EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai is currently being held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka. This world exposition, held every five years in different countries, returns to Japan for the first time in 20 years since Expo 2005 Aichi. For Osaka, it marks a historic moment—the first time the city has hosted a World Expo in 55 years, since the legendary Expo 1970.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your visit—from how to get there and how to buy tickets, to must-see pavilions, can’t-miss experiences, and hidden gems within the venue. Let’s get you ready for an unforgettable trip to EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai!

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai is a large-scale international event where 158 countries come together to showcase cutting-edge technologies, innovative ideas, and diverse cultures under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

The expo will run from April 13 (Sun) to October 13 (Mon), 2025. The venue is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with most pavilions operating from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and official stores open until 9:30 PM.

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai has two main entrances: the East Gate and the West Gate. Be sure to note that your entry gate is determined at the time of ticket reservation.

The East Gate is just a short walk from Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. The West Gate offers convenient access for those arriving by shuttle bus, park-and-ride bus, highway bus, ferry, or bicycle.

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Transportation Guide of Osaka Expo 2025: How to get to the venue from Osaka, Namba, Kansai Airport, and Shin-Osaka

Tickets for EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai are available in several types: Single Entry Tickets, Multi-Visit Passes, Special Discount Tickets, and Group Tickets. Here, we’ll focus on the Single Entry Ticket.

There are three types of Single Entry Tickets: Weekday Ticket/Night Ticket/One-Day Ticket.

Each ticket type is priced based on age categories: Adult (18 and over)/Junior (ages 12–17)/Child (ages 4–11).

Children under 3 years old can enter for free. However, if they require a seat at a pavilion or event, a free ticket can be issued in advance.

Admission to most pavilions is included in the ticket price, with the exception of select paid events.

To purchase tickets for EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, registration for an EXPO ID is required via the official ticketing website. If you’re buying tickets for your family, only one representative needs to register for an EXPO ID—this allows entry for the entire group under that account. Once the EXPO ID registration is complete, log in to the ticketing website to purchase your tickets.

If online reservation is difficult, ticket vouchers can also be purchased at major convenience stores in Japan, including 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and Ministop. These vouchers can be exchanged for official paper tickets with a QR code at ticket exchange counters located near the EXPO entrance gates. However, when using a convenience store voucher, an EXPO ID is not required. However, some services—such as entry time reservation and pavilion viewing reservations—will not be available, so plan accordingly.

To attend EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, visitors must reserve their visit date and time through the official ticketing website. 　During this process, you’ll need to select:

The entry gate: East Gate or West Gate

Your arrival time slot: Choose from 9:00–, 10:00–, 11:00–, 12:00–, or 17:00–

* If you want to arrive at 15:00, you must select the 12:00– time slot.

After completing your entry reservation, you can apply for a lottery to reserve popular pavilions and events. While reservations aren’t mandatory, having one significantly reduces wait times and enhances your experience.

There are four types of reservation opportunities:

Two months in advance / 7 days in advance / 3 days in advance / Same-day reservation

Each person can hold up to 3 reservations, with one slot available in each advance reservation window (2-month, 7-day, and 3-day).

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai spans approximately 155 hectares—equivalent to about 217 soccer fields. Many visitors have reported walking over 20,000 steps in a single day, so wearing comfortable clothing is highly recommended. Additionally, some pavilions require you to remove your shoes or socks, so it’s best to wear footwear that’s both easy to walk in and easy to take off and put on.

Here are the recommended items to bring with you to EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai:

・Screenshot of your admission QR code
You may be asked to show it again at certain pavilions after entering the venue.

・Printed map
Since maps of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai are sold for a fee, it’s a good idea to print one from the official website　 and bring it with you.

・Phone battery/charger
In addition to being required for entry, your phone will be needed to make same-day reservations, which can quickly drain the battery. If you plan to stay until the evening, a portable charger is essential.

・Water bottle
Water dispensers are available throughout the venue, so having your own bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated.

・Snacks
While there are many food options onsite, if you’d rather save time or money, bring snacks or candy that you can eat while waiting in line.

・Trash bag
Trash bins are limited throughout the venue, so carrying a small bag for your garbage will help you stay organized.

In addition, the EXPO site offers little shade, so heat protection is essential, especially after May. August is typically the hottest month in Japan, with daytime highs over 30°C (86°F) and even mornings and evenings staying around 25°C (77°F), often with high humidity. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and consider uniquely Japanese heat countermeasures such as a parasol or frozen bottled drinks available at convenience stores.

Note: Large luggage such as suitcases, rolling bags, or carts for transporting goods is not allowed inside the EXPO 2025 venue. The maximum size allowed is W600mm × D900mm × H400mm. If you are carrying oversized items, be sure to leave them in a locker at your hotel, a train station, or the airport in advance.

If you’re in Osaka Umeda and need to store luggage, the Hankyu Tourist Center, Osaka-Umeda is a convenient option.

▼For more details▼

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

With over 180 pavilions at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, it’s a good idea to decide in advance which ones you want to visit for a smoother experience. Here, we introduce our top 10 must-visit pavilions at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

(1) Jordan Pavilion

This pavilion is filled with real desert sand from Jordan, famously known as a filming location for the movie Star Wars. Visitors can experience walking barefoot across the desert sand. A 360-degree screen displays stunning footage of Jordan, making you feel as if you’ve truly traveled there. At the exit, there’s a café where you can relax and also purchase souvenirs.

(2) Thailand Pavilion

Welcomed by a hand-carved wooden elephant, the Thailand Pavilion is perfect for families.

After learning traditional Thai greetings together, guests are treated to a theater performance where Thai staff sing and dance along with the video. With everyone joining in cheerfully, saying “Sawasdee ka~! Hello~!”, it’s an especially fun experience for young children.

(3) Philippines Pavilion

The highlight of the Philippines Pavilion is its traditional weaving craftsmanship. Visitors can enjoy exploring the “Forest of Art,” which showcases woven textiles from 18 different regions across the country.

(4) Germany Pavilion

At the Germany Pavilion, visitors receive a palm-sized mascot character named “Circular,” who provides audio guidance at various points throughout the exhibit. The pavilion offers a fun and interactive way to learn about its central theme: the circular economy.

(5) Italy Pavilion

The Italy Pavilion is popular for showcasing authentic artworks. Highlights include valuable pieces such as the ancient Roman sculpture Farnese Atlas and Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches from the Codex Atlanticus. Starting May 18, Michelangelo’s sculpture Risen Christ will also be on display.

(6) France Pavilion

This pavilion is a must-visit for fashion lovers, offering the chance to enjoy renowned French brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior all in one place.

(7) Saudi Arabia Pavilion

A traditional Saudi market known as a souq has been recreated, where visitors can purchase Saudi coffee, handicrafts, and dates—dried fruits from date palms.

(8) Australia Pavilion

The exhibition is divided into three zones—Forest, Sky, and Ocean. Upon entering the Forest zone, you’ll be surrounded by eucalyptus trees, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a real forest. Among the trees, adorable koalas add to the charm. In the Ocean zone, you’re immersed in the beauty of the sea, surrounded by numerous monitors displaying breathtaking marine scenes. It’s a pavilion that soothes you with the power of nature.

(9) Commons Pavilion

An international pavilion jointly exhibited by over 90 countries and regions. There are six Commons buildings, labeled A to F, where various countries and regions are densely grouped together. Some pavilions offer food and goods for sale, while others allow you to dress in traditional costumes and take photos, making it a culturally rich and interactive experience.

(10) GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION

A life-sized Gundam statue, approximately 17 meters tall, greets visitors at the entrance. Its never-before-seen pose reaches out toward space and the future. Even if you don’t enter the pavilion, you can still take photos at the entrance—be sure to go meet Gundam!

At EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the pavilions are beautifully illuminated at night, offering a completely different and stunning view—so don’t miss the nighttime experience!

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai offers more than just visiting pavilions—there are many ways to experience the culture of countries from around the world. Here are four must-try experiences at EXPO 2025:

(1) Enjoy Global Cuisine at EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai

At the restaurants and cafés attached to each country’s pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, you can enjoy rare and unique dishes that are hard to find in everyday life. In addition to the country-specific eateries, there are many other restaurants throughout the site. Highly recommended are Japan’s famous sushi chains, Kura Sushi and Sushiro. They will also offer exclusive menu items available only at EXPO 2025, so be sure to check them out!

(2) Shop for Unique Souvenirs from Around the World at EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai

At EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, you’ll find unique souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else—like reindeer fur sold in front of the Nordic Pavilion or personalized keychains with your name engraved in Arabic at the Yemen Pavilion.

While these souvenirs come from around the world, there’s also a must-visit spot for uniquely Japanese gifts: Animate. It’s packed with popular anime merchandise, making it the perfect place to pick up something special from Japan.

(3) Try On Traditional Costumes from Various Countries at EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai

At EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, several pavilions offer the chance to experience traditional clothing from around the world. This photo shows a traditional outfit encountered at the Ghana Pavilion.

(4) Connect with People from All Over the World at EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai

EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai is a great opportunity to talk with people from all around the world. If you’re feeling a bit shy about starting a conversation, why not try breaking the ice at a café or souvenir shop?

Here are three must-see spots at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. You’ll come across them as you walk around the venue, so there’s no need to go out of your way to find them.

(1) The Grand Roof Ring

The Grand Roof Ring, which encircles the entire EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai site, stretches about 2 kilometers. It takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to walk around, making it a pleasant stroll with a panoramic view of the venue on clear days.

In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from the Grand Roof Ring, so walking it later in the day is recommended—especially during the hot summer months.

The ring is also illuminated at night, with the colors changing every two weeks to reflect the changing seasons.

(2) Contemporary Art

Inside the EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai venue, you’ll find a surprising number of famous contemporary artworks on display. Right near the East Gate, you’ll be greeted by a piece from Kohei Nawa. You can also discover works by other renowned Japanese artists such as Chiharu Shiota and Tomoko Konoike. Be sure to keep an eye out for these impressive pieces as you explore the site.

(3) Stone rest area

Before the grand opening of EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai, one of the most talked-about features was the stone rest area. Don’t miss the chance to see how these heavy stones are artfully balanced and supported.

The Expo’s mini fireworks display will shoot off about 75-140 shots per show outside the large roof ring on the south side of the venue. Enjoy the Japanese summer culture of fireworks displays at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

<Date>
Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025
*Start  around 19:57 until Thursday, July 31. Start time after August 1 is under adjustment.

For those who want to enjoy fireworks even more, “Japan Fireworks Expo” is a great day to show the world’s best fireworks technology that Japan is proud of, and the appeal of Japan’s unique culture of fireworks displays to the world. “Japan Fireworks Expo” is held on one day each month.

<Date and Time>
Saturday, August 23, Saturday, September 27, and Wednesday, October 8
*Start time is not announced.

Please note that “Japan Fireworks Expo” is expected to be very crowded on the day it is held. Please allow plenty of time for your schedule.

In addition, the EXPO also features spectacular drone shows and water performances that are drawing lots of attention. Don’t miss these once-in-a-lifetime events happening only in 2025!