This month, I visited Japan Pavilion for my series about shopping in World Showcase at Epcot. I first visited the country of Japan (specifically Tokyo Disney Resort) in 2002. It was incredible, and I’ve been dreaming of returning to Japan since that first visit. It’s no surprise then that I visit Japan Pavilion during every visit to Epcot.
A five-story pagoda surrounded by lush gardens and a koi pond stands near the entrance. In the distance, guests see the towers of a stylized castle that looks similar to Himeji Castle in Japan. The Mitsukoshi Department Store is located on the first floor of a building found on the west side of the pavilion. This two-story building is reminiscent of an Imperial ceremonial hall in Japan. The second floor is home to one of my favorite restaurants in Epcot, Teppan Edo, where Teppan chefs cook traditional Japanese dishes right at your table.
I was fortunate to visit the store before the shop was open. I love the impressive interior space with red ceilings and exposed wood beams. The shop extends the entire length of the pavilion and wraps around to the Bijutsu-kan Gallery which currently houses an adorable exhibit about cute culture in Japan.
This shop is my go-to store for all things Japanese (it’s the closest I can get to Japan in Florida). They have an eclectic mix of pop culture items, home décor, kitchenware and accessories. The shop also contains fine pearl jewelry, books, decorative clocks and much more.
Some of the most popular items are candies and treats that are found toward the back of the shop. I love that they carry Mochi, a sweet Japanese rice cake. The consumables area also houses a Sake Bar where you can sample a variety of Sake from Japan.
In the shop, guests will find authentic kimonos and other apparel items including shirts, shoes and socks. They also offer gorgeous accessories like handbags and scarves.
I always find something new when I visit as the assortment changes regularly. I could have several stories about my favorite items from Japan Pavilion. Here are a few additional images of things that caught my eye:
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Do you have a favorite item at this pavilion? Tell us in the comments section below!
Comments
There’s so much to see at that store! My kids and I always go by the Miyazaki merchandise section which has stuff from animated movies such as Totoro and Kiki’s delivery service. We also like all the build-it-yourself sets that use metal, wood, or paper. We also love the cute bento boxes, kitchenware, and delicious snacks. We love that store!!
Tabi Socks. I have to buy a pair when I visit from the UK
They have the best umbrellas. I especially love the solid colored ones that show cherry blossoms when it gets wet. I always pick up 1 or 2 when I go every year. And I stock up on folding fans too!
I love this pavilion. I could sit for hours by the koi pond by the waterfall. I loved the candy lady and miss her creativity very much to this day. Teppan Edo is a very good restaurant. I had the shrimp and steak and it was so good! Japan and the Un. Kingdom are favorite places in world show case!
I love everything about this store in Epcot! I have a particular love for the bags and totes with Shinzi Katoh art work…and bento bowls.
Solar bobble heads! I have one from each yearly trip (10 total).
I just noticed for the first time in these photographs (which show me a heretofore unseen empty store) that the tiles in the front section of the store are laid out like tatami mats, a traditional flooring material of Japanese living spaces.
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