A Jaunt Through the Japan Pavilion at Epcot (Complete Guide)
Epcot’s Japan Pavilion sits toward the center of the World Showcase between the American and Morocco Pavilions. The pavilion offers many things for guests to see and do, including the largest department store in the World Showcase! You could spend hours browsing the memorable merchandise. Fair warning: fans of Hello Kitty, Anime, Sonic, and all things Kawaii might want to hide those MagicBands as you approach the Japan Pavilion. Treasures untold can be found in the Mitsukoshi Department Store.
But the Japanese Pavilion offers more than shopping. Other highlights include the Torii Gate, the Matsuriza Drummers, and the “shave ice” concoctions available at one of the outdoor quick services. It’s also home to numerous dining locations, including a signature restaurant with an exquisite sushi selection. Below, we’ll visit the Japan Pavilion to preview each item. So slip into your kimono and allow me to unfold the sensu. We’re off to Japan–Epcot style.
Epcot’s Japan Pavilion
Below is a list of the different architectural references, entertainment, restaurants, and shops in the Japan Pavilion.
Architecture
- Torii Gate
- Japanese Castle
- Pagoda
- Japanese Gardens
Attractions
- Bijutsu-kan Gallery
Entertainment
- Matsuriza Drummers
Dining
- Garden House (Kiosk)
- Kabuki Cafe (Quick Service)
- Katsura Grill (Quick Service)
- Teppan Edo (Table Service)
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Table Service)
- Takumi Tei (Signature Dining)
Retail
- Mitsukoshi Department Store
- Mitsukoshi Kiosk (Temporarily Closed)
Kidcot in Japan
Architecture
Epcot’s Japan Pavilion features several architectural elements. For starters, a Torii gate sits on the lagoon side of the pavilion. Its vibrant red paint and Spaceship Earth backdrop make it one of World Showcase’s most popular photo spots.
A Japanese castle replica serves as the pavilion’s backdrop. While the castle’s facade is more for looks than anything, it is impressive.
You can walk through the castle’s gates to visit the Kawaii exhibit at the back of the pavilion.
Two Japanese Samurai warrior statues are positioned outside the entrance.
A stunning Pagoda sits in the middle of the pavilion.
Behind the Pagoda, a Japanese garden leads to several outdoor eating areas. The garden provides a peaceful spot to escape the crowds.
Here are a few more photos of the garden.
Attractions in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion
Japan is home to the Bijutsu-kan Gallery, the pavilion’s only attraction. The gallery is located beyond the castle gates at the back of the pavilion. If you’re exploring Mitsukoshi USA, the shop also dead-ends at the gallery’s entrance. The gallery currently houses an exhibit called Kawaii, Japan’s Cute Culture. Of course, this exhibit has been here for quite some time, but it’s still worth browsing.
Inside, you’ll find several collections of Kawaii-related items. According to the signage, while Kawaii is rooted in ancient Japan’s Shinto traditions, the culture didn’t become popular until the 1970s.
Here are a few photos of the gallery’s interior and the giant Harajuku Girl in the center.
If you enjoy cuteness or have children who do, you’ll want to look closely at the gallery displays. The one photographed below features Kawaii at Home. We see a kitchen, bath, and bedroom.
The perfect Kawaii accessories will liven up even the tiniest apartment.
Here are a few familiar faces.
Another display shows Kawaii at work and play.
The more you look at this gallery, the more you’ll see.
These sign-holders for construction work were pretty unique.
Entertainment in Japan’s Pavilion
Most of the pavilions in the World Showcase offer some form of daily entertainment. These performances can vary from pavilion to pavilion but are typically easy to see. The Japan Pavilion has one form of entertainment, the Matsuriza. They are a group of female drummers who play large Taiko drums near the base of the Pagoda. Check the My Disney Experience for their exact times on the day of your visit. They are listed in the entertainment section. We always stop to see them when we run into them performing.
Dining in the Japan Pavilion
Japan is a popular country in the World Showcase in terms of dining. The pavilion offers a snack kiosk, specialty beer, a quick service option, a table service option, a sushi bar, and a signature dining restaurant. The biggest problem you’ll have is deciding where to eat.
Garden House
Garden House is a kiosk in the center of the Japanese Pavilion that serves a variety of beverages.
The menu is accessible via a QR code. This location sells cocktails, plum wine, sake, beer, and other beverages.
Kabuki Cafe
Kabuki Cafe is one of the first kiosks you’ll encounter after leaving the American Pavilion. This counter-service location is popular for serving Kakigori, AKA Japanese shaved ice.
They also serve sushi, ice cream, drinks, beer, sake, and plum wine.
On a previous visit, I tried Kakigori, half of which was covered with a sweet milk topping. Here’s a picture of how my order turned out. It was a tangerine and cherry flavor.
Here is the side that was covered in sweet milk. It is one of the sweeter treats in the World Showcase.
Katsura Grill
Katsura Grill is a counter-service dining location that sits behind the Japanese gardens toward the top of the pavilion.
They have an indoor eating area.
However, it’s hard to beat dining outside if you can find a spot.
For several reasons, this is one of my favorite places to grab a meal in the World Showcase. First, they have a variety of kid-friendly meal options. If you have read our previous reviews, you already know I enjoy ordering kids’ meals at counter service locations. Often, if I’m spending the day at Epcot, I might try several things. So when it’s time for lunch, a kids’ meal leaves room to try a treat elsewhere later.
The Japan Pavilion also has food booths throughout Epcot’s various festivals. Perhaps the most popular is the Japan Marketplace during Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.
Teppan Edo
Teppan Edo is a table-service restaurant on the second floor of the Mitsukoshi Department Store building. It offers a Hibachi-style dining experience, where you sit with other diners while a live chef prepares your meal.
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya
Formerly Tokyo Dining, this sushi restaurant opened a few years ago in the Japan Pavilion. They have a vast selection of specialty seafood offerings.
Takumi Tei
Takumi Tei, which means house of the artisan, is Epcot’s newest signature dining experience. This location offers multi-course tasting menus, including Wagyu beef and seafood delicacies. On our last visit, we ordered the Omakase Tasting Menu. We also ordered a tremendous selection of sushi, including sashimi, nigiri, and sushi rolls. While this is an expensive meal, serious foodies should consider securing a reservation. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
Related: Takumi Tei Review
Shopping in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot
Epcot’s Japan Pavilion is the best place to shop in the park. We love to browse the Mitsukoshi shop and check out the Pick-a-Pearl location.
Mitsukoshi
Guests who have previously ventured into Epcot’s Japan Pavilion have probably found themselves in Mitsukoshi’s department store. It’s genuinely a-something-for-everyone kind of place.
While I would have loved to take photos of everything inside the shop, it would have taken all day. But here is a good sample of what to expect.
If you like Hello Kitty and Friends, you’ll be delighted. (There’s much more than this!)
Here are a few Naruto and Spy x Family items.
Mochibi is a new one to me.
We probably all know Pokemon.
Even if you aren’t into Japanese specialty brands, you might enjoy browsing these items.
Skincare, anyone?
Here are a few notebooks, cards, and Origami paper crafts.
These waving cats are always a favorite.
Each paw has a unique meaning. When the right paw is raised, it’s for more money, and the left is for more customers.
One room in the store has a collection of Kimonos and Obi Knots.
They are beautiful.
Someone will help if you want to see something in the display case.
As we venture to the back of the store, we start to run into specialty food items.
Chopsticks.
A separate room is full of Japanese tea pots and cups.
The very back of the store is like a specialty food shop.
These Pocky candies are pretty popular.
If you love themed food, you’ll find a variety of candies in numerous flavors.
The back wall displays various wines and sakes. If you purchase them, you can return them to your room but can’t open them in the park.
Akoya Pearls (Pick-a-Pearl)
Inside the Mitsukoshi store, you’ll find the popular Pick-a-Pearl. This is where you purchase a ticket and choose an oyster from the display case.
When it’s your turn, a cast member will let you select an oyster.
While this may sound simple, the cast members make a big production out of the whole thing. They will measure and compare your pearl to other pearl sizes. If you choose, you can have your pearl mounted in various jewelry settings.
Kidcot Fun Stop
Last but not least, we have the Kidcot Fun Stop in Japan. Each country in the World Showcase at Epcot offers an activity area for children.
They usually have a postcard from each country and a coloring activity. This is a great way to get children to explore the World Showcase.
Before I forget, here are the pressed penny machines for the Japan Pavilion.
And here are the designs for each one. (Note: they are subject to change.)
Final Thoughts on Epcot’s Japan Pavilion
Hopefully, this review provided insight into where you can pick up a snack, meal, or souvenir on your next visit to Epcot’s Japan Pavilion. We love Japan and think it’s an excellent pavilion to explore. Take the time to walk through the gardens and see the Koi ponds while you’re there. It’s also fun to admire the architecture as a whole. Once you set foot inside the department store, it feels like time stands still. You’ll see what I mean!
We love Epcot’s World Showcase and think it provides an excellent opportunity to see a small slice of the world. Not everyone can travel abroad, so it’s a fun way to experience a taste of other cultures. For more countries in Epcot, try the following:
- Mexico Pavilion at Epcot
- Epcot’s Italy Pavilion
- Morocco Pavilion at Epcot
- United Kingdom Pavilion
- American Pavilion at Epcot
You might also enjoy our entire guide to Epcot. If you plan to spend a lot of time at Epcot during your visit, you might want to stay in the Epcot Resorts Area. The following hotels are within walking distance of the park:
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort Review
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
- Disney’s Yacht Club Review
- Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel Review
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In the Comments
Do you enjoy browsing the store at Epcot’s Japan Pavilion? Is this your favorite pavilion in the World Showcase? Let us know below in the comments.
