Japan Pavilion

Although there is not a ride or movie at the Japan pavilion, it is one of the more popular countries at The World Showcase with EPCOT Center visitors - mainly because of the unique shopping opportunities and the many places to sample Japanese cuisine.

Don’t miss the Bijutsu-kan Gallery in your rush to get some sushi, however. This continuously changing exhibit at the Japan pavilion offers many insights into Japanese culture, displaying both traditional and contemporary Japanese art.

There are a variety of places to eat at the Japan pavilion. The Teppanyaki Dining Room is a place where the preparation of the food itself, is entertainment. Each table seats eight people (unless you have a large group, you will be eating with other visitors to the Japan pavilion) and food is prepared on the Tappanyaki grill in the center of the table. Flashing, twirling knives fly with such speed that your delicious meal almost seems secondary to the amazing show that is put on by your highly skilled chef. At the horseshoe-shaped grill in Mitsukoshi Tempura Kiku, guests are treated to batter-dipped, deep fried shrimp, chicken, beef and vegetables. Japan pavilion visitors who are on the go, can grab a quick bite to eat at the Yakitori House, a counter service restaurant offering Japanese beef and chicken skewers. If a fabulous view is what you seek, the Matsu No Ma Lounge at the Japan pavilion offers a wonderful view of Future World across the World Showcase Lagoon as you snack on Japanese pickled vegetables, sushi and tempura.

Shoppers will find it hard to leave the Mitsukoshi Department Store without a souvenir or two! A veritable cornucopia of items are available here, including Japanese kimonos, fine porcelain, cookbooks, kitchenware and dolls. Wait there’s more ... elegant jewelry, clocks, bonsai trees, paper masks and fans ... On second thought, there are simply far too many items to name. You’ll just have to visit this Japan pavilion favorite to see it all for yourself!

For entertainment, be sure to stop by and see Miyuki, a candy artist from Tokyo who is sure to delight youngsters and adults alike. Also, don’t forget to check your park map for show times so that you don’t miss the Matsuriza Japanese taiko drums. This traditional act performs several times a day at the Japan pavilion.