Follow the stairs past the koi pond to enjoy a Quick-Service meal at Katsura Grill . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG
at the table . After the 2007 refurbishment , this part of the restaurant was renamed Teppan Edo , but they still serve up fresh favorites in an intimate setting . So why the change ?
Bob Miller , Senior Manager of Restaurant Operations , told WDW Magazine that the 2007 renovations for Teppan Edo “... were to make a representation of the Edo period , which signifies eternal peace , political stability , economic growth , and a festive time . The staff is dressed to represent this period , and the restaurant theme is for a fun gathering of people .” And Tokyo Dining ’ s 2007 change was to do the opposite . Miller said , “ Tokyo Dining was [ changed ] to represent modern-day Tokyo with foods that could be found in Tokyo today .”
In the Katsura Imperial Villa reproduction , guests in 1982 could enjoy yakitori , a type of grilled chicken on a stick . The Yakitori House turned into Katsura Grill in 2011 . Yakitori is no longer on the menu , but you will find fast sushi , ramen , and teriyaki dishes .
The big addition to dining over the years at the Japan
Pavilion was the opening of Takumi-Tei in 2019 on the bottom floor of the ceremonial hall . Translating to “ house of the artisan ” in Japanese , Takumi-Tei certainly delivers on that promise . Our food columnist and Creative Director , Danny Shuster , reviewed Takumi-Tei in our September 2020 issue . Here , he found an atmosphere that blended art , nature , and , of course , an incredible dining experience .
TIMELESS SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT Of course , the jewel that draws the eye of every