in Japan ’ s central region that was the capital before Tokyo . The replica in EPCOT is where you ’ ll find the main Mitsukoshi Department Store entrance , and it has housed various restaurants over the years .
Above it all , a quaint Quick- Service dining structure sits atop a multilevel Japanese landscape . This area is a small-scale reproduction of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto . The villa is a historical site renowned for its sprawling gardens . Here in EPCOT , guests can climb the steps , cross wooden bridges , watch the koi fish play in the waterfall pond , and try to get a sense of the zen that pervades the Kyoto countryside .
DINING THROUGH THE YEARS On October 1 , 1982 , guests at the Japan Pavilion could dine at the Teppanyaki Dining Room , Tempura Kiku , Matsu No Ma Lounge , and the Yakitori House .
Tempura Kiku was a tempura bar in the Mitsukoshi Restaurant , just above the department store . Here , guests could sample delectable fried tempura bites , including shrimp and vegetables . This was before the boom of sushi restaurants in the ’ 90s here in the US , so tempura was still a rare taste for Americans .
The Matsu No Ma Lounge was also located in this space , offering sweeping views of the lagoon , Spaceship Earth , and fireworks shows of bygone years . Matsu No Ma Lounge and Tempura Kiku were transformed into Tokyo Dining in 2007 . Here , you can enjoy traditional favorites with modern additions , sample sushi plates , and even still get some of that fried shrimp .
Next door , Teppanyaki both served and entertained guests in 1982 with food prepared and grilled right
Diners enjoying Matsu No Ma Lounge . PHOTO COURTESY OF MITSUKOSHI USA INC .