There’s a brand-new signature restaurant headed to Epcot’s Japan pavilion this summer, and it looks like it’s going to look pretty, well, pretty! Landscaping work for just outside the restaurant finally started this last week, and if it’s anything like the rest of the pavilion, it’s sure to be gorgeous.

From the main pathway, those with a good eye might notice there are new trees behind the walls.

From a higher vantage point, it’s much more obvious. Trees are being planted into the hillside that was built up around the restaurant’s entrance.

This is the same view from just a week ago. You can tell they’ve made quite a bit of progress.

This whole area used to be nothing but garden and trees. I’m glad some of it is coming back.

They’ve got some space dug up here, I’m hoping it’s for a water feature of some sort. There were visible pipes around this area for a long time until they covered it with dirt.

This is that same spot a week ago. They’ve also painted that guard rail above the entrance hallway, which makes me think it must be a permanent thing.

A water feature would definitely be nice, especially with these stones they’ve laid out.

There was some painting work happening on the facade, as well. It’s not too different from what it’s been for a while, though. We’re getting close to the open, I think!

The natural landscaping of the outside should compliment the inside of the restaurant well, as it’s meant to present the nature-inspired aspects of Japanese design.

Takumi-Tei is planned to open sometime this summer at the Japan pavilion in Epcot, and will be operated by Mitsukoshi. Fans of upscale dining in a relaxing setting will most likely be in for a treat! We’ll keep you updated as this exciting new addition gets closer to opening.