Epcot's Japan: A serene getaway within a busy park
Written: Mar 24 '01 (Updated Feb 24 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Architecture, Restaurants, Special Exhibits
Cons: Prices
The Bottom Line: I love this pavilion. I find that it is ordinarily uncrowded and a nice place to take a break.
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| jdhauer's Full Review: Walt Disney World Epcot - Japan |
Introduction
This pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase features beautiful, traditional Japanese architecture and gardens. I find this to be one of the more peaceful areas of the World Showcase during the less busy touring seasons (anytime other than the summer, holidays or school breaks) where you can wander the gardens and enjoy watching the koi swim.
You won't normally find huge crowds in this pavilion because it doesn't feature a "ride" or a film as so some of the other represented countries.
What you will find are some wonderful special exhibits, authentic entertainment, good dining choices and a large store in which to spend gobs of money on items ranging from the not-so-expensive to the take-out-a-second-mortgage price range.
Special Exhibits
During my latest visit, the first of the two special exhibits in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery dealt with the history of baseball in Japan. Baseball is extremely popular in that country and if you have a fan of the sport in the family, this air conditioned gallery located to the left at the rear of the pavilion is well worth a stop.
Another exhibit was "Magical Toys of Japan" where the main attraction was a dancing lion/dragon with an animatronic woman in a kimono inside. First the lion/dragon dances for you and then you can manipulate the controls to make it move on your on. There was a crowd around this part of the exhibit. Be sure to take the time to talk with the Japanese hosts and hostesses who are there demonstrating some simple ball in the cup tricks (that aren't really that simple). The toys to perform the tricks may be purchased in the Mitsukoshi Department Store within the pavilion. In case you were wondering, the dancing lion/dragon is not for sale.
Entertainment
As for entertainment, it's hard to miss the taiko drummers when they perform. You can hear their drums almost all the way around the World Showcase! It's worth the walk to see them perform as they twirl and crouch throughout the show. The other main entertainer is a woman who manipulates candy into amazing animal sculptures. She's easy to miss and well worth the time it takes to find out when she'll be showcasing her craft.
Dining
The main dining area in the pavilion is the Teppanyaki Dining Rooms. If you've ever been to a Japanese steakhouse (i.e., Benihana), you know what to expect. You are seated at long tables with a grill in the center in groups of 8 to 10 people. A chef appears and cooks your meal right in front of you with much knife flashing. The prices are a bit high but you are also paying for the entertainment aspect of watching your chef. You may choose to eat tempura in a separate sit down restaurant or yakitori in the gardens. Another special treat is something called a kaki gori that you can purchase from a small stand near the front of the pavilion. These are much like snowcones and come in interesting flavors including honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon. This is one of my favorite treats but I know plenty of people who don't care for them. It all comes down to personal preference.
Shopping
For shopping, there is something in all price ranges at the Mitsukoshi Department Store. Their merchandise includes kimonos, Mikimoto pearls, bonsai trees, chopsticks, tea sets, dolls, candy, foodstuffs and all kinds of books and toys (including plenty of Pokemon). Be prepared to spend a bundle if you want to purchase some of the very fine merchandise such as the better kimonos or dolls. However, you can pick up small wooden toys, t-shirts, candy and the like at somewhat reasonable prices.
The End of the Day
Finally, the Japan pavilion is a wonderful place from which to enjoy the Tapestry of Nations parade and Illuminations. Just park yourself near the tori gate and settle in for a wonderful show. Some people may be put off by this location since it is on the opposite end of the World Showcase from the main Epcot entrance. Keep in mind that there is a secondary entrance to Epcot (the International Gateway) only two pavilions over behind France. You can easily walk or take a boat to any of the Boardwalk area hotels where you can catch a bus to your final destination if you plan beforehand.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
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jdhauer
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Location: Virginia
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