Along the shoreline of the lagoon, a bright red torii gate, patterned after one in Itsukushima, welcomes visitors. A plaque inscribed in calligraphy proclaims "Japan."

Japan is one of eleven international villages around World Showcase at Epcot, the Walt Disney World theme park of discovery.

Near the open-air entrance to the grounds stands the blue-roofed, five-story Goju-no-to pagoda, inspired by a shrine built at Nara in 700 A.D. Topping it is a bronze, nine-ringed sorin, or spire, with gold wind chimes and a water flame.

An oasis of serenity extends from the pagoda: a hill garden which is a Japanese art form at least 1,000 years old.

Careful arrangements of waterfalls, rocks, flowers, lanterns, pebbles, foot paths and rustic bridges form a story. Multicolored koi fish in the pond create living images of Japanese art.

Further west, to the right of the courtyard, stands the Shishinden, inspired by the ceremonial and coronation hall found in the Imperial Palace grounds at Kyoto.

Inside the Shishinden, guests can browse through the world-famous Mitsukoshi Department Store, which offers everything from ornate kimonos, vibrant-colored robes designed after the traditional Japanese dress, to Japanese toys and dolls, bonsai trees and authentic Mikimoto pearl jewelry.

On the second level, guests can sample a variety of Japanese dining experiences in five teppanyaki rooms. Chefs working with flashing knives demonstrate tableside cooking. Lobster, shrimp, scallops and beef are chopped and sautéed with fresh vegetables. The preparation is a feast in itself.

Beautiful lacquered screens and traditional decorated alcoves -- tokonoma -- set a mood for each room.

Guests seated around the horseshoe bar of the Tempura Kiku enjoy display cooking of batter-dipped, deep-fried seafood, shellfish, chicken, beef and fresh vegetables, as well as observe skillful sushi preparation.

In the Matsu-no-ma Lounge, visitors see a majestic view of Future World across World Showcase Lagoon while sampling sushi, Japanese pickled vegetables, tempura and exotic specialty drinks.

The restaurants and shops are presented by Mitsukoshi, one of the oldest and largest department stores in the world (founded in 1673).

On the east side of the courtyard stands the Yakitori House, a small version of the

Shoken-tei in the Kyoto Imperial Villa gardens. This rustic building with its thatched roof serves as a restaurant, offering Japanese snacks and refreshments.

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 Himeji or White Heron Castle with its curved stone walls, white plaster structures and blue tile roofs. Its style dates from the mid 1300s.

Type - pavilion

Facts/History
The levels of the five-tiered pagoda represent the five elements from which Buddhists believe all things in the universe are produced: earth, water, fire, wind and sky.
The 83 ft pagoda is adapted from the seventh-century Horyuji Shrine at Nara.
The torii gate is found throughout Japan at the entry to ancient shrines. A great vermilion torii on the shores of World Showcase Lagoon, adapted from the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Bay, is the entry to Disney's shrine to the architecture and heritage of Japan in World Showcase.