Epcot's Japan Pavilion Koi Pond

All around the Disney parks there are beautiful, entertaining spots that many guest often miss. These places are all about theme magic, and if one is so focused on getting to the next ride, or making it on time to their ADR it can be easy to overlook. But to travelers who like to enjoy the journey these spots can paint vivid pictures of the beauty and culture of the areas in which they can be found.

Beautiful Colorful Koi
One of my favorite such spots is the Koi Pond in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot. Koi are a domesticated variety of ornamental common carp that come in a wide variety of color and combinations of color that include black, white, gray, blue, orange and yellow. The many varieties of Koi are distinguished by coloration, patterning, and scalation. First bred for their vibrant color mutations in China more than a thousand years ago, Koi exploded throughout Japan after an exhibition in 1914 and the hobby of keeping koi has been a popular pass time in the culture ever since.

The Koi Pond in Epcot's Japan is part of the design of a larger Japanese garden in which the Koi hold a special place. Koi are considered very valuable and have a long life span, garden Koi often represent perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. In addition, the word 'koi' is similar to the Japanese word that expresses affection and love. In Japan Koi are symbols of love and friendship to the people. There is a myth that "The strongest koi swims upstream until it reaches the final waterfall, where it vaults into the mists and becomes a water dragon."

Waterfall on the Koi Pond
I love to stop for a few moments and watch these color fish swim and play in the waters of Epcot's Japanese Garden. The spot offers a moments reprieve and visual escape from the hustle and bustle going on all around. Even during a performance of the incredible Taiko Drummers, when watching the Koi frolic the world can melt away. Hidden Mickey fans will be sure to want to stop by this lovely and peaceful garden to see if they can spot everyone's favorite Mouse in the pond.

You do ever stop by to watch the fish in the Japan Pavilion? Have you found this Hidden Mickey? Leave a comment and let us know your Koi pond story!

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