Drinks were yummy! Not too strong, but I had a great time. So much to see and experience. read more

Japan Pavilion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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My son is still into One Piece and I was hoping to find something new. Sadly the merch is the same as it was a year ago when I visited. I almost got him a Funko but it's cheaper on Amazon and I won't crush the packaging. Shrug. Love the options of gifts, tees, bags, kitchenware, consumables, etc. Still one of my fave stores to look through. read more

Japan Pavilion - Dodgers! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

The pagoda is stunning as well as the gardens, and we loved walking through the museum of toys and characters. It was an opportunity to be nostalgic while also capturing a bit of quiet in this busy land. The restaurant menus look delicious; however, I haven't experienced the bites here. During our last visit in April, the large shop was incredibly busy. Although I remember enjoying this store previously, the crowd was overwhelming and the lines were long so we headed out quickly to the next land. read more

The Japan pavilion is gorgeous at Epcot! I love the architecture and the views over looking the water. The sake and sushi I had was very good. There was also a huge gift shop with many different souvenirs to choose from. The gift shop also provided a nice spot to get away from the heat. read more

I think the Japan Pavilion is one of the 11 nations (or pavilions) represented in EPCOT's World Showcase. It features a stunning five-story pagoda, a massive torii gate on the water, traditional Japanese gardens, and a beautiful fortress modeled after the famous Himeji Castle. The absolute highlight for my wife and me is Takumi-Tei, the high-end omakase restaurant located here. In our opinion, it's the best restaurant at EPCOT and rivaled only by Victoria & Albert's (at the Grand Floridian) in all of Disney World. If you are walking clockwise starting from Mexico, the World Showcase pavilions order is: 1. Mexico 2. Norway 3. China 4. Germany 5. Italy 6. The United States (The American Adventure) 7. Japan 8. Morocco 9. France 10. United Kingdom 11. Canada While there are 11 today, only nine were there on opening day in 1982. Morocco was added in 1984, and Norway was the final addition in 1988. read more

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I would say this is my most favorite pavilion. A lot of work went into it. There are two restaurants the first one is a buffet and on the expensive side. The other is counter service. We ate at that one. The gift shop is massive. I was telling Max I remember the days when they had pearl divers at the Magic Kingdom. I gave one of those pearls from days long by. Just as I mentioned this attraction and how I wished they had the same attraction, I passed by two tiny aquariums with oysters in them. A family picked out their oyster and there was a ritual. The pearl was opened and it was sized as an 8. I don't know if that's good luck or what. read more

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The Japan pavilion is one of the big ones. It sits across the Epcot globe. There are multiple small and large restaurants here. The gift shop is so huge, took about 15 minutes just walk from one side to another. In the shop, they also pearl farming, people were picking their own oysters to pick out pearls. There's an art gallery too but no rides. A Torii gate is placed in the water that has the globe center aligned to it. Looks stunning at night time. It is a very popular photo spot. They have Disney photo pass spot here too. read more

Japan Pavilion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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The sushi was good and in the shape of a Christmas tree. Nothing crazy special and didn't taste as if it was the freshest sushi but if we were hankering we would order it again. Now the tempura soup in a fish broth was amazing. It could have been the fact that we were drinking throughout the day and this is such a great treat. We ordered a second one and would happily do it again. read more

Japan Pavilion - Sushi xmas tree - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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I love how quick the service is here. Anytime I buy merch or food the line moves super fast. read more

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The line was long, my sister and I ordered the pork bao was good but it was not worth waiting a long line for it. I wish they had hibachi rice. read more

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The Japan Pavilion is one of my favorite pavilions in World Showcase. This is located around the water at EPCOT in World Showcase. It has representees from Japan working here. This is the best part of world showcase. You can actually meet cast members from other countries and talk to them about their culture. This pavilion is unique in that they are one of the only countries that has multiple dining options. The pavilion itself has a Hibachi style dining, Teppan Edo, another sit-down dining, Shiki-Sai and then a more expensive price fix dining, Takumi-Tei, only open for dinner. They also have a quick service restaurant, Katsura Grill, and a small walk-up bar serving sake and cocktails. Right outside the pavilion, they also have a walk-up food stand, Kabuki Cafe, that offers a few different options. There truly is something for everyone to find dining here. They do have a very large gift shop that spans more of the pavilion. There are tons of options inside for shopping including toys, clothing, jewelry, food and more. They also have a pick your own pearl that will be opened in front of you, and you can keep the pearl inside. I have done this a few times, you never know the size or the color you will get from the oyster. For entertainment, they offer drummers, Matsuriza, which use very large drums that are played in unison. It is one of my favorite shows to stop and watch. They are absolutely incredible. All of their show times can be found on the My Disney Experience App. I also think there are quite a few areas that you can find to sit and just relax. They are sort of tucked away, especially near the Katsura Grill which is higher up from the ground. There are plenty of tables and we have frequently found ourselves sitting here for a bit. This is the only country that also has a Koi Pond, or any type of live animal. It is just so peaceful to see. There is also a kidcot, if you are participating in that. This is something that children and adults can participate in. It allows for a fun discovery experience in which you collect activity cards at each country throughout World Showcase! The cast members will also write your name in the native language. There is also a Disney photopass person as well there to take your photo. I love this pavilion and will always tell people, make sure you stop and check it out. There is so much to see and experience here. Soak in their culture, their food, their drinks and more. Definitely check it out. read more

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This has always been my favorite pavilion at Epcot. It's a nice showcase of Japanese culture. There is a small restaurant in the pavilion that serves Shrimp Udon, sushi and other common Japanese dishes. There is also a good size gift shop with plushies, common goods and gifts like clothing, chopsticks and snacks and drinks. On the second floor of the gift shop is a Hibachi restaurant, similar to Benihana or Kobe. Next door is a little museum that showcases different themes pertaining to Japan. For a long time, it was Anime, before that, it was History. Now, (last I checked) it was Kawaii (a history of "cute"). Across the way is the typical small stand with grab and go bites and a speciality drink. Other pavilions have rides, Japan doesn't, but it still has plenty to see and do! read more

Food: This was my first drink around the world at Garden House and it was so yummy! Service: They were quick and efficient. Ambiance: There was no seating but the Japan Pavilion itself is so beautiful. read more

Japan Pavilion - EPCOT's Hidden Kingdom of Culture, Cuisine & Collectibles Nestled beside the American Adventure Pavilion, the Japan Pavilion stands tall--literally and figuratively--as one of the most majestic and immersive stops in the World Showcase. From the moment you step under the iconic red torii gate, you're transported into a world of serenity, flavor, and shopping bliss. Merch Heaven Let's start with the crown jewel: Mitsukoshi Department Store. This sprawling first-floor marketplace stretches the length of the pavilion and is packed with everything your Japan-loving heart could desire: * Pokémon merch galore * Traditional clothing and accessories * Bonsai trees, swords, snacks, and sake * Even a pearl station where you can select and open your own oyster It's not just a store--it's a cultural experience. You could spend an hour here and still find new treasures. Dining Dynasty Japan boasts one of the most robust food offerings in EPCOT: * Quick Service: The Katsura Grill offers edamame, white rice, teriyaki beef and chicken, and other well-priced options with authentic Japanese flair. It's tucked into a peaceful garden setting--perfect for a quiet meal. * Table Service: Upstairs above Mitsukoshi, you'll find Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo, both offering elevated experiences with sushi, tempura, and hibachi-style cooking. * Signature Dining: For the ultimate splurge, Takumi-Tei delivers a refined, multi-course Japanese culinary journey. Think Victoria & Albert's--but with wagyu and wasabi. And don't miss the quick-service bar kiosk, which serves sake, plum wine, and even frozen beer during festival season. Yes, frozen beer--it's a thing, and it's glorious. Beauty & Entertainment * The pavilion's design is stunning, with tranquil koi ponds, stone lanterns, and lush landscaping that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. * The taiko drum performances add rhythmic energy and cultural depth--an absolute must-see if you catch them live. * During festivals like Food & Wine, the Japan booth consistently delivers bold flavors and unique drinks that keep guests coming back. --- Final Toast Whether you're sipping sake, shopping for Pokémon plushies, or indulging in a multi-course omakase, the Japan Pavilion is a masterclass in immersive storytelling and cultural celebration. It's one of those rare EPCOT stops that satisfies every sense--sight, sound, taste, and nostalgia. So let's raise our chopsticks, toast our sake, and salute this pavilion for being a true standout in the World Showcase. Elite-level approved. Cast member certified. Sushi-fueled and sake-blessed. read more

Japan Pavilion - Icon of the Japan pavilion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Very nice gift store. Interesting snacks and sounviers. The employees were friendly and helpful. We shared a frozen treat and a bag of squid snacks. The Japan area is a great viewing area for fireworks! read more

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This area of Epcot is worth exploring. They have a few different quick service restaurants, a hibachi restaurant, and a high-end restaurant. They also have a bunch of bonsai trees and a Koi pond. There's a band that plays a few times a day. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in Epcot. read more

Japan Pavilion - Great landscaping - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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The Japan Pavilion is located at EPCOT in World Showcase. There are so many countries represented at EPCOT, and this is one of my favorite pavilions. It always has representees from Japan actually working here, which is the best part. You can actually talk to them about their home and learn something new about their culture. Some of the countries have rides or shows, which this one has neither. It was one of the few that do not have something. There is entertainment here though. All of the countries do have shopping and dining. This pavilion is unique in that they are one of the only countries that has multiple dining options including Hibachi dining (Teppan Edo), a table service (Shiki-Sai), a fancier and more expensive price fix location (Takumi-Tei), and a quick service location (Katsura Grill). You can also purchase snacks and candy typically from Japan in the gift shop, and they have a walk-up bar serving sake and cocktails. A place that goes overlooked it right before the country, but more on the main path, they have a walk-up food stand (Kabuki Café). There is truly something for everyone to find here. There is also shopping here and a very large gift shop that spans most of the pavilion on the first floor. Inside you will find tons of items for sale including toys, clothing, jewelry, food and more. My favorite thing to buy for my wife is the pick your own pearl, which is opened right in front of you, and you get to keep the pearl. I have done it a few times with my wife, and she has had them made into rings, which they also do there for you. I also like to see the different candy and snacks they sell which are all from Japan. For entertainment, they offer drummers, Matsuriza, which use large drums, played in unison. It's one of my favorite shows to stop and watch as they are so incredible. All the showtimes can be located on the My Disney Experience App, and there are a few throughout the day. On some days you can even hear the beats in a couple of countries over. What my wife and I love is that there are quite a few areas you can find to sit and just relax. She gets anxiety at times, and it is very nice to sit and just relax with a nice cocktail or water. These areas are tucked away, especially near the Katsura Grill which is higher up from the ground. This is the only country that also has a Koi Pond, or any type of live animal in the pavilion around World Showcase. All of the countries also host Kidcot, which is for children (or adults such as my wife and sister-in-law) to experience a scavenger hunt of sorts. What is does is have you collect activity cards at each country throughout World Showcase and while you are there you will learn something, and the cast members will also write your name in the native language. There is also a Disney photopass person as well there to take your photo. I love this pavilion, it has so many dining options, some of which are my personal favorite. There is so much to see and experience here. Soak in their culture, their food, their drinks and more. Definitely check it out. Aces! read more

Japan Pavilion is located at Epcot's World Showcase. It's all the way in the back of the park. I think it may be one of the furthest pavilion's from the entrance. It's one of my favorite Pavilion's at Epcot though. Upon entering the Pavilion, visitors are greeted with the Torii gate. As you continue to venture into the pavilion, there is a serene and beautifully landscaped that is very similar to a traditional Japanese garden. It has koi ponds, manicured plants, and calming water features. One of the main attractions in the Japan Pavilion is replica of the iconic Himeji Castle. The Himeji Castle is one of Japan's most well-preserved feudal castles. The castle serves as entry point to engaging cultural exhibit. The cultural exhibit provides insights into Japan's history. Inside the exhibit you'll also see references to samurai heritage. You can explore fascinating artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical displays. Japan Pavilion also has entertainment. You'll see a variety of performances throughout the day. The Matsuriza Taiko drummers deliver powerful and rhythmic performances, with their skillful drumming and dynamic choreography. There are also traditional Japanese music performances, showcasing the beautiful sounds of instruments. The Japan Pavilion is also a wide range of dining options that serve delectable Japanese cuisine such as sushi and sashimi to tempura and ramen! There is also the Mitsukoshi Department Store, a shopping store within the pavilion. It offers an extensive array of Japanese merchandise such as anime, and another section that offers traditional clothing, unique souvenirs, and exquisite arts and crafts. My favorite section in the store is all of the anime offering from shirts, plushies, and figurines! Japan Pavilion has so many activities inside that you could easily spend several hours in just this section! I'd highly recommend visiting this pavilion! read more

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Gotta love the Japanese pavilion in EPCOT. There were Japanese drummers, restaurants, and an amazing gift shop. The place definitely looked like different areas of Japan I had previously visited. The 2 restaurants were a formal dine in place and another place where you can order food and picked it up front when your number is called. The gift store had everything Japanese from Japanese candy, kimonos, to Japanese toys. The outside of the gift shop looked like a real castle from that region. I tried a chicken bun at this pavilion. It was so soft and tasty. read more

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The Japan Pavilion is probably my favorite pavilion at all of Epcot and it is in the direct BACK of the park, so the farthest to walk to if you're coming in from the front entrance, but more than worth it! It has a traditional Japanese gate (aka a torii) situated at the water's edge so there's great opportunities for photos here with the torii and Epcot ball in the distance perfectly framed within it! The rest of the pavilion is so FUN and so stunning! There is like a proper gift shop/almost convenience store that sells so many Japanese-based goodies in it! There's a small kawaii museum, plenty of sit down restaurants if you have more time to indulge here, cultural and musical performances that rotate throughout the day, and just generally all around has some of the yummiest food! I love the Japan pavilion and think it's the perfect example of finding the perfect balance between showcasing a lot of Japanese culture and making it super cute and merchandisable at the same time! read more

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The Japan Pavilion is located at the 7 o'clock spot in the World Showcase in EPCOT. You're greeted by the huge pagoda right in front. There were some shops and a museum but it wasn't a big pavilion. As part of the "drinking around the world" journey, we went to Garden House to get the drink violet sake. read more

Japan Pavilion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Another one of my favorites on our tour in Epcot. The food is always good doesn't matter if you are sitting down, getting quick service or from a festival kiosk. They sometimes have my favorite food! Lots of shops and lots of seating. They always have shows that are really cool as well. Lots of space to move around. read more

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It's an amazing store. There's so many authentic things here to learn about they have the bonsai trees they have the sword they have the mask. They have a area where there's nothing but pearls they have incense they have the native dress they have wrapping with fabric things that you can do with fabric, they have all the the prosperity Cats. This is so many things here that you can pick up on the tapestry is absolutely beautiful Candles incense they have everything here that you could possibly think that you wanted more each year they have a different animal or a different. I want to say insect that represents prosperity so last year was the cat this year. It's a worm and in a bowl or a dish and he's just rocking back-and-forth to bring you prosperity This is a new prosperity cider the new prosperity of worm before it was the cat and she has the worm so that is my review. Thank you very much. read more

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I think it's down the best Pavilion that Epcot have in their world showcase. Everything about it screams aesthetically pleasing and absolutely gorgeous. The design of detail that went into creating this is absolutely inspiring for architects my opinion. As of right now, due to the ongoing covid crisis they are unable to have any of their International cast members, therefore there are no shows going on, but it does not stop you from being able to thank you for the good find and detail of every little thing's Pavilion that has a quick service restaurant that has weather at the egg rolls for dumplings, as well as a couple sit down restaurants, one of which is a cook in front of you hibachi style and another one that will basically break the bank for you because of how expensive it is LOL! They sell different items in this Pavilion as well, such as Chopsticks, sake, toys for all ages and some beautiful clothing and other attire. Prices are very reasonable year when you think that you are at a theme park. They also have a cute little Museum area that has a ton of Kawai type stuff that will definitely make you smile. read more

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I love Sushi. So does every person I know. And this gentle, Japanese pavilion really let's us taste the unique goodness of it. Of course, I am not certain that the Imperial Army of Japan didn't actually force their Florida prisoners to clear out the local swamps for roads leading in and out of Epcot just like in Burma. However that was long ago, so let's not hold grudges against them and their good food - just like they shouldn't hold grudges against us and our bad food for leaving macabre black shadows of ashen memory on their Hiroshima walls. That said - the Sushi here is Great. read more

A fine example of combining captivating architecture, culture, and attraction - the Japan pavilion is, in my opinion, one of the strongest pavilions around the World Showcase. From the huge pagoda that greets you down to the gardens and general aesthetics - Japan is a feast for the eyes; clean lines for DAYS. While there is no headliner attraction or film here, the pavilion has one huge strength that no other pavilion has - Mitsukoshi. Yes, Mitsukoshi - a Japanese department store that dates back to the 1600s. This is the chain's only location in North America, and is really a treasure trove of novelties, clothing, snacks, and other merchandise. The store is really an attraction in itself - you can easily spend a large chunk of time here. Besides Mitsukoshi, the pavilion is home to a brand new Disney Signature restaurant and a few other small attractions. Take the time to check out the Japan pavilion - it's definitely a highlight of World Showcase. read more

Grabbing drinks around the world showcase at Epcot is always a good time. During the week are lower crowds and much more relaxing around sunset. read more

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The Japan Pavilion was spot on. I once visited Japan spending a week there. I found Japan offers many of the comforts of being in the West w/ a culture that couldn't be more different in some ways. The language barrier made it difficult traveling to Japan. I have always been fascinated by the culture of Japan. The Japanese museum here focused on the Anime & Manga culture that permeates Japan. My favorite part of the Japan Pavilion was watching a trio of female Japanese drummers drum. Amazing drumming from Japan that they clearly mastered the art of drumming. Special to see it up close as was quite a show. read more

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Japan pavillion it is by far my favorite pavillion in the Epcot World Showcase. I always make it a point to her was it udon at their tiny restaurant upstairs from the store when I go to Epcot. I also love to look around in their store with all the Japanese culture merchandise. I am a big anime and video game fan and that is heaven to me. They have so many cool stuff. And their glassware and Kimonos! I get a kick of the shop associates expressions when I speak in Japanese to them LOL. The big Pagoda outside, is a great picture backdrop. I also love the drum presentations throughout the day. Awesome pavilion. read more

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The Japan Pavilion is one of my favorite countries in World Showcase at Epcot! There is just so much to see, do and explore here! Plus, it's my favorite shopping in all of Epcot. On the shopping front, the biggest draw is Mitsukoshi Department Store which is a huge shopping store (see my details on that shop in its separate review) complete with an oyster store & sake bar. Dining wise there is Teppan Edo (full service Teppenyaki spot where the chefs cook in front of you!), Tokyo Dining (full service sushi & tempura restaurant), Kabuki Cafe (light snacks, drinks & kakigori) and Katsura Grill (quick service sushi, teriyaki, udon, ramen spot). During the holidays, there is a booth called Hakkaido Holiday Kitchen serving up some specialty drinks, cinnamon mochi cake and New Year Soba. The Soba was a fairly good size and quite enjoyable for $6.50 with shrimp tempura & chicken. You'll also find the Bijutsu-kan Gallery which explains the Japanese Kawaii culture - all about cuteness and I love it! You can listen to the the Matsuriza ensemble playing traditional Japanese drums. The area around Japan is beautiful with Japanese gardens, little pools filled with koi fish, Pagodas, and the tori gate. What I miss most: Candy Miyuki! She performed in the Japan Pavilion for 16 years and was the only WOMAN trained in Japanese Candy Art! Girl power! It was amazing to see her work with 200 degree candy molding it into beautiful animals. read more

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So this pavilion has so much to see and do. From the store were you can get a oyster with a pearl and try some sake to the drum show and nice quiet are we call our 'zen' spot. We have had the sit down restaurant here and it was great. Never had the hibachi yet but that looks fun! The counter service has great offerings too. This is also supposed to be one of the best spots to watch illuminations. We did that one time from the balcony of the restaurant and it was ok. I still like Rose n Crown better. They will let you leave your table to go watch so that is good. Japan is a really cool place to chill and soak in a little culture read more

Japan Pavilion - Bang the drum - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

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Landmark review Located in the back of Epcot in the international pavilion is this slice of Japan. When you walk into this section of the park, you feel like you are transported to Japan with the architecture and bonsai trees. I did not get a chance to try the restaurants, but based on the other reviews they appear to be tasty. They do have a large store that has a lot of different products from Japan and you can also purchase freshwater pearls straight from the oyster. Finally, there is also an area that shows off Japanese culture with an excellent explanation about Harajuku. I also missed the drum show. read more

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Hands down one of my favorite things I visited when I went to Epcot! It's got sooo much going on in just a few buildings. Their gift shop is endless! You can get treats, trinkets and so much more there! It's an endless kawaii dream! They have drum shows several times. I loved that when I went I saw 3 female drummers. Being Asian, I know that a lot of times males get to be the drummers so seeing the females was great! If you walk up the stairs to a path behind the tower where the drummers are, you will see the prettiest garden and a lovely spot to sit and watch the drummers and have lunch! It's pretty picturesque. I didn't try the restaurants there but I would give them a try next time. It's smart to make reservations, too! read more

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The Japan Pavilion deems as one of the most interesting to me. Since the Japanese have such a rich culture, there are so many different things that they can portray in this area. And I always love getting to explore it!! Although I have not tried the restaurants here yet, I have heard great things about their full service restaurant, that is Hibachi-style. They also have one of the coolest stores, where you can buy just about anything Japanese, anime, or nerdy that you can think of. Another thing I really love are the street performers; they often have people out playing the drums (or probably something similar with a different name) and it is very interesting to watch! read more

My second favorite pavilion in Epcot. Japan is very well done and has some awesome shopping, artistry and food. It is pretty large and has some really well-done building to mimic the architecture of Japan. There are some great photo-op spots here. The drum performance is awesome so be sure to catch it if you can. It's done in a space that allows for great views for most people so that's a plus. I tried a sushi donut from the street kiosk and found it to be delicious. There is a lot of shopping in a very large mall space as well as a nice dine-in second floor restaurant. I was not able to try the shaved ice during this trip - too much to eat and too little space - but it looked delicious and I will make sure next time it's at the top of the list! read more

The Japan Pavilion is one of my favourite Pavilions throughout The World Showcase at Epcot. This is one Pavilion I never fail to make a stop at each and every time I'm making my way around The World Showcase. The Mitsukoshi Department Store here is amazing. You can get lost in there forever. If you have never been to Epcot, do not miss stopping in this store. There are just so many things to see. Check out my review and other reviews here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mitsukoshi-department-store-lake-buena-vista?hrid=kEv2V5A9f7Gwa1FeHtM3bw The design is also very peaceful and serene. I love the koi pond. The gardens and trees are so beautiful. I'm sure at this point I've been here well over 100 times and yet the beauty still takes my breath away. There are also a lot of Hidden Mickey's to be found at the Japan Pavilion. Places to look: The metal grates around the trees: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/japan-pavilion-kissimmee#mdkCABUduWjOiqOwgLZghA The bushes to the left of the Torii Gate: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/japan-pavilion-kissimmee#sBYzxyQMOIlCDGcxnmqnKw One of the drains in the koi pond: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/japan-pavilion-kissimmee#SoL1RMqQdmnjeZtQFu1FDQ Hidden amongst some of the trees. I won't tell you the exact spot because this is a fun one to find on your on: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/japan-pavilion-kissimmee#E6qoejyfHQgFDYaEwOOQAA For those who do not know, all the Cast Members here are from Japan. That's the way it is at each of the Pavilions.... the Cast Members are actually from whichever country you happen to be in. I want to mention this because I got a Japanese tattoo about 12 years ago that means "trust." I had always wondered if it really meant what it's suppose to. LOL A couple of years ago, one of the Cast Members here verified that it does mean "trust" ... and I didn't tell her what it was suppose to mean first. I was relieved! :D There are a couple more japanese tattoos I want to get and she took the time to draw (write) the words for me. When I do get them, I'll definitely know I'm getting the right thing on my body. If possible, try to catch the drummers here. They are fabulous! read more

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You have got to try this sunset drink in the stand that's directly across from the Japanese restaurant read more

Japan Pavilion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida

Love love love this pavilion. They always have interesting items in the shop. The staff is really friendly. They have a candy / food shop in the far back with tons of imported items. The museum area has a Kawaii exhibit right now which is freaking adorable. They explain the culture behind it and have fun stuff to look at. Most of the time they have a kid's craft table with hands on activities for the Littles, so be sure to check that out! Overall: A Love! read more

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This is my favorite pavilion at Epcot. I'm very biased, however, because this is one of the only places in Florida, outside of college grounds (where it's no longer appropriate for me to loiter as a non-student), where I can actually speak Japanese and pretend I'm back in Japan. I love this pavilion, because Disney did it right. There are elements that make me homesick for Japan, such as the little grocery store full of Meiji chocolate and senbei, the quick service restaurant's katsu curry, and the kakigori served at the Kabuki Cafe (with sweetened condensed milk on top, of course). There are a few touristy things along the way, naturally, but the overall experience is authentic. The Mitsukoshi shop is packed full of fun Japanese paraphernalia, like anime merch, yukata, bonsai trees, and paintings. There's always something new to see! It reminds me of walking into a Japanese department store or hyaku-en shop and perusing the endless aisles of kawaii goods for sale. You might think it's kitsch or that you're being force fed a stereotype of some sort, but there are a ton of stores in Japan overflowing with native otaku, who need to satisfy their inner geek, and throngs of people who just want to buy some cute notebooks with nonsense English phrases on them, because it just feels good, damnit! The staff here are always super nice and polite, and the combination of old Japan (Kyoto) architecture with new Japan (Tokyo) bustle makes for a truly unique experience. The garden with all of the potted trees on display is amazing! It's incredible to see how old each tree is and truly appreciate nature for a few moments before pushing back into the thick of the Disney crowds. read more

5 stars for one of the best Pavilions at Epcot. Each time I go to Epcot, I can't help put stop at the Japan Pavilion. Located between the Morocco and American Pavilion (near the bottom of the Epcot map), the Japan Pavilion has so much to offer. Aside from looking absolutely beautiful, what really sets this pavilion apart for me is the shopping. Located at the very back of the pavilion are Japan shops. There is SO much to see in the shops. Whether it is fun Japanese knick knacks (made for a great place to buy unique bridal shower gifts for a friend of mine), saki tasting, crazy masks, plants, or anything else you can think of in the Disney version of Japanese culture, these shops will have them. The shops seem small when you enter, but they actually keep going and going, so be sure not to stop in the first area. The other aspect that sets this Pavilion apart are the restaurants. While not quite as fancy or extensive as someplace like the France Pavilion, all 4 of the restaurants at the Japanese Pavilion provide tasty food and are (relatively) well priced. My favorite of these restaurants is the Teppan Edo, which is the hibachi restaurant that provides some of the best hibachi you can find in the Orlando area. Overall, the Japan Pavilion is one of the top Pavilions at Epcot. I definitely recommend making sure you stop by on your next trip to Epcot. read more

Japan Pavilion - Saki tasting - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Orlando, Florida