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    Japan Pavilion

    4.5 (77 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    Nighttime view of tall tree and Japanese castle/palace at Japan Pavilion at World Showcase at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.
    Daniel B.

    I think the Japan Pavilion is one of the 11 nations (or pavilions) represented in EPCOT's World Showcase. It features a stunning five-story pagoda, a massive torii gate on the water, traditional Japanese gardens, and a beautiful fortress modeled after the famous Himeji Castle. The absolute highlight for my wife and me is Takumi-Tei, the high-end omakase restaurant located here. In our opinion, it's the best restaurant at EPCOT and rivaled only by Victoria & Albert's (at the Grand Floridian) in all of Disney World. If you are walking clockwise starting from Mexico, the World Showcase pavilions order is: 1. Mexico 2. Norway 3. China 4. Germany 5. Italy 6. The United States (The American Adventure) 7. Japan 8. Morocco 9. France 10. United Kingdom 11. Canada While there are 11 today, only nine were there on opening day in 1982. Morocco was added in 1984, and Norway was the final addition in 1988.

    Karen N.

    I would say this is my most favorite pavilion. A lot of work went into it. There are two restaurants the first one is a buffet and on the expensive side. The other is counter service. We ate at that one. The gift shop is massive. I was telling Max I remember the days when they had pearl divers at the Magic Kingdom. I gave one of those pearls from days long by. Just as I mentioned this attraction and how I wished they had the same attraction, I passed by two tiny aquariums with oysters in them. A family picked out their oyster and there was a ritual. The pearl was opened and it was sized as an 8. I don't know if that's good luck or what.

    Nehal A.

    The Japan pavilion is one of the big ones. It sits across the Epcot globe. There are multiple small and large restaurants here. The gift shop is so huge, took about 15 minutes just walk from one side to another. In the shop, they also pearl farming, people were picking their own oysters to pick out pearls. There's an art gallery too but no rides. A Torii gate is placed in the water that has the globe center aligned to it. Looks stunning at night time. It is a very popular photo spot. They have Disney photo pass spot here too.

    Sushi xmas tree
    Manny F.

    The sushi was good and in the shape of a Christmas tree. Nothing crazy special and didn't taste as if it was the freshest sushi but if we were hankering we would order it again. Now the tempura soup in a fish broth was amazing. It could have been the fact that we were drinking throughout the day and this is such a great treat. We ordered a second one and would happily do it again.

    Amy P.

    I love how quick the service is here. Anytime I buy merch or food the line moves super fast.

    Jane S.

    The line was long, my sister and I ordered the pork bao was good but it was not worth waiting a long line for it. I wish they had hibachi rice.

    Annie N.

    The Japan Pavilion is one of my favorite pavilions in World Showcase. This is located around the water at EPCOT in World Showcase. It has representees from Japan working here. This is the best part of world showcase. You can actually meet cast members from other countries and talk to them about their culture. This pavilion is unique in that they are one of the only countries that has multiple dining options. The pavilion itself has a Hibachi style dining, Teppan Edo, another sit-down dining, Shiki-Sai and then a more expensive price fix dining, Takumi-Tei, only open for dinner. They also have a quick service restaurant, Katsura Grill, and a small walk-up bar serving sake and cocktails. Right outside the pavilion, they also have a walk-up food stand, Kabuki Cafe, that offers a few different options. There truly is something for everyone to find dining here. They do have a very large gift shop that spans more of the pavilion. There are tons of options inside for shopping including toys, clothing, jewelry, food and more. They also have a pick your own pearl that will be opened in front of you, and you can keep the pearl inside. I have done this a few times, you never know the size or the color you will get from the oyster. For entertainment, they offer drummers, Matsuriza, which use very large drums that are played in unison. It is one of my favorite shows to stop and watch. They are absolutely incredible. All of their show times can be found on the My Disney Experience App. I also think there are quite a few areas that you can find to sit and just relax. They are sort of tucked away, especially near the Katsura Grill which is higher up from the ground. There are plenty of tables and we have frequently found ourselves sitting here for a bit. This is the only country that also has a Koi Pond, or any type of live animal. It is just so peaceful to see. There is also a kidcot, if you are participating in that. This is something that children and adults can participate in. It allows for a fun discovery experience in which you collect activity cards at each country throughout World Showcase! The cast members will also write your name in the native language. There is also a Disney photopass person as well there to take your photo. I love this pavilion and will always tell people, make sure you stop and check it out. There is so much to see and experience here. Soak in their culture, their food, their drinks and more. Definitely check it out.

    Icon of the Japan pavilion
    Gregory E.

    Japan Pavilion - EPCOT's Hidden Kingdom of Culture, Cuisine & Collectibles Nestled beside the American Adventure Pavilion, the Japan Pavilion stands tall--literally and figuratively--as one of the most majestic and immersive stops in the World Showcase. From the moment you step under the iconic red torii gate, you're transported into a world of serenity, flavor, and shopping bliss. Merch Heaven Let's start with the crown jewel: Mitsukoshi Department Store. This sprawling first-floor marketplace stretches the length of the pavilion and is packed with everything your Japan-loving heart could desire: * Pokémon merch galore * Traditional clothing and accessories * Bonsai trees, swords, snacks, and sake * Even a pearl station where you can select and open your own oyster It's not just a store--it's a cultural experience. You could spend an hour here and still find new treasures. Dining Dynasty Japan boasts one of the most robust food offerings in EPCOT: * Quick Service: The Katsura Grill offers edamame, white rice, teriyaki beef and chicken, and other well-priced options with authentic Japanese flair. It's tucked into a peaceful garden setting--perfect for a quiet meal. * Table Service: Upstairs above Mitsukoshi, you'll find Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo, both offering elevated experiences with sushi, tempura, and hibachi-style cooking. * Signature Dining: For the ultimate splurge, Takumi-Tei delivers a refined, multi-course Japanese culinary journey. Think Victoria & Albert's--but with wagyu and wasabi. And don't miss the quick-service bar kiosk, which serves sake, plum wine, and even frozen beer during festival season. Yes, frozen beer--it's a thing, and it's glorious. Beauty & Entertainment * The pavilion's design is stunning, with tranquil koi ponds, stone lanterns, and lush landscaping that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. * The taiko drum performances add rhythmic energy and cultural depth--an absolute must-see if you catch them live. * During festivals like Food & Wine, the Japan booth consistently delivers bold flavors and unique drinks that keep guests coming back. --- Final Toast Whether you're sipping sake, shopping for Pokémon plushies, or indulging in a multi-course omakase, the Japan Pavilion is a masterclass in immersive storytelling and cultural celebration. It's one of those rare EPCOT stops that satisfies every sense--sight, sound, taste, and nostalgia. So let's raise our chopsticks, toast our sake, and salute this pavilion for being a true standout in the World Showcase. Elite-level approved. Cast member certified. Sushi-fueled and sake-blessed.

    Jennifer D.

    Very nice gift store. Interesting snacks and sounviers. The employees were friendly and helpful. We shared a frozen treat and a bag of squid snacks. The Japan area is a great viewing area for fireworks!

    Great landscaping
    Janice K.

    This area of Epcot is worth exploring. They have a few different quick service restaurants, a hibachi restaurant, and a high-end restaurant. They also have a bunch of bonsai trees and a Koi pond. There's a band that plays a few times a day. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in Epcot.

    Payal P.

    Gotta love the Japanese pavilion in EPCOT. There were Japanese drummers, restaurants, and an amazing gift shop. The place definitely looked like different areas of Japan I had previously visited. The 2 restaurants were a formal dine in place and another place where you can order food and picked it up front when your number is called. The gift store had everything Japanese from Japanese candy, kimonos, to Japanese toys. The outside of the gift shop looked like a real castle from that region. I tried a chicken bun at this pavilion. It was so soft and tasty.

    Monique W.

    Japan Pavilion is located at Epcot's World Showcase. It's all the way in the back of the park. I think it may be one of the furthest pavilion's from the entrance. It's one of my favorite Pavilion's at Epcot though. Upon entering the Pavilion, visitors are greeted with the Torii gate. As you continue to venture into the pavilion, there is a serene and beautifully landscaped that is very similar to a traditional Japanese garden. It has koi ponds, manicured plants, and calming water features. One of the main attractions in the Japan Pavilion is replica of the iconic Himeji Castle. The Himeji Castle is one of Japan's most well-preserved feudal castles. The castle serves as entry point to engaging cultural exhibit. The cultural exhibit provides insights into Japan's history. Inside the exhibit you'll also see references to samurai heritage. You can explore fascinating artifacts, traditional clothing, and historical displays. Japan Pavilion also has entertainment. You'll see a variety of performances throughout the day. The Matsuriza Taiko drummers deliver powerful and rhythmic performances, with their skillful drumming and dynamic choreography. There are also traditional Japanese music performances, showcasing the beautiful sounds of instruments. The Japan Pavilion is also a wide range of dining options that serve delectable Japanese cuisine such as sushi and sashimi to tempura and ramen! There is also the Mitsukoshi Department Store, a shopping store within the pavilion. It offers an extensive array of Japanese merchandise such as anime, and another section that offers traditional clothing, unique souvenirs, and exquisite arts and crafts. My favorite section in the store is all of the anime offering from shirts, plushies, and figurines! Japan Pavilion has so many activities inside that you could easily spend several hours in just this section! I'd highly recommend visiting this pavilion!

    Japan Pavilion
    Amanda L.

    The Japan Pavilion is probably my favorite pavilion at all of Epcot and it is in the direct BACK of the park, so the farthest to walk to if you're coming in from the front entrance, but more than worth it! It has a traditional Japanese gate (aka a torii) situated at the water's edge so there's great opportunities for photos here with the torii and Epcot ball in the distance perfectly framed within it! The rest of the pavilion is so FUN and so stunning! There is like a proper gift shop/almost convenience store that sells so many Japanese-based goodies in it! There's a small kawaii museum, plenty of sit down restaurants if you have more time to indulge here, cultural and musical performances that rotate throughout the day, and just generally all around has some of the yummiest food! I love the Japan pavilion and think it's the perfect example of finding the perfect balance between showcasing a lot of Japanese culture and making it super cute and merchandisable at the same time!

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    Review Highlights - Japan Pavilion

    I always make it a point to her was it udon at their tiny restaurant upstairs from the store when I go to Epcot.

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    Washington Street Bridge

    Washington Street Bridge

    5.0(2 reviews)
    16.9 miLawsona / Fern Creek

    Stopping for a minute to read a historic marker is a great way to learn more about the history of…read morean area. I have learned so much from these blue historical markers that can you find all around the state. This particular marker is located in H.H. Dickinson Azalea Park. One side of the marker tells about the park and the other side is about the nearby Washington Street Bridge. During the 1920's, Florida experienced a massive period of growth called the land boom years. As growth moved east in Orlando the little wooden bridge over Fern Creek could no longer with stand the increased vehicle traffic. In July of 1926, the Orlando City Council accepted proposals to replace the bridge. Concrete Steel Bridge Company of Miami Beach was chosen for their $10,400 bid. Orlando City Engineer Morton Hagartney designed a reinforced concrete arch deck bridge with walkways on both sides. The historically inspired light fixtures give the bridge its classical appearance. The bridge isn't very large but it is very pretty and is great for pictures, especially by the lamp posts. The Washington Street Bridge is the only bridge of its kind in the City of Orlando and was designated a Historic Landmark by the city in 1991. In 2014, historic marker F-808 was installed by The City of Orlando District 4 Commissioner Parry Sheehan, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, Orlando Garden Club, Lake Lawsona Fern Creek Historical Neighborhood Association, Eugene & Lois Pawlak & Family, Dr. Howard Green & Family, The Van De Bogert Family, Deborah Kohan, The Magley Family, Robin & Nancy Lewis, Nancy & Walk Jones, Kathy Wickman, Theresa Smith and the Florida Department of State.

    I love discovering these little historical markers that you can see in every city and town across…read morethe country. By seeing the blue historical sign, I learned a little bit more about the history of Orlando. The Washington Street bridge is located on the corner of Washington Street and Rosearden Drive in the downtown section of Orlando. It is right next to Dickson Azalea Park and this new bridge is going on one hundred years old. The bridge was built back in 1926 to replace a deteriorating wooden bridge over Fern Creek and was built for the sum of $10,400. Today, it is the only Bridge of its kind here in Orlando and was designated a Historic Landmark by the city back in 1991. It is hard to imagine what Orlando was like back in 1926. However, this bridge gives us a glimpse of that moment in history. How many people have walked across this bridge since its opening? Orlando is a city that continues to change and progress, but we can never lose sight of the past of the city.

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    Washington Street Bridge
    Washington Street Bridge
    Washington Street Bridge

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    Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker

    Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker

    4.5(2 reviews)
    15.0 miSouth Orange, Downtown South

    I love learning about architecture and history so I was immediately drawn to this historic marker…read moreon Sligh Street in Orlando. I am particularly fond of historic train stations, many of which were built during Florida's land boom hey days of the 1920's. Orlando was named in 1857 and incorporated in 1875. In 1880 the first railroad was built to Orlando which at that time was a pioneer cattle and citrus outpost that sprung up from the area around Fort Gatlin, built during the Seminole Wars. Atlantic Coastline Railroad acquired the railroad in 1902 and in an effort to bring more tourism to Orlando, in 1927 they hired architect M.A. Griffith to build on new train station on Sligh street. During the 1920's, Mediterranean Revival was the most popular architectural design choice but Griffith was inspired by his travels along the Pacific Coast where he admired the Spanish architecture and colonial parish churches. The W.T. Hadlow Construction Company of Jacksonville was hired to build the Spanish Mission style building with twin bell towers, arches, parapet, and tile roof at a cost of $300,000. The station was dedicated on January 11, 1927 in front of a crowd of 6,0000 people. On February 27, 1978, the train station was designated an Orlando Historic Landmark. In 2014 the station's original wood doors and windows were restored along with the original building colors. Repairs were also made to the stucco walls, roof, ceilings, paving, and upgrades were made to the restrooms. In 2015, the restoration project won the City of Orlando's Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Commercial Rehabilitation. In 2016 historic marker number F-904 was installed in front of the train station by The City of Orlando and the Florida Department of State. Today the station is considered the largest and finest example of Mission Revival architecture in Central Florida and is the only train station of this style in the state. The station serves Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star Lines and the SunRail commuter train. I have been to many train stations from the 1920's throughout Florida. Some have been torn down, some are now abandoned, others have been restored and turned into something else like a museum, but it is very rare to see one still being used today. I love that people are still arriving and departing through this historic building. I think M.A. Griffith would be proud to know that the Atlantic Coastline Station is still servicing Orlando's travelers today.

    This very well preserved marker is in front of the Orlando Amtrak station and recalls the time when…read morerailroads first started into Florida as well as a certain time in American history and race relations. Certainly well before "Amtrak" was a thing. The marker has text on both sides and it reads: "In 1880, the South Florida Railroad built a railway through Orlando. The small community boomed with land speculators, citrus and cattle investors, and tourists. In 1902, the larger Atlantic Coastline Railroad acquired the South Florida Railroad. Although three earlier Orlando stations were located on Church Street, Atlantic Coastline hired architect M.A. Griffith to design a new station on Sligh Boulevard in 1926. Griffith traveled the Pacific Coast and drew inspiration from Spanish architecture and colonial parish churches. The W.T. Hadlow Construction Company of Jacksonville received a $300,000 construction contract for the Spanish Mission style building. Twin bell towers, arches, parapet, and tile roof reflect this influence. Griffith designed the letters of "ORLANDO" over the west entrance arch. When the station was dedicated in January 1927, it attracted a crowd of more than 6,000 and became an immediate icon. The racially segregated station included a separate waiting room with ticket windows and restrooms for African American passengers on the south side of the building. Built-in curved wooden settees, once featured in both waiting rooms, remain only in the current waiting room." "Known historically as the Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station, this building represented the city's efforts to encourage tourism in Orlando during the 1920s Florida Land Boom. Since its opening, the station has served as a passenger terminal for residents, visitors, and workers. The words "Seaboard Coast Line" on the east arched parapet replaced "Atlantic Coast Line" after the two rail companies merged in 1967. The station was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey with six drawing sheets archived in the Library of Congress. On February 27, 1978, it was designated as an Orlando Historic Landmark. An extensive renovation began in 2014 to restore the station including the original wood doors and windows. Careful research revealed original colors of the building, window sills, and domes. In 2015, the project won the City of Orlando's Historic Preservation award for Outstanding Commercial Rehabilitation. The station is considered the largest and finest example of Mission Revival architecture in Central Florida and is the only train station of this style in the state. The station serves Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star Lines and the SunRail commuter train."

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    Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker
    Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker
    Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker - Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker in Orlando FL

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    Atlantic Coastline Station Historical Marker in Orlando FL

    Orlando Festival Park - Festival tents

    Orlando Festival Park

    4.0(21 reviews)
    17.6 miColonialtown Center

    I went here last weekend for the Orlando pickle festival and it was really great experience . The…read morepark is right in the heart of downtown Orlando. There was a nice open space and room for multiple vendors and food trucks . They provided porter potties and hand washing stations which was nice. I will definitely be back for pickle festival next year . I also would love to attend other events too at festival park. I parked in the bealls parking plaza near by to avoid having to pay which was great.

    Went here for Panda Fest. It was our first time attending an event at Festival Park. Traffic was…read morepretty snarled up near the venue and parking is difficult, but several places were offering parking for $20 cash. We were able to get parking nearby and walk easily to the event. The park itself is setup well for events. Plenty of open area for booths. They had clear entry and exit areas and security staff to handle entry. The general line was very long, but the security was professional and did their best to move things along. They had porta-potties and mobile real bathrooms in VIP at this particular event. They also had plenty of trash cans. They did need more accessible water for purchase. It was mostly at just the bar huts and those lines were very long. Not good on a hot day when you aren't allowed to bring in your water bottle. The ground is also pretty uneven in spots, so just need to be mindful of that for people with mobility issues. I would go here again for another festival.

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    Orlando Festival Park - Beef, Chicken and Lamb Kabobs

    Beef, Chicken and Lamb Kabobs

    Orlando Festival Park - Festival

    Festival

    Orlando Festival Park - Vendor with a long line

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    Vendor with a long line

    City of Orlando - Voodoo Donuts

    City of Orlando

    4.3(58 reviews)
    15.7 miDowntown / Central Business District / CBD

    I like Orlando! I visited my childhood best friend when she and her family loved in Orlando. The…read moreonly drawback for me, for Orlando, is I'm not a Disney fan in the least and you can imagine this city, and especially their airport, is rife with mousketeer ears! On our visit to Orlando, we enjoyed the weather, the hospitality, dining out, and in general all that Orlando offers (sans Disney). I'm not knocking Disney, in fact it employs my best friend's (now ex) husband and has for decades! So, hats off to Disney for providing careers and for providing for families' welfare and prosperity. My best friend took a job in South Carolina and now I don't have any friends or relatives in this region nor a pressing need to return since my flights into Orlando were lawya to visit my Sister on the Space Coast and she's moves back to Alabama. Regardless, thanks Orlando for the nice airport, the great memories and the fun visits!

    I will never ever complain about LA traffic again! No matter…read morethe time of day, there is constant traffic. 15 miles takes 40 mins; 30 miles took an hour and 15 mins. Also, why is everyone in a rush, why everyone honking & why so many tailgaters. Heaven forbid I wait for the pedestrian to cross the street before making a right, because the lovely driver behind me is already honking like crazy. Sorry, let me just run the pedestrian over so you can get to your destination a minute early. I'm trying to switch lanes, I get honked at, I don't gas it right when the light turns green, I get honked at. You better hope you're driving on the right lane cuz ain't no one going to let you merge over. And trust me if a Floridian needs to merge, you non Florida drivers better watch out cuz they will make their big ass trucks fit. Floridians exiting a driveway into ongoing traffic, yea they ain't yielding, you are! Speed limit, yea that doesn't exist! I can say I'm a crazy LA driver but driving in Florida made me want to park the car and walk my ass. Driving here is no joke! And the state is Toll happy!

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    City of Orlando
    City of Orlando - Orlando sunrise

    Orlando sunrise

    City of Orlando

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    Eppes-Shine Plot Greenwood Cemetery

    Eppes-Shine Plot Greenwood Cemetery

    5.0(2 reviews)
    16.4 miGreenwood, Downtown South

    This is located within Greenwood Cemetery and remembers a respected family that resided here in…read moreOrange County, Florida and can trace their lineage to Thomas Jefferson. I have said it before, but it bears repeating, we need to remember and acknowledge the footsteps from our past that brought us to where we stand today. This was a nice find in the historic cemetery known as Greenwood.

    I was exploring the history of Orlando in the historic Greenwood Cemetery when I discovered this…read moremarker dedicated to the Eppes and Shine families buried here. I learned from the sign that they were descendants of Thomas Jefferson who made their mark on early Orlando. Francis Wayles Eppes VII, was 8 years old in 1809 when he spent Christmas in Virginia with his grandfather Thomas Jefferson who had just completed two terms as president. Francis's mother was Jefferson's beloved daughter Maria who died during child birth in 1804 when he was three. His father John Epps was a congressman who remarried and was often away in Washington, DC. so Francis grew up in the care of his grandfather. Francis was the only one of Maria's three children to live to adulthood. Jefferson had set aside the family outpost called Poplar Forest, a 300 acre estate near Lynchburg, Va. for Francis as his inheritance. When Francis turned 15, Jefferson sent him a letter with this advice "Above all things, and at all times, practice yourself in good humor. This, of all human qualities, is the most amiable and endearing to society." Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, when Francis Eppes was 25 and married to Elizabeth with two children. The Jefferson family ended up selling Monticello and Poplar Forest due to debts and legal problems. Francis Eppes landed in Tallahassee with his young family but his wife Elizabeth would pass here during child birth like his mother and two of his seven children died in infancy. Francis Eppes remarried Susan Margaret Ware (1815-1887), the daughter of a governor of Georgia. They lived at Pine Hill, a 1,900-acre plantation, and had six more children, four girls and two boys. Francis Eppes founded St John's Episcopal Church and went on to serve two terms as mayor of Tallahassee in the 1840s and 1850s. He was one of the founders of Florida State University when in the 1850s he helped establish the West Florida Seminary that would become the university where he would serve 11 years on the school's board, eight of them as president. The Civil War hit the Francis Eppes family hard. Eppes sold his land but it was purchased with worthless Confederate money. The family was broke and they moved further south into what would become Orlando, a frontier outpost that sprung up from Fort Gatlin, an outpost during the Seminole Wars. In Orlando Francis Eppes became a citrus farmer. Three of the Eppes daughters married three Shine brothers in 1866. Martha Virginia married Capt. Thomas Jabez Shine, called T.J., Capt. Tom Shine, a Confederate veteran, was the director of the First National Bank, a board of trade officer, an alderman, and commander of the Orlando Guards, later named Shine Guards. In 1879, Thomas built a home on Orange Avenue with the first indoor bathroom in Orlando. The first sidewalk in the city ran past the house and it had a tennis court. He named the cross street Jefferson Street in honor of his wife's family Caroline Matilda married David Shepard Shine who became deputy clerk of Orange County and was appointed postmaster. Caroline and her sister Martha served their communities as members of the Rosalind Club, Sorosis, and with other charities. The third Shine brother Dr. William F. Shine was married to Martha Eppes. Unlike the previous two couples, they did not live in Orlando. Dr. William F. Shine, served as a Civil War surgeon and practiced medicine in St. Augustine after the war. Maria Jefferson Eppes founded the St. Augustine Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution which bears her name. Francis Eppes died on May 30, 1881 a few months before his 80th birthday. Francis Eppes and Susan Ware Eppes are buried in Orlando's Greenwood Cemetery in a family plot with members of the Shine family, including T.J. Shine, and their descendants. The Shines are noted for being among Orlando's earliest civic minded families. Marker F-838 was erected in 2014 by The City of Orlando and the Florida Department of State.

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    Eppes-Shine Plot Greenwood Cemetery
    Eppes-Shine Plot Greenwood Cemetery
    Eppes-Shine Plot Greenwood Cemetery

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    John R. Mott House Site - John R. Mott''s house before it was torn down.

    John R. Mott House Site

    5.0(2 reviews)
    16.4 miSouth Eola, Thornton Park

    I always stop to read a historical marker if I happen upon one. I have learned so many interesting…read morethings about Florida and its people this way. For some reason I always thought this marker was associated with the historic Eola House which it is near but when you actually stop to read you learn that it was put in place of a home that is no longer here. The John R. Mott House was the former 1920 Mediterranean-style bungalow home of past Nobel Peace Prize-winner John Raleigh Mott. Mott retired to Orlando in 1938 and purchased the home. It was torn down along with three other historic homes in 2013 to expand Lake Eola Park. The homes were known as the The Lake Eola Five. Lake Eola House located near this historic sign was the only one left standing to serve as the Lake Eola Park offices. John Raleigh Mott was a very influential humanitarian figure. He was a leader in the YMCA and the World Student Christian Federation. He helped to found the World Council of Churches in 1948. He held honorary degrees from six universities, including Yale, Edinburgh, Princeton, and Brown. In 1946 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his humanitarian work with international Protestant Christian student organizations that promoted peace. Mott authored The Evangelization of the World in this Generation and he became a popular recruiter of college students to foreign mission work. When he was offered free passage on the Titanic he had the good sense to decline in favor of a less luxurious ship more aligned with his austere taste. It was very sad to learn that Orlando tore down four historical homes to basically have a field where they can hold events in the downtown area. The bungalow was especially cute and attached to a historical figure. It could have served as museum. To ensure that Mott would not be forgotten, in 2017, the city of Orlando placed a two sided Florida Historical Marker F-932, at the site of where Mr. Mott's home once stood, in recognition of his life's work. The marker was paid for by Commissioner Patty Sheehan along with private donations from he Van Dusen and the Nollet families. One star for Orlando tearing down Mr. Mott's home and five stars for all of John R. Mott's great work.

    The John R. Mott House Site is a piece of Orlando, Florida history located by a plaque on the edge…read moreof Lake Eola Park. It commemorates the house site of John Raleigh Mott, who was a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. In addition, Mott was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his relief work for prisoners of war. Whenever I see a local historic plaque, if possible, I pull over and check it out. We individually and as a society need to remember our history, the steps that brought us to where we stand today. Our society would not be what it is today had it not been for pioneers like this gentleman who strived to make the world a better place. I am grateful that I discovered this cool piece of history and I give it five stars.

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    John R. Mott House Site
    John R. Mott House Site
    John R. Mott House Site

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    Japan Pavilion - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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