Wondering what to eat at the Osaka Expo? Our editor highly recommends a visit to the **Sushiro Future Expo Store**! This futuristic concept store is more than just a restaurant; it's an integrated experience combining food, technology, and entertainment. Let's dive in and see what it's all about!
A New Concept for Future Sushi: 100% Farmed Seafood
Unlike regular Sushiro locations, all sushi ingredients at this futuristic concept store are sourced from aquaculture (farmed seafood). This showcases a future model for sushi restaurants that does not rely on wild-caught fish, offering a unique and sustainable dining experience exclusive to the Osaka Expo.
How to Get In: The Key is Getting a Ticket!
To experience this unique restaurant, you must arrive early! It's essential to queue up for a numbered ticket before the restaurant opens, as they will stop distributing them once the day's capacity is reached.
- Ticket Time: Based on our editor's two-day experience, you must get your ticket **before 12:00 PM at the latest**.
- Strategy Tip: The best plan is to enter the Expo park right at **9:00 AM**, visit the Japan Pavilion during the morning when no reservation is needed, and then head straight to Sushiro around 11:00 AM to queue for a ticket.
- Waiting: After getting your ticket, you can visit other pavilions. You can check the queue status on their website and head back when your number is getting close. (Our group got a ticket around 11:00 AM and our turn was at 4:00 PM, so be sure to plan your day accordingly!)
Store Ambiance & Ordering Features
The **Sushiro Future Expo Store** is located next to the "Serene Woods" area. The exterior is decorated with Yoshino cedar from Nara Prefecture to create a forest-like atmosphere, and a large screen simulating an aquarium at the entrance echoes the "Serene Woods" theme.
The dining area is spacious with 196 seats, neatly arranged like a typical Sushiro. You'll need to grab a cup before being seated and just follow the staff's instructions.
High-Tech Ordering
Unlike other branches, this one does away with the iconic conveyor belt. Instead, a massive screen displays a vibrant variety of sushi. After being seated, you choose a theme for your screen and begin ordering. The system supports Japanese, Chinese, and English, so language is not an issue. The staff also speak English well!
Expo-Exclusive Menu
This location offers many Expo-exclusive sushi items. All ingredients are from farmed sources, demonstrating a self-sufficient future model independent of wild fisheries. There are also special sashimi and fried items available only at this concept store.
Expo Exclusive! "Future Uni" Sea Urchin Catching Game
- Game Time: Every hour, on the hour, the ordering screen transforms into a game machine.
- Atmosphere: A five-minute warning is given before it starts, and exciting music plays as everyone in the restaurant competes simultaneously.
- Prizes: The top five scorers win an exclusive gift!
- Winning Tip: As a past winner, the key is to **swipe across multiple sea urchins in a single, continuous motion**. This racks up the highest combo points! Even if you hit a penalty item, the impact is minimal.
Other mini-games also pop up during the meal, greatly enhancing the dining experience. It feels like the capsule toy game at Kura Sushi, adding an element of surprise to your meal.
With its unique environment, exclusive menu, and fun games, the entire experience is a perfect 10/10. It's absolutely worth setting aside some time to visit during your trip to the Expo!
Sushiro Future Expo Store - FAQ
Q1: Where is the Sushiro Future Expo Store located?
A1: It is located next to the 'Serene Woods' area within the Osaka Expo park.
Q2: Do I need a reservation?
A2: Reservations are not accepted. All guests must queue on the same day to get a numbered ticket and wait to be called.
Q3: What is the best strategy to get a ticket?
A3: You must get your ticket before 12:00 PM. The recommended strategy is to enter the park at 9:00 AM, visit the Japan Pavilion first, and then go to queue for a ticket around 11:00 AM to maximize your time.
Q4: What's special about this Sushiro?
A4: Its main features are: 100% use of farmed seafood, an Expo-exclusive menu, ordering via large interactive screens instead of a conveyor belt, and an hourly 'Future Uni' interactive game.