Disney at a Distance: Japan Pavilion
While we can't visit Walt Disney World, we will be virtually visiting the parks with our Disney at a Distance series. This week, we are park hopping to EPCOT and dropping delightfully into the Japan pavilion.
The Japan pavilion doesn't host a ride or a major show, and it might be for that reason that it's actually one of my favorite places in all of Walt Disney World. The live entertainment has been some of the best, the food is wonderful, and the entire pavilion just has this wonderful feeling of Zen. We hope this brings you peace today.
If you'd like to add some magical extras, I recommend:
Do you happen to have some sake on hand? Because now is the time to enjoy a cup.
Use something rain or bamboo scented like a candle or body lotion
One of the most popular treats at the Japan pavilion is kakigori. It's easy to make at home! Don't worry about getting a fancy shaved ice maker. Use an old Snoopy Snow Cone machine or just your blender.
As you approach the Japan pavilion, you might be pulled by the sound of drums. Matsuritza, the Taiko group, has been drumming at the Japan pavilion for 25 years. While their last official day was March 15, 2020, to me, they are still very much the sound of the Japan pavilion. Let's watch a performance.
As you turn around after the taiko show, you may see the entrance to a shop with a lantern in front. It might look like a small village shop from the outside, from the Mitsukoshi department store at EPCOT is really something else. Let's take a tour!
I love how they are "I think I need this. I think I need this." Yes, me too, every time I go in that store! While Mitsukoshi is an international chain, a visit to their online store (requiring Google translate into English) makes clear that the Disney store is something unique.
But if you need to shop other Disney themed items, you can buy Disney Parks merchandise online here.
The biggest draw in the store is the pick a pearl. Let's follow a guest as they pick a pearl for the first time.
The two most impressive things I've ever had happen to me in the Japan pavilion were when an artist painted my name on a grain of rice and when I first got candy (I got a flamingo) from Miyuki, the candymaker. I just love that in this pavilion, things that could be common become artistry.
Here is an excellent video of Miyuki at work:
While the action is down by the department store and ceremonial temple, back behind the temple are wonderful peaceful gardens. Let's take a tour.
Uh oh! The afternoon rainstorm has arrived, but it seems the most peaceful place to sit it out is on a well protected bench with a great view of the garden. The following video is a 180 video so you can click and drag to change your view.
One of EPCOT's most anticipated dining experiences has also opened in the Japan pavilion - Takumi Tei. Takumi Tei's real draw is the Omakase tasting menu which is a 7 course meal. If you're real foodie, I know you're going to want to see what this is all about.
Finally, we'll leave you to enjoy your sake or kakigori with the lovely Japan pavilion music loop.
I hope we've been able to highlight some of what makes EPCOT's Japan pavilion so amazing, as well as bring you a sense of peace and a slice of Disney today. Stay tuned for our next adventure and we'll see you next week!
