Your Ultimate Guide to Osaka Expo 2025
"Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025" kicks off on April 13th and runs for six months until October 13th. This article is your all-in-one guide, covering everything from tickets, lotteries, reservations, transportation, and food, to personal tips and experiences to help you plan the perfect trip to the World Expo in Osaka!Osaka Expo 2025｜How to Buy Your Tickets
| Ticket Type | Price (JPY) | Usage Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Ticket | ¥6,000 | Single entry on any weekday during the Expo. Not valid on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays (April 29, May 5, May 6, July 21, Aug 11, Sep 15, Sep 23, Oct 13). |
| Evening Ticket | ¥3,700 | Single entry on any day after 5:00 PM. |
| One-Day Ticket | ¥7,500 | Single entry on any day during the Expo. |
| Summer Pass | ¥12,000 | Unlimited entry from July 19 to August 31, after 9:00 AM daily. |
| Full-Period Pass | ¥30,000 | Unlimited entry every day after 9:00 AM throughout the Expo period. |
Tickets can be purchased directly from the official Osaka Expo website, but for more convenience, we recommend buying them on Klook, where customer support is readily available if you run into any issues.
Note that the ticket itself doesn't grant direct entry. After purchasing on Klook, you'll receive a confirmation PDF with a reservation number. You must first register as a member on the official Expo website and then use this number to register your ticket.
Once your ticket is registered, you can reserve your visit date, select an entry time, and enter lotteries for popular pavilions. Here is Klook's guide for ticket registration:
Osaka Expo 2025｜Reservation Methods
Entry Reservation
After purchasing your ticket, you need to reserve your visiting date and time. Based on my experience during Golden Week, morning slots on national holidays are highly competitive. However, entry is generally easy to secure after 12:00 PM and on weekdays.
Keep in mind, however, that if you enter after 12:00 PM, many same-day reservation slots for pavilions and popular eateries like Sushiro will likely be gone. So, weigh your options when choosing an entry time.
Pavilion Reservations
Pavilion reservations are done in three stages: two lottery phases (two months and seven days in advance) and a first-come, first-served phase (three days in advance), plus same-day on-site reservations.
Two-Month Lottery: Applications open 3 months before your visit and close one day before the 2-month mark.
Seven-Day Lottery: Applications open 1 month before your visit and close 8 days before.
Three-Day Reservation: Opens at midnight 3 days before your visit until 9:00 AM the day before, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Same-Day Registration: Available 10 minutes after you enter the venue.
For the two lottery stages, you can pick up to five choices, but you will only win one slot. If you have your heart set on a specific pavilion, you can increase your chances by selecting different time slots for the same pavilion for all five of your choices.
After entering the venue, you can also use the "Same-Day Registration Terminals" inside. Ten minutes after entry, you can book same-day slots for various pavilions. Note that you can only hold one reservation at a time. For example, if you book the Kansai Pavilion for 11:00 AM, you can only make another reservation after 11:00 AM.
Osaka Expo 2025｜Transportation Guide
The Expo is located on the artificial island of Yumeshima (don't get it confused with the 1970 Expo Commemorative Park!). The Osaka Metro Chuo Line has been extended for the Expo, with the new 【Yumeshima】 station providing direct access to the East Gate!
By Subway
From downtown Osaka, take any line to 【Hommachi】 Station and transfer to the Chuo Line bound for 【Yumeshima】 Station. This will take you directly to the East Gate of the Expo.
By JR
From Shin-Osaka or Osaka Station, you can take the "EXPO LINER" train, which stops at Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Universal City, and Sakurajima stations. At 【Sakurajima】 Station, shuttle buses are available to take you to the Expo venue on Yumeshima, a ride of about 15 minutes.
If driving, you must park at the "Maishima Expo P&R Parking" and take a shuttle bus to the West Gate. This requires a reservation on the Expo website one day in advance, which can be a bit cumbersome.
In my opinion, the most convenient way to get to the Expo is by taking the subway directly to the venue!
Osaka Expo 2025｜How to Enter
The venue has two main entrances, the East Gate and the West Gate. You must choose which gate you'll use when you reserve your entry date.
- East Gate: Direct access from Osaka Metro 【Yumeshima】 Station.
- West Gate: For shuttle buses, highway buses, ferries, and cars.
A shuttle bus, the "e-Mover," connects the East and West gates. If you can't get a reservation for the East Gate, you can book the West Gate and use the e-Mover to get there.
Regardless of which gate you use, you must pass through an X-ray security check. Drinks (飲み物, nomimono) must be screened separately. When asked by security, just place your drinks in a separate tray.
Remember to log into your Expo account before arriving and have your QR code ready for scanning. It's a good idea to take a screenshot of the QR code in advance in case of network issues!
Also, be sure to bring a transit card or credit card, as the entire venue is cashless payment only.
Osaka Expo 2025｜Essential Mobile Apps
Wondering where a certain country's pavilion is or how to plan your day? The Expo has two official mobile apps (why they needed two is a mystery): "EXPO 2025 Official App" and "EXPO 2025 Personal Agent" for planning your visit. There's also another app called "EXPO 2025 Digital Wallet" for collecting digital NFT stamps outside the pavilions.
However, the official apps' navigation is quite basic and lacks turn-by-turn directions. If you get lost easily, you might find it more comfortable to just use Google Maps.
Osaka Expo 2025｜Basic Information
The Expo site is massive; walking from the East to the West Gate takes about fifteen minutes. The entire venue is centered around the "Grand Roof," a massive wooden structure, with different zones branching off. The quickest path across is through the "Forest of Tranquility."
There's a Lawson convenience store near the East Gate and a 7-Eleven near the West Gate for quick refreshments and snacks. Both offer exclusive Expo merchandise. The Lawson features a cool virtual clerk, while the 7-Eleven has fresh, made-to-order pizza and other unique products.
Four-wheeled electric mobility scooters are also available for rent to get around the site. You can rent them at the "Digital Mobility" booths at the East and West Entrances.
Osaka Expo 2025｜Recommended Pavilions
Grand Roof Ring
The biggest highlight of the Expo is undoubtedly the "Grand Roof Ring," the world's largest wooden structure! It encircles the entire Expo site, offering fantastic views and a prime spot for watching the nightly water shows. When it's hot or rainy, it provides excellent shelter. It's especially beautiful when lit up at night!
USA Pavilion
The USA Pavilion does not accept reservations; you have to queue outside. Guided tours are available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. English tours are hourly, while Chinese tours are twice daily (1:30 PM and 6:30 PM). During the Golden Week holiday, the wait for the Japanese tour was about two hours; on weekdays, it's around 45 minutes to an hour.
Next, you'll see exhibits on the moon landing and space exploration, with plenty of models for photo ops. The highlight is a real moon rock specimen, a must-see for everyone! The experience concludes with a rocket launch simulation, making you feel like you've been on a trip to space. It's an unforgettable experience, and the queue is absolutely worth it. Even if you join the Japanese tour, the experience is largely visual, so you won't miss much.
Japan Pavilion
The Japan Pavilion is almost entirely reservation-only. The only exceptions are right after opening (9:30 AM) and after 7:00 PM, when standby lines may be available. I personally tried the 7:00 PM slot, but the line was cut off very quickly. If you want to get in without a reservation, I recommend going first thing in the morning to secure your spot.
I personally think the Japan Pavilion is a must-see. It's divided into three sections: "Farm," "Factory," and "Plant." It explores algae technology as a new direction for environmental conservation, and features Hello Kitty reimagined as different types of algae, which is a great photo op in itself.
The "Factory" section is guided by Doraemon and showcases how existing materials are repurposed, like in the rebuilding of the Ise Grand Shrine, blending technology with tradition. There's a gift shop in the middle section with some items exclusive to the pavilion (you can't buy them at the outdoor carts).
After passing through a beautifully designed outdoor area, you can see a rock from Mars. From photo ops to content, you can really feel the meticulous effort the Japanese put into this pavilion!
Korea Pavilion
The exterior of the Korea Pavilion looks like a giant TV screen. Although photography is not allowed inside, the experience is absolutely top-notch! It starts with a light show created from the mixed voices of the visitors, followed by a presentation on H2 technology, and a segment that connects future life with today's world through K-pop. It's a very memorable experience.
Here's one of the music videos:
TECH WORLD Taiwan Pavilion
As many know, Taiwan often faces international pressure. This time, it is participating as the "Tamayama Digital-Tech Co., Ltd." corporate pavilion. With themes of life, nature, and the future, it showcases Taiwan's biodiversity, semiconductor technology, and art. After your visit, you even get a "Tech World" cup as a souvenir!
null²
This pavilion offers a stunning experience! Created by Japanese digital media artist Yoichi Ochiai, the theme is "Polishing Life." The mirrored pavilion distorts with sound vibrations. After getting a numbered ticket, you enter what feels like a mirror box, almost like being inside a TV with bad reception!
GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION
This also requires a lottery win or reservation to enter. I didn't get a chance this time, so I could only admire it from the outside! It has a different vibe from the previous Gundam in Odaiba.
Osaka Expo 2025｜Food Guide
Sushiro
After entering the Expo, be sure to grab a ticket for Sushiro as soon as it opens! Otherwise, they usually stop issuing tickets around noon. This is a concept store with exclusive, sustainable sushi options for the Expo. There's also an hourly sea urchin catching game, and the top five players win limited-edition prizes!
Many national pavilions also feature unique restaurants. The "Korea Pavilion" offers snacks like fried chicken and cold noodles, while the "Japan Pavilion" has plenty of local delicacies and even a SPY x FAMILY themed restaurant. The Nordic Pavilion features Nordic cuisine from a renowned chef. It's a great chance to explore your favorite international dishes.
Also worth trying is coffee from different countries. Coffees from Saudi Arabia, as well as South American and African beans in the COMMON Pavilion, are very distinctive!
Osaka Expo 2025｜Myaku-Myaku Merchandise
Myaku-Myaku (ミャクミャク) is the official mascot of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Its appearance is a bit quirky; my friends and I initially thought it looked like a "colon cancer" doll (oops). It has five eyes on the front and one on its behind! The name "Myaku-Myaku" signifies the "pulse" of history, tradition, and culture connecting with the world. There is a huge amount of merchandise and collaborations available for purchase at the venue.
There are gift shops at both the East and West Entrances, as well as souvenir carts near the Grand Roof and the Japan Pavilion. The merchandise sold at the East and West Entrance shops is slightly different.
Next to the official store at the West Entrance, there's a JR West merchandise shop with a large collection of collaborations, including model trains of the Expo-themed liner. The checkout counter is even themed after a JR Osaka Loop Line platform!
Myaku-Myaku also appears for photo ops around the Grand Roof at unscheduled times!
Even if the roaming Myaku-Myaku isn't around, you can still take photos with the statues at the East and West Entrances, which have different poses! A must-buy item is the "EXPO PASSPORT" for collecting stamps from each pavilion!
Osaka Expo 2025｜POKÉMON GO!
If you're still playing Pokémon GO, there are special gyms here to check in to!
Osaka Expo 2025｜Tax-Free Services
You can get a tax refund on purchases of ¥5,000 or more at the Expo. There are two tax-free counters: one in Zone P, opposite the Brazil Pavilion (about a 10-minute walk from the East Gate); the other is outside the West Entrance, next to the bus station. For a potentially quicker process, go to the West Entrance counter (to the left of the flagpoles). Remember to speak with staff at the exit to get a hand stamp, which will allow you to re-enter the park.
Osaka Expo 2025｜Evening Performances
The Expo is also spectacular at night! There are two water shows and one drone show every evening, around 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The best viewing area is the "Water Plaza," which requires winning a lottery for entry. However, the area near the "null²" pavilion and the "Expo 2025" sign is also a great spot, no lottery needed.
【More detailed experiences are being prepared, please stay tuned for updates!】
