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Japan
Epcot |
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EPCOT
Attraction Seating AT
A GLANCE... FUTURE
WORLD WORLD
SHOWCASE ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL
EVENTS HOLIDAYS TOURS SPECIAL
REPORTS ARCHIVES OTHER
THEME PARKS
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The bright red torii gate, which welcomes visitors to Japan, can be seen from around the World Showcase Lagoon. As your eyes move away from the lagoon, you see the blue-roofed 5 story Goju-no-to pagoda inspired by a shrine built at Nara in 700 A.D.
The current exhibit is called "Tin Toys". These toys were just one of many things introduced in Japan as part of the turn of the century transformation the Emperor had for his people. The earliest tin toys came from Europe and were very popular. Soon Japanese toymakers were duplicating the toys and creating new ones based on Japanese folklore. Many of the tin toys are spring operated and can be wound to "come to life" to the delight of those playing with them. During the 50's and 60's, tin toys enjoyed their golden years as their popularity spread around the globe. The toys included aliens, robots, spaceman, vehicles and more. Japan's Tin Toy Master is Teruhisa Kitahara. His 7 toy museums in Japan have almost 50,000 tin toys, many rare. A small portion of his collection is on display in Epcot's Japan! Be sure to stop by and take a look. I was amazed at the variety and detail on the toys (and yes, there are some vintage Disney ones too)
Teppan
Edo is the new teppanyaki dining room. Yakitori House - a small version of the Shoken-tei in the Kyoto Imperial Villa gardens. This rustic building with its thatched roof serves is a counter service restaurant serving beef, chicken and Udon noodles. Epcot Restaurants
At A Glance
Miyuki - the Japanese candy artist from Tokyo. Miyuki has been part of Epcot's Japan since 1996. She continues to delight children and adults with her skills. For more information on Epcot Live Entertainment, visit Steve Soares WDW Live Entertainment Website.
Walking straight to the back of the pavilion area, you will cross a bridge that leads into the Castle. Just before the bridge, stop and look on both sides of you -- there are 2 Samurai Warriors on Horses! Spend some time in the beautiful hill garden where you will find rocks, flowers, lanterns, pebbles, water, foot paths and rustic bridges. Koi fish make a home in the pond in the garden.
On a nice day, take your goodies from the Yakitori House and sit outside at the tables near the Japanese festive lights and the water. Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Highlights - Every year, Japan features an incredible floral wall, one year it was the Japanese flag, another year it wall was deep purple irises. Be sure to check out the musical clacker garden as well (a favorite with kids)! Across the way at the bright red torii gate is an incredible display of winning plants from the Florida Bonsai Society. Holidays from Around the World features storytellers in each country. In Japan, the Daruma Seller (a humble Daruma doll vendor) makes appearances throughout the afternoon.
Each of the World Showcase countries has a special "KIDCOT" area that provides an opportunity for your child to interact with a native of the country you are visiting. Melanie writes: I just wanted to reply that my when we go to Epcot my family loves the Japan Pavilion! Everything seems so calm in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the World showcase! My daughter especially likes the the department store. They have alot of great things for kids and teenagers alike!! I like their candy and the little bonsai trees!! Epcot Passports are great fun for kids as they have them stamped at each pavilion around World Showcase. Epcot Characters
At A Glance
Above the Goju-no-to pagoda is a bronze, nine-ringed sorin, or spire, with gold wind chimes and a water flame. To the right of the courtyard, stands the Shishinden, inspired by the ceremonial and coronation hall found in the Imperial Palace grounds in Kyoto. The Shishinden was built in 794. It is said to be one of the first true styles of Japanese architecture. On the east side of the courtyard the massive wood and stone Nijo entry castle with its huge sculptures of mounted samurai warriors beckons guests through the courtyard. Passing through it, visitors cross a wide bridge spanning a moat to the Shirasagigi or White Egret Castle with its curved stone walls, white plaster structures and blue tile roofs. Its style dates from the mid-1300s. In feudal times, great castles dominated the Japanese countryside. Inhabitants of the castle towns found great refuge in their walls. The Shirasagigi, overlooking the city of Himeji, is one of the best preserved castles of early Japan. The great beauty and strength of the stronghold are captured in the majestic fortress.
Gardening is a precise art in Japan. Every object and its placement in the garden has a special meaning. Here activity, symbolism, and a reverence for nature blend with intense maintenance to create a garden with a truly unique beauty.
ARCHIVES: Teppanyaki Dining Room, Teppan Grill and Matsu-no-ma Lounge all closed in 2007 for a total rehab. |
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