One of the things I love the most about EPCOT is that I have the ability to shop around the world without having to get on a plane. Planning a trip to the World Showcase, this free handy guide is available for you. One of my family’s stops is always the Japan Pavilion. This is due in part to my own heritage (my grandmother was Japanese) that I want my children to see and also in part because it’s home to mine and my husband’s favorite candy (that we were first introduced to while on a port visit to Sasebo, Japan).
Walking into the entrance immediately to your right as you enter the pavilion, you are greeted with iconic Japanese pop culture: Pokemon and Sanrio, aka Hello Kitty. Although these are easily the most popular cartoon characters to come from Japanese Anime they are most certainly not the only ones represented.
Continuing further in you’ll see a low, open tank in a U shape with lots and lots of oysters in it, this is the pick a pearl station. This is something we have done for each of our girls and it is a fun experience. They even have settings you can immediately have your new pearl set in or you can do what we did and just bring them home to set later. Almost directly across from the pick a pearl tank is a small alcove containing a small jewelry store. They have pearls already set and ready to go and some of the pieces are quite stunning.
As you meander through, you’ll start to see more traditional items, the clogs and split-toe socks to wear with the clogs, kimonos in every color and size, obis (or sash), even traditional hair ornaments.
You’ll see fans and wind chimes, the famous lucky cats that continually wave their paw, pottery, bonsai trees, and even traditional Japanese art and music. You can even purchase swords, just make sure you ship them home if you’re flying!
As you walk through make sure you check out the pricing signs, not only do they tell you how much the item costs, but it will give you a little bit of information of how that item is part of the Japanese culture.
In the back is one of the main reasons we stop in every trip, the refreshment section! They have unique candies, snacks, and drinks that are actually sold in Japan. Our absolute favorite candy, Hi-Chew, is a big reason we stop in every single trip. It’s similar to Starburst but oh so much better!
On our more recent trip we introduced the girls to Japanese soda called Ramune. Not only is it very good, but to even open it is a unique experience. Want to know how? Next time you’re in EPCOT, swing by the Japan Pavilion and pick up a bottle and find out!
