Embark on a blissful journey with the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival as it brings the exquisite tradition of Japanese gardening to life. This captivating event showcases the authentic Shishi-odoshi garden in the Japan pavilion, first introduced 20 years ago by arborist Shoji Kanaoka, a dedicated component of the EPCOT team since its inception. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the garden, with its distinct bamboo water fountain, affectionately dubbed a “deer scarer”—thoughtfully designed to secure farm crops by warding off unsuspecting wildlife. Each element showcases the fascinating harmony of Japanese art and nature, with the bamboo tube’s rhythmic “thunk” sound establishing the garden’s heartbeat. As you explore, you might even discover a hidden Mickey tucked away in the charming layout. Enjoy the aesthetic delights of traditional Japanese gardening, brought to your doorstep by the highly anticipated EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival.
Overview of EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Fest
Held annually, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is an event that you wouldn’t want to miss. This festival transforms EPCOT into a parade of florals and plant life, offering a vibrant showcase of Disney magic infused with Mother Nature’s touch.
Significance of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival
You may wonder why this fest creates so much buzz. Well, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is more than just your regular garden exhibition. Every year, Disney World’s horticulture team brings to life detailed and elaborate garden displays that offer viewers an exciting, sensory-stimulating experience. The fest is not only a beautiful sight to behold, but it also presents within its ambiance, the magic that Disney is known for – the magic of creativity, transformation, and storytelling.
Display of detailed and elaborate garden features
The festival is known for its meticulously detailed and elaborate garden displays. Whether it’s ‘topiaries’ of your favorite Disney characters, hidden Mickeys nestled amidst the flowers, or beautifully themed mini gardens representing different traditions, the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival offers unique, breathtaking sights for everyone.
The Shishi-odoshi Garden in the Japan Pavilion
Nestled within the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT, the Shishi-odoshi Garden is one such display that turns heads and invites attention.
Introduction to the Shishi-odoshi Garden
The Shishi-odoshi Garden is a traditional Japanese garden, brought to life by the combined efforts of Disney World Cast Members Sierra Ruparelia and Shoji Kanaoka. The name ‘Shishi-odoshi’ means ‘deer scarer‘, an old-world charm that gives the garden its unique identity.
The idea behind Shishi-odoshi Garden creation
The inception of the Shishi-odoshi Garden sprouted from the desire to weave more authentic features into the Japan Pavilion. The idea was to create a garden that exuded an aura of tradition, giving visitors a hint of the rich Japanese culture.
Shoji Kanaoka, the Arborist behind Shishi-odoshi Garden
The main pillar behind this enchanting creation is Shoji Kanaoka, an arborist who has been closely associated with EPCOT since its opening. It was his ingenuity and skill that breathed life into this Japanese spectacle more than 20 years ago.
Key Components of the Shishi-odoshi garden
The Shishi-odoshi garden is made up of several key features that contribute to its unique charm and allure.
The bamboo water fountain feature and its importance
One of the defining facets of this garden is a bamboo water fountain. The thoughtfully designed installation serves a dual purpose; it not only adds to the garden’s tranquil ambiance but is also designed to ward off wildlife that might wander into the garden and pose a threat to the crops.
The unique functioning of the ‘deer scaring’ bamboo tube
As water fills the bamboo tube, it tips over, creating a soothing sound that mimics rushing water. This unique mechanism, coupled with the ‘thunk’ sound as the empty tube tips back, lends the garden its ‘deer scary’ identity. It’s a creative way of blending functionality with aesthetics.
The connection of water to the garden’s liveliness
According to Kanaoka, water is the lifeblood of the garden. Kanaoka compares the role of water in the garden to blood running through a person’s veins – “It’s a cycle. Our bodies are almost the same way. The Japanese garden is always moving.”
Presence of the Shishi-odoshi Garden in Previous Festivals
Yes, the Shishi-odoshi garden indeed creates quite a spectacle; its been a part of the festival off and on over the years, enchanting visitors with its charm and simplicity.
Appearance of Shishi-odoshi garden in past Flower & Garden Festivals
Ever since it first appeared at the festival about 20 years ago, the Shishi-odoshi garden has been an absolute favourite. With each passing year, its allure has only grown, making it a highlight of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival.
Enhancements added to the garden in the recent festival
For this year’s festival, the Shishi-odoshi garden saw the addition of wooden wind chimes. This subtle yet effective addition, conceptualised and created by Kanaoka and his team, brought a fresh dimension to the garden’s appeal.
Unique Additions to the Shishi-odoshi Garden
The Shishi-odoshi garden, though rooted in tradition, shines with an element of delightful surprises layered into its landscape.
Introduction to wooden wind chimes in Shishi-odoshi garden
A notable enhancement this year was the introduction of wooden wind chimes. These lend a serene, musical note to the garden’s calm ambiance, creating a soothing environment for visitors.
Presence of hidden Mickey in the garden
The garden also holds a playful surprise for keen-eyed visitors: a hidden Mickey. Good luck looking for it when you visit!
Shoji Kanaoka’s Contributions Beyond the Shishi-odoshi Garden
While the Shishi-odoshi garden is a notable credit to Kanaoka’s impeccable craftsmanship, his magic doesn’t end there.
Other Japanese gardens created by Shoji Kanaoka
Kanaoka, during his 40 years of association with Disney, has brought several other captivating Japanese gardens to life. His work spans the creation of Zen gardens and smaller shishi-odoshis that are displayed around the pavilion all year long.
Presence of smaller shishi-odoshi around the Japan pavilion
Whether you’re visiting during the festival or not, you won’t have to miss out on the enchantment of the Shishi-odoshi garden. You can indulge in the quieter beauty offered by the smaller shishi-odoshis placed thoughtfully around the pavilion.
Transfer of Knowledge To Newer Generations
Upkeeping the legacy of the Shishi-odoshi garden will require new hands and minds, and Kanaoka is passing on his knowledge to the next generation.
Sierra Ruparelia- the next in line after Shoji Kanaoka
Sierra Ruparelia, one of the younger Disney World Cast Members, has been training under Kanaoka for the last two years. She’s immersing herself in the art of creating a Shishi-odoshi garden, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
The learning and training process to create a shishi-odoshi garden
The goal behind this extensive training is to ensure that the Shishi-odoshi garden continues to be a part of future EPCOT Flower & Garden Festivals. The knowledge transfer process ensures that the unique, traditional aura of the garden can be maintained, no matter who tends to it.
Location of the Shishi-odoshi Garden
If you’re wondering where to head to witness the grandeur of the Shishi-odoshi garden, here’s your answer.
Position of shishi-odoshi garden near the Takumi-Tei restaurant
The mystical Shishi-odoshi garden is conveniently located near the Takumi-Tei restaurant at the Japan Pavilion.
Guidance for festival goers to locate the garden
As a festival goer, you won’t have a hard time finding it. Just follow the signs and fellow visitors, and soon you’ll find yourself lost in the immersive charm of this garden.
Timings of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
Now that you know what to expect at the festival, here’s key info about when you can experience it.
Dates and Timings for the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
The EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival usually happens around Spring-Summer. This year, the festival is all set to continue its magic until July 5.
Information on future festivals
Details about future festivals are usually released closer to the event. Keep an eye out, and make sure you don’t miss the chance to be part of this amazing gathering of nature and tradition.
Atmosphere Surrounding the EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival
The atmosphere of the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival is as vibrant and magical as the displays themselves.
Visitor experiences and interactions with the Shishi-odoshi garden
Visitors often love the interaction that the Shishi-odoshi garden affords them. The soothing sounds of rushing water and wind chimes, coupled with the search for the hidden Mickey, turns their visit into a delightful treasure hunt.
Popularity of the Japan pavilion during the festival
As a part of the World Showcase, the Japan Pavilion always attracts a crowd of curious visitors, but the magic of the Shishi-odoshi garden makes it a sure hit during the festival. So head over to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, and let the magic of the Shishi-odoshi garden captivate you.
