Japan has no giant attractions (like Germany, a show building was erected but never filled with its intended ride), but its shopping and dining are exemplary, and the outdoor garden behind the pagoda is a paragon of peace. Hopefully, you can be there during one of the shows (check your “Times Guide”): the spectacularly thunderous Matsuriza taiko drum shows, which are held at the base of the five-level Goju-no-to pagoda. At the back of the pavilion, go inside and turn left to tour the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. It seems to eternally host an exhibition about the Japanese affection for sprites, pixies, and cute characters. A red torii gate inspired by one in Hiroshima sits in the lagoon; the barnacles on its base are fake, and were glued on to simulate age.

Influences: 8th-century Horyuji Temple in Nara (pagoda); Katsura Imperial Villa (Yakitori House); Shirasagi-Jo castle at Hemeji (the rear fortress); Hiroshima (torii gate in the lagoon).

Fun Stuff to Buy: The Mitsukoshi Department Store, named for the 300-year-old Japanese original, is the most fun to roam of all the World Showcase shops. It’s stocked like a real store, not a theme park shop, with a variety of toys, chopstick sets ($4–$18), traditional rush mat zouri sandals ($25), linens, anime figures like Pokémon, paper fans, calligraphy supplies, countless solar-powered hand-waving things, antique kimonos (mostly $50–$200), sake serving sets ($17–$35), bonsai trees ($55–$100), swords (around $160), and Japanese snacks, such as chocolate-dipped Pocky sticks ($4).

Entertainment: Drummers in the courtyard (check the app for performance times)