Japan Pavilion at EPCOT: Everything You Need to See, Eat, and Do
Explore the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT, including Mitsukoshi, Matsuriza, beautiful gardens, Japanese food, restaurants, shopping, snacks and more.
Estimated reading time: 24 minutes
The Japan Pavilion at EPCOT is one of those places where I can accidentally spend a ridiculous amount of time.
There isn’t a ride here. There isn’t a Disney character meet and greet. And yet, somehow, there is so much to do.
You can wander through beautiful Japanese gardens, watch koi swimming through the ponds, listen to enormous taiko drums, explore a cultural exhibit, shop in what I would argue is one of the best stores in all of Disney World, eat sushi, grab kakigori, try Japanese candy, buy something completely unnecessary from a capsule toy machine, and then wander around some more.
And that’s before we even talk about the restaurants.
Japan is also just gorgeous. The five-story pagoda, gardens, bridges, torii gate along World Showcase Lagoon — this pavilion is beautiful during the day and absolutely stunning once the lights come on at night.
So no, Japan doesn’t have a ride.
It really doesn’t need one.
Where Is the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT?
The Japan Pavilion is located in World Showcase between The American Adventure and Morocco.
It’s also pretty hard to miss.
The enormous red torii gate sits along World Showcase Lagoon, while the five-story pagoda rises above the pavilion on the other side of the promenade.
But don’t just admire Japan from the main walkway and keep going.
This is one of those pavilions where you really need to walk inside and explore.
There is quite a bit hiding behind the buildings you see from the World Showcase promenade.
Take Some Time to Explore the Japan Pavilion
If you’re racing around World Showcase trying to check countries off a list, Japan is a good place to stop doing that.
Walk up toward the pagoda. Wander through the gardens. Cross the little bridges. Find the koi ponds.
There are waterfalls, bamboo, beautifully manicured trees and quiet little pathways tucked throughout the pavilion.
And while I wouldn’t exactly call anywhere in EPCOT peaceful when 50,000 of your closest friends are also visiting 😂, the gardens behind the main pavilion can feel surprisingly removed from the crowds on the World Showcase promenade.
This is one of my favorite places in EPCOT to simply wander around for a few minutes.
Don’t Miss the Koi Ponds
And yes, I am giving the koi their own section.
Because look at them.
The koi ponds are tucked into the gardens around the pavilion, and there are some absolutely enormous fish in there.
This isn’t something you need to schedule. It isn’t an attraction. You aren’t going to find a Lightning Lane for the koi. 😂
But this is exactly the kind of little detail that makes World Showcase so much fun when you give yourself permission to slow down.
Kids especially may end up spending considerably longer looking at the fish than you anticipated.
Ask me how I know.
The Japan Pavilion Is Gorgeous at Night
If you’re spending a full day at EPCOT, Japan is worth seeing twice.
Come through during the daytime so you can really appreciate the gardens, ponds and architecture.
Then come back after dark.
The pagoda is illuminated, the torii gate glows along the lagoon, and the entire pavilion takes on a completely different feel.
There are plenty of beautiful nighttime spots around World Showcase, but Japan is easily one of my favorites.
If you’re into Disney photography at all, don’t skip it after sunset.
Watch Matsuriza Perform Traditional Taiko Drumming
This is another experience I would absolutely try to catch while you’re here.
Matsuriza performs traditional Japanese taiko drumming in the Japan Pavilion. The performance is only about 15 minutes long, but these aren’t people casually tapping on drums.
These things are enormous.
And you can feel them.
Disney describes Matsuriza as a traditional Japanese drumming group performing intricate arrangements on giant taiko drums, and there are typically multiple performances throughout the day.
It’s one of those World Showcase performances that adds so much atmosphere to the pavilion — and it’s short enough that I think it’s worth intentionally trying to catch.
Check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for current performance times rather than assuming you’ll happen upon it.
Although if you happen to be nearby when those drums start, you’re probably going to know. 😂
Visit the Bijutsu-kan Gallery
This is another place that would be incredibly easy to overlook.
The Bijutsu-kan Gallery is tucked inside the Japan Pavilion and currently houses Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture, an exhibit exploring Japan’s kawaii culture and its influence on Japanese art, fashion and popular culture. The exhibit even includes a replica of a Tokyo apartment belonging to a fictional kawaii superfan.
And this is exactly the kind of thing I love about World Showcase.
You don’t have to spend an hour in here. You don’t have to turn your EPCOT vacation into a museum field trip.
But take ten minutes.
Walk inside.
Look around.
There are so many little cultural experiences scattered throughout World Showcase that people miss because they’re rushing to the next ride or restaurant.
This is one of them.
Kidcot Fun Stop
You’ll also find the Japan Kidcot Fun Stop inside the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. Disney currently has a Kidcot location in every World Showcase pavilion, where kids can collect activity cards featuring information about the different countries.
We’ve done Kidcot at various ages over the years, and I think it’s a particularly fun way to give younger kids something of their own to look for as you’re exploring World Showcase.
And Japan’s location is easy to combine with the gallery since you’re already inside.
Mitsukoshi Is One of the Best Stores at Disney World
Okay.
Now we need to talk about Mitsukoshi.
Because if you usually skip Disney gift shops because you assume they’re all selling variations of the same Mickey Mouse T-shirt, do not skip this one.
Mitsukoshi Department Store is huge, and Disney describes it as the only Mitsukoshi store in North America.
More importantly, this place is fun.
There are Japanese candies and snacks. Anime merchandise. Pokémon. Studio Ghibli. Hello Kitty. Toys. Home goods. Beauty products. Clothing. Chopsticks. Japanese gifts. Collectibles.
There is a LOT in here.
My daughter has always enjoyed this store considerably more than I enjoy the amount of money I potentially spend in this store. 😂
Even if you aren’t planning to buy anything, I think Mitsukoshi is worth walking through because it feels completely different from most Disney World shopping.
Try Some Japanese Snacks and Candy
One of my favorite parts of Mitsukoshi is the food section.
There are shelves and bins filled with Japanese candy, chips, cookies, crackers and other packaged snacks, including plenty of things you probably aren’t going to find at your neighborhood grocery store.
This can be a really fun and relatively inexpensive way to try something new.
Pick something that looks interesting. Take it outside. Share it with your family.
Worst case scenario, everyone takes one bite and makes a face.
That’s still entertainment. 😂
And there are also refrigerated/frozen Japanese treats available, including things like mochi ice cream and other packaged desserts. The exact selection changes, so this is one place where I would browse rather than go in looking for one specific item.
RELATED: Best Snacks at Mitsukoshi in EPCOT
Don’t Miss the Capsule Toy Machines
And then there are the capsule toy machines.
Disney now officially lists the Capsule Toy Kiosk as its own Japan Pavilion shopping experience, offering Japanese collectible capsule toys.
This is another tiny thing that doesn’t sound particularly important until you’re standing in front of an entire wall of them thinking:
Well, obviously I need to know what’s inside.
Japan is dangerous like that.
Where to Eat in the Japan Pavilion
And now we get to one of Japan’s biggest strengths.
The food.
There are a surprising number of places to eat here, ranging from snacks and quick service all the way up to one of Disney World’s more expensive signature dining experiences.
You’ve got:
- Katsura Grill for quick-service Japanese food
- Kabuki Cafe for sushi, kakigori and snacks
- Teppan Edo for teppanyaki cooked at your table
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya for sushi and a broader izakaya-style menu
- Takumi-Tei for a much more upscale Japanese dining experience
And I’ve eaten at enough of these places that I definitely have opinions. 😂
Let’s start with quick service.
Katsura Grill Is One of EPCOT’s Most Underrated Quick-Service Restaurants
I really like Katsura Grill.
And I think it gets overlooked.
Part of the problem may simply be its location. Katsura Grill isn’t sitting right along the main World Showcase walkway screaming FOOD HERE!
It’s tucked farther back into the pavilion, up among the gardens.
Which is also part of what makes it so nice.
Disney currently serves dishes including teriyaki, chicken cutlet curry, udon, ramen and other Japanese options here, and there is both indoor and outdoor seating.
I’ve had the teriyaki here, and this is exactly the kind of EPCOT meal I sometimes want.
Rice. Chicken. Broccoli. Sauce.
Nothing needs to be shaped like Mickey Mouse. Nothing needs to be covered in sprinkles. Nobody needs to have invented a foam.
Just give me an actual meal. 😂
And because Katsura Grill is tucked back into the gardens, the outdoor seating area can be one of the nicer quick-service places to sit in World Showcase.
RELATED: Best Quick-Service Restaurants at EPCOT
Kabuki Cafe Is Worth a Stop for Kakigori
And then we have Kabuki Cafe, the small kiosk near the front of the pavilion.
This is where you’ll find one of Japan’s most popular snacks: kakigori.
Kakigori is Japanese shaved ice, and you can choose from different flavored syrups and add a sweet milk topping.
I’ve had it.
I approve. 😂
On a hot Florida afternoon — which is approximately 97% of EPCOT afternoons — a giant cup of flavored shaved ice can be very refreshing.
Kabuki Cafe also sells sushi and other snacks, so don’t assume it’s only a shaved-ice stand.
I’ve grabbed sushi here as well, and it makes an easy option if you want something small rather than committing to a full meal.
RELATED: Best Snacks at EPCOT
Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Is My Pick for Table-Service Dining
If I were choosing one table-service restaurant in the Japan Pavilion, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya would be my pick.
I’ve eaten here, and I thought it was fantastic.
Obviously, sushi is a big part of the menu. But this is also a good choice if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t particularly care about sushi. There are plenty of other Japanese dishes on the menu, including grilled meats, rice dishes and other options that don’t involve raw fish.
So don’t immediately rule this one out because one person in your family says, “I don’t eat sushi.”
More importantly, the food we’ve had here has been excellent.
The restaurant is located upstairs in the Japan Pavilion, and some of the dining areas overlook World Showcase Lagoon. I once deliberately timed our reservation so we’d be eating during EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular.
That was a very good decision.
Obviously, I wouldn’t book Shiki-Sai assuming that every table is going to have a perfect fireworks view. But if you can combine dinner here with the nighttime spectacular? It can be a pretty fantastic way to end an EPCOT day.
This is absolutely a restaurant I’d eat at again.
RELATED: Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Review at EPCOT
What About Teppan Edo?
I haven’t eaten at Teppan Edo yet.
This is Japan’s teppanyaki restaurant, where chefs prepare your meal on the grill at your table. It’s the classic hibachi-style experience with steak, chicken, seafood, vegetables and all the theatrical cooking that goes along with it.
And I’m sure it’s fun.
I just haven’t prioritized it.
We have hibachi restaurants at home, and there is a certain point where you’ve seen the onion volcano. 😂
That’s not a criticism of Teppan Edo. In fact, I think this could be an especially fun choice for families or anyone who really enjoys the interactive cooking experience.
But when I’m choosing where to spend my Disney dining dollars, I’m usually looking for something I can’t easily replicate at home.
For me, Shiki-Sai wins that particular battle.
Someday, though. I’ll get there.
Takumi-Tei Is the Splurge Option
And then there is Takumi-Tei.
This is an entirely different category of dining.
Takumi-Tei is Japan’s upscale signature restaurant, with an elegant dining room inspired by the natural elements and a much more elevated Japanese dining experience than you’ll find elsewhere in the pavilion.
It is also expensive.
Like, we have left the casual theme-park dining portion of today’s program expensive. 😂
This is the kind of restaurant I would consider if you’re a serious foodie, you’re celebrating something special, or an elevated Japanese meal is an important part of your Disney vacation.
For me?
Probably not.
I’m not enough of a foodie to spend that much money on one meal when there are so many other restaurants at Disney World that I already love.
But that doesn’t mean Takumi-Tei isn’t worth it for the right person. It just means I’m probably not the right person.
And that’s okay.
Pick a Pearl at Mitsukoshi
Okay, I somehow forgot about this when I was first thinking through everything there is to do in Japan.
Then I found a photograph of myself literally doing it. 😂
Inside Mitsukoshi, you’ll find the Pick-A-Pearl experience.
This isn’t just a jewelry counter where you point at a pearl and buy it. You actually choose an oyster, and a Cast Member opens it to reveal the pearl inside.
There’s an element of surprise because you don’t know exactly what your pearl is going to look like until the oyster is opened.
That’s what makes this such a fun little experience.
Afterward, you can keep the pearl as-is or look at jewelry settings available for an additional cost if you’d like to turn it into something wearable.
It’s certainly not something you need to do every time you visit EPCOT, but if you’re looking for a souvenir that’s more memorable than another T-shirt, this is a really fun option.
And unlike so many Disney souvenirs, you aren’t going to come home and wonder why you spent $47 on a plastic light-up object your child has already forgotten exists. 😂
Don’t Skip the Torii Gate
You really can’t talk about the Japan Pavilion without talking about that enormous red torii gate sitting in World Showcase Lagoon.
It’s one of the most recognizable views in EPCOT.
But here’s the part I especially love:
Stand in the right spot and the torii gate perfectly frames Spaceship Earth across the lagoon.
It’s gorgeous.
It’s also one of my favorite photo locations in World Showcase.
There is often a Disney PhotoPass photographer in this area, so check the My Disney Experience app or simply look around when you arrive.
And if you’re already in EPCOT early, this is a fantastic time to get the picture.
World Showcase gets considerably busier as the day goes on. Early in the morning, you have a much better chance of getting that gorgeous Japan/Spaceship Earth shot without approximately 15,000 of your fellow EPCOT guests participating in the family portrait. 😂
Japan Is Also a Great Place to Watch the Fireworks
That waterfront location makes Japan a really nice area to be around as EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular approaches.
You have broad views across World Showcase Lagoon from the waterfront, and there are also elevated areas farther inside the pavilion that provide beautiful perspectives over the lagoon.
Again, sightlines vary depending on exactly where you’re standing — and trees, structures and other guests can certainly affect your view.
But Japan at night is beautiful even before the fireworks begin.
This is one of those places where I wouldn’t mind arriving a little early, finding a spot and simply enjoying the atmosphere while I waited.
And as I mentioned earlier, dining upstairs at Shiki-Sai can potentially give you a completely different perspective on the show.
How Much Time Should You Spend in the Japan Pavilion?
This is a tough one because Japan can be either a 20-minute pavilion or a two-hour pavilion.
If you’re moving quickly, you could walk through Mitsukoshi, look at the gardens and watch part of a Matsuriza performance in maybe 30 minutes.
But I don’t think that’s the best way to experience it.
Give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour if you really want to explore.
And you can easily spend longer if you:
- watch an entire Matsuriza performance
- explore the Bijutsu-kan Gallery
- shop seriously inside Mitsukoshi
- do Pick-A-Pearl
- stop for kakigori
- eat at Katsura Grill
- complete Kidcot
- wander through the gardens
- take photos by the torii gate
Add a table-service meal and Japan can easily consume a couple of hours of your EPCOT day.
Which, frankly, is not a bad problem to have.
Is the Japan Pavilion Good for Kids?
Absolutely.
And I actually think Japan is one of the easier World Showcase pavilions to enjoy with kids even though it doesn’t have a ride.
Younger kids have the koi ponds, bridges, Kidcot and capsule toys.
Older kids and teens may be far more interested in Mitsukoshi than you expect, especially if they’re into anime, Pokémon, Nintendo, Japanese pop culture or simply cute things.
My daughter is an anime fan, so Mitsukoshi has become one of my favorite places in Disney World to buy birthday and Christmas presents for her.
I can almost always find something she’d love.
And even if anime isn’t your kid’s thing, there is enough cute, quirky and interesting merchandise in here that I wouldn’t assume they’ll be bored.
Just perhaps establish a budget before entering. 😂
Is the Japan Pavilion Worth Visiting Without Kids?
Oh my goodness, yes.
Japan may actually be one of the best World Showcase pavilions for adults.
You’ve got beautiful gardens, architecture, cultural exhibits, entertainment, excellent shopping and one of the deepest collections of dining options in World Showcase.
You can have sushi at Shiki-Sai, wander through the gardens, shop at Mitsukoshi, watch Matsuriza and come back later for nighttime photos.
You don’t need a child as an excuse to enjoy any of that.
What Should You Absolutely Not Miss?
If this is your first visit and you don’t have unlimited time, I would prioritize three things.
First, walk deeper into the pavilion. Don’t just photograph the torii gate and leave. Go see the gardens, koi pond and pagoda.
Second, go inside Mitsukoshi. Even if you aren’t a shopper, this store is part of the Japan Pavilion experience.
And third, try to catch Matsuriza.
Then, if you have time, add the Kawaii exhibit, kakigori, Pick-A-Pearl or one of the restaurants based on what interests you.
Japan is one of those rare pavilions where my problem isn’t finding enough things to recommend.
It’s narrowing them down.
Is the Japan Pavilion Worth Visiting?
One hundred percent.
Japan is easily one of my favorite pavilions in World Showcase.
And what I find especially interesting is that Disney has accomplished that without giving it a ride.
Japan doesn’t need a Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure to convince people to come inside.
The pavilion itself is the attraction.
The gardens are beautiful. Matsuriza gives it energy. The Bijutsu-kan Gallery gives you a small glimpse into Japanese culture. Mitsukoshi is practically an attraction by itself. The food ranges from quick sushi and shaved ice all the way to signature dining.
And there are enough little experiences scattered throughout the pavilion that you can visit repeatedly and still find something different to do.
That’s what I want from World Showcase.
Don’t Just Walk Past Japan
I think Japan is one of the best examples of why you shouldn’t treat World Showcase as a lap around the lagoon.
If all you do is stay on the main promenade, you’ll see the torii gate and the pagoda.
They’re beautiful.
But you’ll miss most of Japan.
Walk uphill.
Find the koi.
Cross the bridges.
Go inside the gallery.
Listen to the drums.
Browse Mitsukoshi even if you swear you’re not buying anything. (Good luck with that.)
Try some Japanese candy you’ve never heard of. Get kakigori. Sit in the gardens for a few minutes.
There is no ride waiting for you at the end of any of this.
And that’s kind of the point.
The Japan Pavilion doesn’t need one.
Visiting the Japan Pavilion During an EPCOT Festival
Japan is worth exploring year-round, but there are a few extra reasons I love this area during EPCOT’s festivals.
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
Japan is especially beautiful during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.
And one of my favorite additions is the collection of bonsai trees displayed throughout the pavilion.
These aren’t simply little decorative plants sitting on a table. Take a minute to actually look at them.
Some are remarkable.
The bonsai fit so naturally into Japan’s already beautiful gardens that this is one festival addition that feels like it belongs here all year.
RELATED: EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Guide
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
Japan is already one of the best World Showcase pavilions for appreciating design, architecture and craftsmanship, which makes it a natural stop during the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.
And because festival offerings change from year to year, I always recommend checking the current festival guide rather than visiting Japan specifically for one temporary booth or activity.
RELATED: EPCOT Festival of the Arts Guide
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Of course, Japan also participates in the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, usually with its own festival marketplace and limited-time dishes.
But here’s my usual Food & Wine reminder:
Don’t become so obsessed with festival booths that you forget EPCOT already has really good permanent food.
Japan is a perfect example.
If the festival menu doesn’t excite you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with walking past the booth and getting kakigori, sushi, Katsura Grill or sitting down at Shiki-Sai instead.
RELATED: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Guide
EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Japan also participates in the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, when World Showcase adds holiday food and cultural traditions from around the world.
I especially love this festival because World Showcase is already built around experiencing different countries, and the holidays give Disney another opportunity to showcase how traditions vary around the world.
RELATED: EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Guide
And no matter which festival is happening during your trip, leave some room in your itinerary for the permanent Japan Pavilion.
Because festival booths come and go.
The koi, the gardens, Mitsukoshi and those enormous drums are reason enough to stop.
