Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” will be held for 184 days from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on the artificial island called Yumeshima in Osaka. On January 19 (Sunday), Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line opened, providing direct access to the venue.

Visitors can reach the Expo 2025 Osaka site by train or direct bus from various locations in Osaka. This article will explain the transportation options, including the advantages and disadvantages.

For reference, the 1970 Expo was held at a different location—Expo ’70 Commemorative Park—where you can see the Tower of the Sun and seasonal flowers. A combined visit to both sites is highly recommended.

▼For more details▼

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is a great place to visit in Osaka! Highlights Explained!

From the Osaka Umeda area, you can access the Expo site by train via Osaka Metro or JR, or by bus from two boarding points in Umeda.

If traveling by Osaka Metro, take the Midosuji Line from Umeda Station to Honmachi Station, transfer to the Chuo Line, and ride to Yumeshima Station. If using JR, take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line, and get off at Sakurajima Station. From there, take the Sakurajima Station Expo Shuttle Bus, which takes about 15minutes to reach the venue. 

*Fares as of March 11, 2025.

*If you are traveling by JR, another option is to take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, transfer to the Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station, and then switch to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to reach Maishima Station.

Since both Osaka Metro and JR require transfers, those visiting with small children or elderly companions may find it more convenient to book the Expo Shuttle Bus in advance.

To reserve a seat on the Expo Shuttle Bus, you will need to download the KANSAI MaaS app via the “Expo Transportation Information” website. Additionally, direct buses from the Osaka Umeda area require advance reservations. As the number of buses is limited, early booking is recommended.

From the Namba area, you can reach the Expo site via Osaka Metro or the Expo Shuttle Bus from two designated boarding locations.

If traveling by Osaka Metro, take the Midosuji Line from Namba Station to Honmachi Station, then transfer to the Chuo Line and ride to Yumeshima Station.

*Fares as of March 11, 2025.

To reserve a seat on the Expo Shuttle Bus, you will need to download the KANSAI MaaS app via the “Expo Transportation Information” website. Additionally, direct buses from the Namba area require advance reservations. Since the number of buses is limited, early booking is recommended.

Large luggage is not allowed inside the Expo venue. If you are coming from Kansai International Airport, you will need to enter Osaka City via JR, Nankai Railway, or a shuttle bus, and store your large luggage at a hotel or locker before heading to the venue.

For travel from Kansai International Airport to Osaka Umeda, taking a bus is recommended.

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Buses are a comfortable way to get from Kansai International Airport to Umeda, Osaka! Thorough explanation of travel time, boarding location, etc.

If traveling from Shin-Osaka by train, you can access the venue via Osaka Metro, JR, or bus. Since large luggage is not allowed inside the venue, be sure to store it at your hotel or in a locker before heading to the Expo.

If using Osaka Metro, take the Midosuji Line from Shin-Osaka Station to Honmachi Station, then transfer to the Chuo Line to Yumesaki Station.

If using the JR Kyoto Line, there are three routes:
(1) Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, transfer to the Loop Line to Bentencho Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Maishima Station.

(2) Take the JR Kyoto Line “Expo Liner” directly to Sakurajima Station, then board the Expo Shuttle Bus from Sakurajima Station to the venue (approx. 15min).

(3) Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, transfer to the Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Sakurajima Station, and from there, take the Expo Shuttle Bus to the venue (approx. 15min).

*Fares as of March 11, 2025.

To reserve a seat on the Expo Shuttle Bus, you will need to download the KANSAI MaaS app via the “Expo Transportation Information” website. Advance reservations are required for direct buses from Osaka Umeda and Shin-Osaka. As seats are limited, early booking is recommended.

 Large luggage is not allowed inside the Expo venue. If you are coming from Osaka International Airport, you will need to enter Osaka City via JR, Nankai Electric Railway, or a shuttle bus and store your large luggage at a hotel or locker before heading to the venue.

For travel from Osaka International Airport to Osaka City, the limousine bus is the most convenient option, offering a direct, transfer-free ride to Osaka Umeda in about 30minutes.

If using public transportation, you can take Osaka Metro or Hankyu Railway. For Osaka Metro Route: Take the Osaka Monorail from Osaka International Airport Station to Senri-Chuo Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to reach Umeda or Namba Station. For Hankyu Railway Route: Take the Osaka Monorail from Osaka International Airport Station to Hotarugaike Station, then transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to reach Osaka Umeda Station.

To ease congestion and ensure safety, large luggage is prohibited inside the venue.

Large luggage includes suitcases, carry-on cases, and carts used for transporting goods. The maximum allowable size for personal items is W600mm × D900mm × H400mm. If you have large luggage, please store it in a hotel, station, or airport locker before heading to the venue.

If you need to store your luggage in Osaka Umeda, Hankyu Tourist Center – Osaka Umeda is a convenient option. There is also a same-day delivery service to hotels in the area.

▼For more details▼

Hands-Free Travel | Baggage Storage and Delivery Services at Hankyu Tourist Center in Osaka Umeda Station

Summary

Key points for getting to the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo venue:

・Download the KANSAI MaaS app to reserve the Expo shuttle bus.

・Plan where to store your luggage in advance, as large bags are not allowed inside the venue.

・Check the exact bus stop locations even within the same area, multiple boarding points exist, so review the map beforehand.

Enjoy your trip!

Starting in October 2024, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Kintetsu Railway, and Osaka Metro have introduced a contactless payment system for train fares.

By tapping your contactless-enabled card (credit, debit, or prepaid) or a smartphone with a registered card on the dedicated reader, you can pass through the ticket gates and board the train seamlessly.

*This service applies only to standard adult fares (no child fares or discount options available).
*The fare will be automatically deducted based on the travel distance.
*Some stations are not included in the service.