Credit: Scott Ellis, FlickrConstruction walls came down at EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion this week, and today, the reopening we’ve been waiting for happened! After nearly six months behind closed doors, the Garden House sake kiosk in the Japan Pavilion has reopened, giving guests something they have been waiting for since summer. The kiosk quietly welcomed guests back on December 19 in the late morning, just in time for the end-of-year holiday rush.
For frequent EPCOT visitors and World Showcase regulars, this reopening is more than a minor update. Garden House has long been a fan favorite, especially among guests who prioritize unique beverages and Instagram-worthy drinks during their visit to the park. Its extended closure left a noticeable gap in the Japan Pavilion experience, and its return marks a significant shift as EPCOT wraps up the year.
The Long EPCOT Closure Finally Ends
The Garden House sake kiosk closed back in July, remaining hidden behind construction walls for almost half a year. While Disney never officially labeled the project as a major refurbishment, the length of the closure hinted that this would be more than a simple paint refresh. In recent weeks, guests spotted the construction walls coming down, sparking speculation that reopening was imminent.
Those suspicions turned out to be correct. On December 19, Garden House reopened around noon, offering guests a first look at the refurbished space and an updated menu. The timing feels intentional, as Disney works to minimize visible construction heading into the busiest holiday period of the year.
A Refreshed Look With Structural Changes
Although the base structure of the Garden House remains intact, the kiosk has undergone noticeable exterior changes. The most obvious difference is how guests interact with the building. What were once front-facing doors have been replaced by windows, subtly altering the kiosk’s appearance and guest flow.
The former side windows have now been converted into doors, allowing guests to enter the kiosk after ordering from an exterior window. This new setup is likely to improve crowd management during peak hours, especially during festivals and holiday weekends when the Japan Pavilion experiences heavy foot traffic.
The stonework and paneling around the building were slightly modified to accommodate the new layout, and the entire structure received a fresh coat of paint. One of the more charming updates can be found in the new window designs, which feature cherry blossom imagery that fits seamlessly into the pavilion’s aesthetic.
Inside, shelves above the registers now display the available beers and cocktails, providing guests with a clear view of their options before making a purchase.
The Updated Garden House Menu Is Here
Along with its physical refresh, Garden House has introduced a new menu that focuses heavily on sake, cocktails, and beer flights. The fan favorite Violet Sake has returned, priced at $14, and remains one of the most visually striking drinks in World Showcase. It features desert pear syrup, lime juice, and sake, delivering the signature violet color that helped it go viral in past years.
Guests can also choose from several sake and plum wine options, including hot or cold Junmai Sake for $12, Daiginjo for $16, Nigori for $11, and Plum Wine for $11.
The cocktail lineup has expanded, featuring offerings such as Tokyo Sunset, Green Grace with honeydew and lemon, Sora Sky with peach syrup and yuzu, and Haru Pink, made with watermelon and lemon juice. A cocktail flight featuring three signature drinks is available for $25.
Beer lovers can opt for a beer flight or individual pours, including Kirin Frozen Draft, seasonal drafts, Sapporo, and Kirin Light. Notably, the kiosk no longer sells sodas or green tea, focusing exclusively on alcoholic beverages and bottled water.
Prices across the menu have increased compared to pre-closure offerings, reflecting broader pricing trends across EPCOT beverage locations.
What Didn’t Return
Some longtime fans may notice a few items are missing. Several former seasonal cocktails and the previously offered Sparkling Sake did not make a return. The new menu feels more curated and streamlined, possibly allowing the location to operate more efficiently during busy periods.
Why This Reopening Matters for EPCOT Guests
Garden House’s return is a win for EPCOT guests who prioritize World Showcase food and beverage experiences. Construction walls can significantly disrupt the flow and atmosphere of the parks, and their removal instantly improves the visual appeal of the Japan Pavilion.
For guests planning holiday visits or early 2026 trips, this reopening restores a popular stop for adults seeking something different from standard beer carts. It also adds capacity back to an area that can feel congested during festivals, helping distribute crowds more evenly.
The Bigger Picture in EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion
The reopening also complements other recent additions in the pavilion, including the nearby gashapon kiosk that highlights collectible capsule toys. Together, these offerings reinforce Japan Pavilion as one of EPCOT’s most immersive and interactive spaces.
After months of uncertainty, Garden House is officially back in operation, complete with a refreshed look and an expanded drink menu. For EPCOT regulars, it is a clear sign that the park is closing out the year with fewer construction walls and more reasons to linger around World Showcase.