or a large lizard attacking guests in their cars was considered. Fujifilm originally wanted to sponsor the ride in the early 1990s, but Kodak, a major Epcot sponsor, convinced Disney to decline the sponsorship. Another proposed attraction was a walk-through version of "Circle-Vision", in which guests would board and walk through a Shinkansen (bullet train) and look through windows (actually film screens) that showcase Japan's changing landscapes. The train would have shaken and moved like a train going through the countryside.
Bijutsu-kan Gallery previously housed an exhibit called "Tin Toys". These toys were just one of many things introduced in Japan as part of the turn of the century transformation the Emperor had for his people. The earliest tin toys came from Europe and were very popular. Soon Japanese toymakers were duplicating the toys and creating new ones based on Japanese folklore. Many of the tin toys are spring operated and can be wound to "come to life" to the delight of those playing with them.
Hidden Mickey
- Check the fences around the trees.
- Check the stones in the lagoon left of the stairs on the concourse level.