A Detailed Look at Disney World’s Epcot Japan Pavilion

Walt Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Each of these parks is made up of several unique areas filled with shops, attractions, entertainment, dining. Today, we’re going to dive into the Japan pavilion at Disney’s Epcot. The Japan pavilion is found in Epcot’s World Showcase. It’s placed between The American Adventure and Morocco. The Japan pavilion has stunning buildings and gardens, all with the intention of transporting guests to the beautiful country of Japan. This pavilion does not have any rides but it does have shops and delicious dining that is not to be overlooked.

Attractions

Kidcot Fun Stops

Each pavilion in World Showcase hosts a Kidcot Fun Stop. Here, children can collect a postcard that they can colour. When guests collect all the postcards they may receive a small prize. The Kidcot Fun Stop is located in the southern part of the Japan pavilion main shop.

Bijutsu-Kan Gallery

This gallery is found in the eastern part of the pavilion and features a changing exhibit. Take some time inside the gallery to learn about the Japanese culture.

Dining

Tokyo Dining

Tokyo Dining is a table service restaurant serving Japanese dishes. The restaurant gives guests a beautiful view of the World Showcase lagoon. Making it a nice choice to dine at during the evening fireworks show. Tokyo Dining is open for both lunch and dinner. The menu is filled with sushi, donburi and yakimoro. This restaurant is very reasonably priced.

Teppan Edo

Teppan Edo is one of the most popular restaurants at Disney’s Epcot. Teppan Edo is a Teppan-yaki style restaurant. Guests not only get a delicious meal but they get a little show as well. Chefs will prepare the dishes in front of the guests and will interact with the guests as they make their meals. Guests can choose from steak, salmon, chicken, scallops or a combination. Teppan Edo is open for both lunch and dinner.

Katsura Grill

Japan’s quick-service restaurant, Katsura Grill, is located to the left and up some stairs as guests enter the pavilion. Guests can dine inside or outside. Open for lunch and dinner, Katsura Grill serves sushi, salads and osusume (which is their recommended menu). The portions are very generous, making Katsura Grill a great spot for a quick-service dinner.

Takumi-Tei

This restaurant is a new Signature restaurant at Disney World. Open for dinner only, Takumi-Tei gives guests an unparalleled Japanese dining experience. The menu is filled with roasted duck, braised wagyu beef, maki sushi, misoyaki salmon. Each dining space is inspired by one of the natural elements. Guests can choose to indulge in the Tasting Menu. The cost is $150 per guest and includes several courses that gives guests a sample of the many offerings feature on the menu.

Kabuki Cafe

A very popular kiosk serving sake mist, an alcoholic shaved ice available in several flavours. The kiosk also has sushi and other alcoholic beverages. The kiosk is found on the main World Showcase pathway as guests are exiting the Japan pavilion and entering The Great American Adventure.

Entertainment

Matsuriza Drummers

Periodically throughout the afternoons, guests can watch performers in the Japan pavilion. The show lasts around 15 minutes and is done on massive drums. Check your daily times guide for specifics on when they will be performing during your visit.

Shopping

Mitsukoshi Kiosk

This little kiosk is found in the courtyard at the entrance of the Japan pavilion. Here you’ll find items directly from Japan. From sweet treats to hats and fans. It’s a great spot to find a special something.

Mitsukoshi Department Store

This is the large shop that makes up the main building of the pavilion. The store is extremely large and offers traditional costume, apparel, food, dish wares, you name it you’ll find it here. Even just taking a glance through this store is eye opening. So take a moment to peruse this fantastic spot during your visit to World Showcase.

That, my friends is the Japan pavilion. It can be so easy to walk by these pavilions during your day at Epcot. Especially the ones that don’t have any rides. But each of these pavilion has a unique story to share. So challenge yourself to take time to at least take a picture deep inside the pavilion and you’ll open yourself up to exploring what’s there. For more tips on wandering around Disney’s Epcot, take a look at these previous posts:

A Detailed Look at Disney’s Epcot Canadian Pavilion

A Detailed Look at Disney’s Epcot German Pavilion

A Detailed Look at Disney’s Mexico Pavilion

A Detailed Review of Disney’s Biergarten Restaurant in Epcot

What You’re Missing at Disney’s Epcot