Epcot’s Best-Kept Secret: Picking a Pearl in Japan
By Allison Brown, Travel & Cruise ConsultantUpdated October 2026 · 4 min read
Quick takeaways
- Pick-a-Pearl is at Akoya Pearls inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot’s Japan pavilion.
- You choose an oyster from the tanks, and a Cast Member opens it with a ceremony, a countdown in Japanese and a celebration.
- Allison and her daughter pay $49 USD for two oysters, and they do it on every trip.
- Your pearl can be set in a cage pendant or a bottle of coloured sand right there, or taken home as a tiny souvenir.
For my daughter’s 18th birthday, we took a trip to Disney in September! Something we do every trip as one of our souvenirs, is to pick a pearl in the Japan pavilion of the World Showcase.
Tucked away in the Mitsukoshi Department Store is Akoya Pearls, with 2 tanks filled with oysters. This is where the magic happens!
“The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the pearls.” – Chris Gardner
What is Pick-a-Pearl?
It’s exactly what it sounds like – you pick a pearl, or an oyster that contains a pearl. There are two tanks filled with water and a variety of oysters. When you purchase an oyster, you get to pick whichever one you want. The Cast Members are from Japan (for the most part) and really put on an amazing production when you do this experience. When we go, we always get 2 oysters, for a cost of $49.00 USD.
Our experience picking a pearl
Both my daughter and I picked our oysters and the Cast Member put them on the tray. We tend to go for the ugly, hairy ones, and haven’t had a bad pick yet! Once we decided whose oyster would be opened first (my daughter’s as it was her birthday), the ceremony started with a bow. They will show you how to properly bow and as well as teach you a little bit of Japanese! Before the Cast Member can cut open the oyster, you have to count down 3, 2, 1, which is san, ni, ichi (sun, knee, itchy) in Japanese. We have done this so many times, we are pros and all the Cast Members were impressed!
The Cast Member cut open her oyster to look for the pearl. When the pearl is found, it is quickly washed off in a bowl of water and then shown to you. The pearl that she got was a rare blue silver. Next, the oyster that I chose was opened and inside was twins!! Two pearls were in the oyster, which is also pretty rare, although we have gotten a few twins over the years. The pearls are measured with the measuring tool. The blue silver pearl measured 7 ½ mm and the twins were a perfect match at 6 ¼ mm each. After they are measured, cleaned and placed in a baggie with the size written on it, the Cast Member says it’s time to celebrate with some drumming and clapping!
Allison’s tipLearn the countdown before you go: san, ni, ichi (sun, knee, itchy). The Cast Members love it when guests count along in Japanese!
What can you do with your pearl?
After you have celebrated and are given your pearls, you have the option to have them made into jewelry right there. They have cage pendants that you can put your pearl in, or little bottles of coloured sand for them. Prices vary depending on what option you choose. We have not done anything with all of the pearls we have collected over the years, as we have a hard time deciding.
Is it worth it? My honest thoughts
Yes, in my honest opinion, it is worth it. This is the one thing we do every trip – no matter what! My daughter is now 18 and we have been going to Walt Disney World since she was 3, with pretty much a trip a year, so we have a lot! It’s a great little souvenir because it doesn’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase to bring home. It’s great for all ages and it’s such a unique gift to remember a magical time together.
The Cast Members make this experience worth it. It’s always fun to watch other people pick a pearl for their first – or 15th – time, as every oyster is different and you never know what you’re going to get!
Have you ever done the Pick-a-Pearl experience at Akoya Pearls? I highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do while at Epcot, exploring the World Showcase pavilions!
Dreaming of your own magical Disney adventure? Reach out to Allison and let’s start planning. Walt Disney World is waiting for you!
FAQs
Where is Pick-a-Pearl at Epcot?
Pick-a-Pearl is at Akoya Pearls, inside the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase.
How much does Pick-a-Pearl cost?
On Allison’s visit, two oysters cost $49 USD. Prices for jewelry settings like cage pendants vary by option.
Can you turn your pearl into jewelry at Epcot?
Yes. Right after your pearl is opened, you can have it placed in a cage pendant or a small bottle of coloured sand.
Is Pick-a-Pearl good for all ages?
Yes. It’s fun for all ages, and a pearl is a unique souvenir that takes up almost no space in your suitcase.
