NEWS: OPENING TIMEFRAME Announced for New Restaurant Coming to EPCOT's Japan Pavilion

A BRAND NEW restaurant is coming to EPCOT soon!

Disney recently announced that the Japan pavilion in EPCOT will soon have a new restaurant called Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. The menu will feature items from the sushi bar, grill, and more, and each month there’s meant to be a new seasonal celebration featured in the restaurant. But just when will this new spot open? Here’s what we know so far!

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya will open on the second floor of the Japan pavilion in EPCOT THIS SUMMER! That’s so soon!

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know for this spot:

It’s a table service restaurant
It’ll have views of the EPCOT fireworks
It’ll offer a “festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style”
Each month brings a new celebration to the restaurant — sometimes that might be “hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July” or it might involve “moon-viewing dumplings in September”
There will be a cultural representative from Japan guiding you through the experience

In terms of restaurant design, look for things that embrace Japan’s festivals or highlight Japan’s natural wonders, including artwork and lanterns. There will also be a “magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto that will mesmerize your eyes while the food captivates your taste buds. ”

When it comes to food, you’ll find a variety of things on the menu, from sushi to teppan items, an open sushi bar and grill, and more.

You’ll find Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and The Monster Roll at the sushi bar. Plus, there will be sharable dishes (like Karaage Chicken, Salmon Misoyaki, and Tomato Salad with Avocado) meant to give you a taste of “Japanese Izakaya, a type of casual pub-style restaurant.”

And you’ll find dishes like Okonomiyaki from the grill.

Again, the restaurant is expected to open this summer. Tokyo Dining (which was located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion) has been closed for refurbishment for some time and was set to open this summer. Disney hasn’t explicitly confirmed any change to that restaurant, but it’s possible this new restaurant will take Tokyo Dining’s spot. We’ll have to watch for more news on that.

Stay tuned for the latest updates!