Disney World Japan Food Tour: Nosh or Not? in Epcot's Japan Pavilion

We're headed to Disney World's Epcot today to explore the Japan Pavilion in the World Showcase! Check out our must-dos and must-eats in Disney World's Japan!
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[@claireeast3857]

One of my fondest memories is getting lost in Japan, unable to find my family, but not even caring because I was so immersed, one of my favorite countries in the world showcase by far

[@animepsyclone]

Katsura Grill is my favorite restaurant to sit down and eat a quick meal! It's so good!

[@MarcellinaMoon]

As a teen I LOVED the drinks with the marble in it! I thought it was the coolest thing and I had never seen anything like it before. I could only get it in Epcot so that made it extra special! Such fun memories! My husband LOVES kaki gori so we always stop for that!

[@Atheenah]

That grocery/snacks shop is so fun! There are so many interesting snacks and candies, little toys and drinks.

[@socalseth]

Kinda disappointing that being Japan, they don't have a ramen shop

[@kallimaynard2358]

I'm surprised Katsura doesn't do more ramen, udon and soba. I imagine the americans didn't know the difference and complained when they got confused, if it was ever tested.

[@Nocturne22]

I'm not sure how popular it would be most months of the year since it's so hot in Orlando. Maybe a seasonal shop in the winter months though?

[@kallimaynard2358]

v0v maybe, but there's a lot of other very hot stuff that's regular menu.

[@cameo64]

Katsura grill offers ramen and udon and its disgusting. You'd be better off buying some top ramen and cooking up the small toppings yourself. Based on Disney's performance with ramen there, I really dont want them serving any ramen anywhere.

[@shofly7426]

Cameo64 the curry udon is amazing idk what you are talking about

[@thesheetmasklady0613]

I've lived in Japan, and they make wonderful desserts. They are almost too pretty to eat sometimes. Maybe Japanese desserts at Epcot are not made like the ones in Japan, they may have included a sort of American twist..? Although, I also think some Japanese desserts are an acquired taste. I think Disney needs to work on the Japan Pavillion because it is such an interesting and beautiful country. Great video, btw. I love your food tour playlist!

[@feliciakc1]

Katsura Grill has awesome curry and their udon is pretty good for the price! I thought the price for this counter service restaurant is super reasonable, considering the quality of the food. The desserts are definitely not crazy, over the top sugar load, but I personally love how the green tea cheesecake tastes (thought it IS so small for the price)

[@yesorlando05]

Great video. I agree with everything, except the Katsura Grill. We actually love it. Especially for the price, the food is good, fresh, the setting is gorgeous, and the food portions are filling. We really love the whole Japanese pavilion. They have some of the nicest cast members in all of World Showcase. Thanks for posting. You guys always do a good jobs.

[@marzkell]

Yes!! I love the katsu curry! It's my favorite quick service place in Epcot.

[@elizabethsmith7224]

yesorlando05 The beef udon I had there was great.

[@marzkell]

that's soooo good too!

[@larsvontrash]

They still make pocky for men! It’s called that because it comes in a smaller, shorter package that can fit in a men’s shirt pocket.

[@joshuaperrin3910]

I went to Disneyland way back in 2005 for my senior year, and one of the final days was at Epcot. Everybody else went to England, Germany, and Mexico. I was the lone guy that broke away from the pack, and went to Japan.......I would do it all over again.

[@hula62]

Love loved this Pavillion in Epcot ♥️ I visited my brother who served in Tokyo, Japan. I talked to the store clerks. They were all sweet and awesome. It was the people that made the experience wonderful. ♥️ Charming and fun! Don't just buy stuff but talk to the people around you. ♥️

[@jennachristiansen323]

I'm really sad to hear that you don't like katsurkra grill. When I went, me and my boyfriend loved it! The strawberry ice cream is really good. Also I love your videos so much!

[@megandean3046]

Teppan edo is my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Disney World. Forever 🤗. Best food and best service and experience.

[@vodo1983]

The whole family loved Teppan Edo! Great food, great chef/showman, and bright atmosphere. Will most definitely go back.

[@aleezamc]

I actually liked katsura grill. The meal I had reminded me of the same food I had in Tokyo.

[@Lameashellcosplay]

All the candy is so good in there, ramune and Mochi is hecking good. I also recommend picking up a poppin cooking. The Kakigori is really good also. Green apple ramune is godly.

[@lauranicole7928]

Way back I remember Katsura Grill had a ginger cake, it was so good we kept going back during our trip!

[@dbstooge]

At :39 there is some green tea in cans with UCC on the side in the upper left. If you can find those try them. They're great. Simple green tea and chilled they're perfect on a hot day

[@heatherthomas7821]

We are about to make another trip to WDW and I cannot wait to go to Katsura Grill. We lived in Japan for four years and it is one of our favorites. I did like it when it was Yakitori House also. I really think you ought to give Japanese curry a try. I would like it if they offered more selection like yakisoba or yakiniku, even just teriyaki chicken on a stick. The frushi could be an all year item also.

[@shannoncordey1951]

Thank you AJ! Love these videos I have been watching tons since we booked our first trip to WDW for Jan 2018. I have so many things booked because of your advice! You have a great voice I could listen to you all day! =) If you haven't already you could do a section by section review of the dining options in Disney Springs or each "land/world" in each of the parks too! Also not food related but Disney Resort tours too when you stay etc. Your channel deserves way more subbies

[@Amandaf1t]

Shannon Cordey I second that Sharon, and would like to add that : Yes I know it's DISNEY food blog but is there any chance you guys would do that OTHER theme park resort in Orlando??!!! Ppplllleeeaaasseee!! Xx

[@AnAverageGoddess]

Eating in Japan is one of my favorites if not my FAVORITE! I’ve gone multiple times but I didn’t know about the food items in the store downstairs!!! Must. Go. Back. Now.

[@kallimaynard2358]

Having lived in Japan for a long time, the only place worth eating an authentic meal in the Japan showcase is Katsura Grill- it's straight up what I'd get walking into a restaurant in Osaka on the street, especially the curry udon set. It's why so many Americans scoff at it. Teppan Edo is just a benihana concept and should be skipped. Tokyo Dining is -terribly- disappointing and just more americanized bs. There should be an izakaya with horigotatsu tables (and a few typical tables for those who can't move from wheelchairs, etc) or a yakiniku buffet. Kabuki Cafe is okay too, but how bad would it have to be to mess up kakigori? I'd also like to see them make REAL mochi, not just mochi ice cream. Maybe somewhere you could get takoyaki.

[@carolinedg9031]

I agree! None of these restaurants here look very authentic. Good to know that if I really want japanese food this is not where I'll be getting it. :')

[@Nocturne22]

A takoyaki stand would be amazing. The only place you can get takoyaki is the Morimoto snack locale, and they've been sitting out for who knows how long.

[@chelij2751]

Some dango along with the mochi and ramune stands would be awesome! I'm sad about the Americanize-ation of the Japan section of Epcot. Disney could take some notes from Little Tokyo in Los Angeles!

[@yeemcgee8149]

If you want real Japanese food just go to Japan

[@playboymaxim]

Yee McGee sure, it's right around the corner, not like it's 7000 miles or anything

[@ECamp8]

I’m def gonna grab some japan candy and that marble soda when I’m there in a few weeks. Love your videos!

[@chychy7559]

I wish they would bring over some inspiration from Disney Sea, everything is so so cute and really cool at disney sea and it would be so cool to have a ton of the things put therr in here

[@HeidiSKulesh]

Great job, as usual, AJ! I've enjoyed many meals at Katsura back when it used to be Yakitori Hoiuse (been TOO long a time!) :), very peaceful and "zen" up/back there. Don't drink or eat sushi, so have never been to sake bars, or Tokyo Dining, but have taken several people celebrating something to Teppan Edo, and always had wonderful experiences. Also love looking around at all the stuff @ Mitsukoshi - you can spend HOURS in there! AJ - I hope you, Joey, Adam, and anybody else involved with DFB enjoy a happy, healthy, bountiful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all the joy and knowledge you bring to my life every single day!! BIG HUGS!!

[@jackpast]

Now you tell us about the Japanese store there...just after I returned to New Jersey...ugh...now I HAVE to go back!! Thanks, AJ. Another great and informative video.

[@kioku119]

If you are interested in Japanese snacks and candy you can find a lot in asian markets. Also since you are in NJ: On the NJ/NY border there is a huge Japanese market (bigest on the east coast I think) called Mitsuwa. That is a Japanese super market with awesome items. Also inside there are some really cool stands one of which has fancy mochi and really cool deserts. Mitsuwa has a food court with some nice dishes.. and I think the Udon there is quite good. The broth actually tastes like udon you'd have in Japan (at least when I last went.. which was over 8 years ago). Also surrounding the market there are several Japanese gift shops. I used to go to high school in NJ and I loved visiting there occasionally. It may be worth the trip for you!

[@BBQDamie]

jackpast or consider going to Japan, it's such an amazing place to visit!! LOVE JAPAN!! Also places I'd recommend going to in Japan is Hiroshima, Kyoto, Miyajima or Itsukushima. SO BEAUTIFUL!!

[@ADisneyLifeforMe]

We are avid Disney fans and annual pass holders, I didn't realize how many options there were in Japan before! We love the view sitting outside at Katsura grill!! We def subscribed, love the voice over style of the videos!!

[@YankeeCountess]

Teppan Edo will always hold a special place in my heart; the first time I went to Disney World (at age 6) we went here, and I loved watching the chef work at the table, very entertaining I do remember the food being really delicious too. But what I remember most was our wait person showing me how to use chopsticks!

[@5akimball]

I would LOVE a video about the best snacks in the merchandise location in Japan. It is so big and overwhelming. Every time I go there I feel like there are a bunch of hidden gems that I am missing.

[@leohernandez4739]

If you’ve never been to Epcot you must go I went on a whim one time and it was so much fun I can’t wait to go back and these videos are definitely a help for sure thank you

[@spaceyqueeny2042]

Tokyo Dining is the absolute bomb but the hibachi is good too! It's so good and the show of it is incredible!

[@VictoriaLautner]

i spent my 19th birthday at teppan edo and i’ve never had such a good birthday. the food is amazing and the show is phenomenally entertaining.

[@Danny-br9jp]

Went to Teppan Eddo on Sunday to celebrate a Birthday and they were BEYOND AWESOME. Service and food was Amazing!

[@ur_local_ari]

Thank u so much this helped me so much! I am going to Disney in 2yrs and I wanted to go to Epcot Japan so ty^^

[@JeffFrmJoisey]

We've dined at Teppen Edo a few times and we've always enjoyed the food and the show. The food is always great and the show hilarious!! We don't go every trip, so we don't tire of the show. As for dessert, I rarely order it. However, at Teppen Edo, I always order the Ginger Cake for dessert, which I find delicious!

[@genracer8866]

I love Japan😎👍✌️💙💜🧡💖💗🇯🇵

[@KpopBishForever]

I’d just like to say that Japan has a HUGE dessert culture. It’s defiantly VERY present in Japan. Fyi.

[@RachelledelaRosa]

KpopBishForever yes, I'm tired of them mentioning that in every Asian themed video saying the dessert are not good because they're not as sweet. They are perfectly sweet. American desserts are too sweet and use sugar to cover up other flaws in the dish.

[@bluescity1]

We ate Katsura Grill in 2012 and we couldn't even eat our food. We would never go back. Teppan Eddo looks so good! Have a magical day sprinkled with pixie dust!

[@missepicure6438]

Pocky and Ramune is my life.

[@amandaflowers95]

The hanging bags with fruit on them in the Japanese market area are gummy candy. And they are SO GOOD. They taste exactly like the fruit they're supposed to. So if you get apple, it's not green apple...it's actual apple. The pineapple is my fav, though.

[@Vlogswithambs]

I love the grill we just went and the ramen and shrimp tempura Udon is SO GOOD REALLY RECOMMEND.

[@jimlooney6460]

Tokyo Dining offers tempura shrimp & veggies -- excellent taste and fresh, suitably warm - a few visits here at lunch, not crowded.

[@jorgeguerrero2922]

I'd really love for you to do Morocco next, AJ! I'm planning a trip for March and that's the last pavilion I absolutely have to hear about!!! 😅

[@jonok42]

Jorge Guerrero restaurant Marakesh is fabulous!! The food was so good, and the service was great. They have a bit of a show, and music. Well worth trying!

[@turretboi]

Honestly, the store here is the most amazing store in epcot.

[@dory7000]

I totally agree about Katsura Grill. I was so excited to eat here on my last trip and I was underwhelmed. It's not bad by any means, but not something I will want again anytime soon.

[@Doug6714]

We dined at Teppan Edo several years ago and really enjoyed it. Hope to eat there again on our next trip. Think Mickey!

[@RachelledelaRosa]

I prefer "less sweet" sweets so I actually liked the desserts in the Japan area 🤷‍♀️

[@katwilliams5661]

Teppan Edo was delicious! My parents + my girlfriend and I went on a double date and it was amazing. Our waiter was incredibly nice and the food was great!!!!

[@SeriouslyCreepy]

Ah yeah! Our favorite!

[@NukeIt2Bdone]

I had a great meal with my daughter and stepdaughter and late wife at Tokyo Dining in 2017

[@truultimatespideyfan]

Frozen Kirin is amazing, keeps the beer cold to the last drop even on the hottest day.

[@philanderson3496]

We will be there next week for dinner at Teppan Edo. Cannot wait.

[@RandomPerson-lc3yf]

Do morocco next!

[@lukeylara1111]

I 💖Japan. I'm from there

[@jaewright9879]

Love the sushi. Love Monsieur Paul!! Wonderful if you are an avid foodie

[@shannon127911]

While I know it's nothing special and Disney has inredible options, Teppen Edo has to be my absolute favorite restaurant in the world!

[@Dauwis]

great video and love the honesty.

[@jonathanstmartin]

Never knew about the sake bar. Definitely hittkng them up next time i visit

[@MB-qx9vn]

I’ve always been really disappointed with Disney restaurants in general- especially the Japan section. As a person with Japanese heritage, it really doesn’t capture real Japanese food. I understand they are being considerate of the American pallet, but everything I’ve ever had was like “Japanese” mall food. Wish they would improve!

[@cariopuppetmaster]

Remember alot of japanese food is too "exotic" for Americans

[@quazimotolikespie]

That green tea cheesecake looks bomb

[@paperclipxoxo]

I would love a video on vegetarian/vegan options in the parks

[@MarcellinaMoon]

Harper yes please!!

[@mariamayol3076]

Will you guys be doing a festival of the arts and flower and garden must eats?

[@cameo64]

Frozen Kirin is really good, but almost any beer is good near frozen, even miller lite

[@milliemeg5567]

Ok.... about the beer. If you want really cold, don’t go for it around lunch time. They are just getting it to be frozen and it’s not that cold around that time. Teppan Edo for me was amazing. I have a food allergy and they were so considered about it. I was asked about it from the waiter, the chef, the manager, since they cook everything on the grill. It was really good.

[@yeemcgee8149]

SAME HERE! and the food and service were amazing

[@jonok42]

We ate at Tokyo Dining, and I have a food allergy, also. I was treated so kindly, and they went out of their way to make sure my meal was safe for me to eat. Very pleased with the food and service!

[@dustybunny6716]

I remember the mochi and ramune shack...I thought it was candy. I was so wrong... Katsura Grill and it’s shrimp udon is awesome! They use a huge prawn that’s longer than the bowl. ^_^

[@samanthaingersoll2356]

Kakigori is so good!

[@richardmercer2337]

If you're looking for a quick, healthy lunch at World Showcase, Katsura Grill is a good choice. Japanese call Teppan Edo "American food". If you want actual Japanese food, try Tokyo Dining.

[@bethdibartolomeo2042]

Walk by the Pokemon stuff? You monster! LOL, just kidding. I'd probably check the Pokemon stuff out first at the first shop, then check out the food. I wasn't really into adventurous eating the first two times I was at Disney World (10 years old in 1988, almost 19 in 1997), but now that I'm older maybe I'll be more willing to try some of this food in Epcot and the main park. All these food videos I've watched have piqued my interest.

[@theresairani4294]

So we are heading for the first time to disney and I've been binge watching your videos. My family (2adults +2kids) love sushi. So we reserved tokyo dinner. (Wanting to use our Table service credit ) . We booked for 8pm , so we can have a chance to watch the fireworks from the window. What are the chances we can get a window table? Is 8pm to late ?

[@rosieg6989]

I was there in the first week of march last year and I really wanted to try mochi but I completely missed it.

[@rachelknight5413]

Could you do a food tour of the England pavilion I'm from England and would love to know what you think x

[@alexbrown1930]

I would still go to Teppan Edo if I had a Beni Hana in my area..the reason is the difference between American-ized Hibachi and Japanese Hibachi.

[@Hamala-Caris-Trump]

Japan loves sushi

[@megganbeck6772]

Great video. Btw eating raw fish pregnant is ok as long as it’s not high in mercury. Salmon is a safe choice. Japanese women don’t just stop eating raw fish when they are pregnant. It’s very healthy neonatal.

[@sanguinerain6546]

Had my first Ramune at my regular annual convention this year lmao! My attempt at opening the bottle was pitiful lol!!

[@MidoriFlygon]

There seems to be a more heavy focus on just sushi. I wish they had more japanese street food like okonomiyaki, ramen, and takoyaki.

[@JBonkerz96]

Does that little store sell japanese kit Kat bars?

[@aprilrice7184]

if you buy things from these merchandise shops, can you request them be taken back to your WDW resort?

[@petesliver9654]

My team covered this.......but unfortunately they were very intoxicated. I cannot drink because I am an alcoholic

[@peternunez8758]

can you do a face reveal?😂

[@catlover4915]

Peter Nunez That would be so interesting!

[@josphellihsilak4588]

Aj Wolfe.l is her name, just search her and youll see her pic with her blogs

[@chrisgeis9812]

Frozen Kirin is an interesting novelty and does keep the beer cold longer. The problem is Kirin is a mediocre beer😝

[@lukeylara1111]

I 💖 habachi

[@kioku119]

It's funny. Hibachi isn't really a thing in Japan.

[@britanyrobinson7138]

Do they still have frushi?

[@jm745]

The old noodle shop was much better.

[@joycesmith7399]

In Japan I have always heard Edo pronounced like AJ does here.

[@filmaru8556]

They sell pocki in my store

[@mobius273]

No ramen? No takoyaki? No okonomiyaki? No curry?

[@jenniferortiz9532]

I don’t really like Tokyo dinning resturant just because of he meat I had and I really can’t tbh🤷🏻‍♀️ but that’s my opinion teppanedo is better

[@gaiadove7616]

I’m so disappointed with Japan at Epcot. Considering how good the food is in Japan, I feel like it’s meh... get rid of Katsura grill and bring a real Ramen restaurant!

[@primusvsunicron1]

GUNDAM!

[@binx2638]

I wish katsura grill was better.... The ramen is so disappointing

[@bswift1991]

Was there last week and had their 'chicken cutlet curry' (which I've always known as a Katsu Curry at any other Japanese restaurant) and I have to say it was really excellent. The sticky rice they did on the side was great too and the portion was massive. My brother had the beef udon though and it was pretty tasteless =(

[@binx2638]

I'm not one for curry, I wish it was a ramen shop. My friends and I mostly got the soups and it was such a let down

[@roscellevisita2011]

As a person who lived in Japan for half her life, all the food I saw on this video, (no offense) look like underwhelming, Americanized mierda, especially the sushi.

[@persiwong5920]

It's pronounced RA-mu-ne, not ra-MU-ne

[@sindymidoro]

Where's Joey?

[@isabelmiles2680]

Great vid 😄 but pocky for men sounds like the most sexist thing I have ever heard

[@michaelmyers9233]

1 Good thing about it has good no great food or whatever it is 2 bad thing i'm not sure if it has a character meet and greet with all my favorite video game characters of the Persona series The Phantom Thieves of Heart and Treasure/Valuables with Joker Mona Skull Queen Fox Oracle Noir Crow Violet and Sophie the Phantom thief of the Persona series not the other Sophie atelier who is an alchemist who is meant to be Super Nintendo World theme park/amusment park if you know what i mean next to Mario Princess Peach Sonic Knuckles King Bowser Koopa Dr.Eggman Maki Hoshikawa Itsuki Maeda Raguna Uzuki and Viese Blanchimont for the meet and greet at Super Nintendo World i'm saying all long all this time indeed i know so to speak of yeah!

[@michaelmyers9233]

All the Phantom Thieves even Panther not anyone of them life out that is!

[@michaelmyers9233]

Phantom Thief Wolf too!

[@michaelmyers9233]

Sophie Neuenmuller Viese Blanchimont for Super Nintendo World that is!

[@anipapazian1932]

I did not enjoy Tokyo Dining's sushi at all. I thought it was really unappetizing and I wish I hadn't ate there :/

[@trustmebronocap]

Ra...mu...nae

[@caiuspostumiusturrinus1024]

Pocky. Sounds so seductive. Like " let's meet at you're place and play some Pocky..." .

[@addybuckler7730]

Lmao no it doesn’t