Birt Family Focus

Epcot World Showcase, Japan -- 8/28/02

Konichiwa!

Today the Focus goes to our next stop on our whirlwind Eruopean tour, Japan. Did i say European? I meant far Eastern. Hey, weren't we just in Africa? Well, that's the magic of Disney for you, a whole glode in just a few steps. ;-)

The japan Pavilion is nothing short of lovely. The first thing most people notice is the blue roofs of the 5 story Goju-no-to pagoda. It was inspired by a shrine that is more than 2000 years old in Nara, Japan. THe Bhuddists believe all things are created from the elements of earth, air, fire, water, and sky. Each level of the shrine represents one of these elements. (Don't ask me which is which- ;-)

Look towards the lake, and you will see the beautiful red torii gate. This a Japanese symbal of welcome to visitors.

Right behind the shrine is thefamed Kaki Gori Kiosk. These are basically snowcones but the syrups they use are delicious. My favorite is the strawberry, but the melon is a close second.

After getting your Kaki Gori, explore the courtyard a bit. There are some traditional drummers that perform on the lowest level of the shrine. Called Matsuriza, these folks can be heard halfway around the showcase, so be prepared to have your ears ringing for a bit after they perform. Don't try to talk duiing their performance, either, it's a lost cause.

Also in the courtyard is the KidCot station and, if you're very lucky, Miyuki, the candy sculpter. She caries a box of candy and sculpting tools / food coloring around her neck and makes sculpted lollypops for the kids. She can make literally anything you ask for. My daughter's pink dragon is still in the freezer- we couldn't bear to let her eat it. Her work is fast and fascinating to watch.

While finishing up that Kaki Gori, take a look at the beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens. They exude peace and tranquility and are stunning. Every object seen in a Japanese garden is placed precisely and has a meaning. The reverance for nature is clear in the beauty of these gardens.

Looking across the courtyard and to your right is a large building housing the Mitsukoshi Department Store (a MUST for shoppers - I ALWAYS go in here), and the Matsu-No-Ma lounge and Teppanyaki restaurant. This building is called Shinshinden and is made after one done in the 8th century in Japan. It is one of Japan's earliest architectual styles.

In the back of the courtyard is the entry to the Shirasagigi or White Egret Castle. The entry is called a Nijo and is huge. Made of stone and wood, there are sculptures on either side of the entrance, just before crossing the moat, of huge Samuri warriors on horseback. The castle's architecture represents feudal Japan of the 14th century.

Inside the castle you will find a museum whose theme changes from time to time. My favorite was the antique warrior clothing and art of clothing making. It is now dedicated to Japanese baseball. There is also an area with hands on toy displays that is pretty cool. You press a few buttons and make their mechanical toys work. The big ceremonial lion/dragon at the end is neat.

There are several resturants here. You can get Japanese takeout at the Yakatori house, snuggled up the left hand side of the pavilion on a hill in the middle of the gardens. Or you can try sushi or freshly prepared stir-fry dished at the lounge and Teppanyaki over the Department store. The lounge has great views of all the parades and Illuminations and used to be a fairly well kept secret. I think it is fast becoming a popular place to watch the show from, though.

That's it for now- next week, the good ole US of A!

Domo arigato and Syaonara!