How to Enjoy Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: A Practical Guide for Visitors

Planning a trip to Japan and considering a visit to Expo 2025 in Osaka?
Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or a partner, this guide will help you make the most of your Expo experience.

Let’s dive into the essentials!

⚠️ A Quick Note Before You Read This Article
Not everything in this blog is officially authorized, so please make sure to do your own research—especially for things that are important to you!
And don’t forget to check the official Expo website for the latest updates and announcements.

What is Expo 2025 Osaka?

Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is a World Expo scheduled from April 13 to October 13, 2025, spanning 184 days.

The event will take place on Yumeshima Island, an artificial island in Osaka Bay—⚠️ not to be confused with Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita City.

The Expo’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, focusing on innovations that enhance our daily lives.
With participation from over 160 countries and organizations, visitors can explore approximately 80 uniquely designed pavilions showcasing cutting-edge technology, culture, and ideas.

🚆 How to Access the Expo

By Train:

Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station. Upon arrival, proceed to the East Gate.

After ascending the stairs, turn left.
Be aware that lines directly ahead may be for restrooms or priority access for individuals with disabilities.

By Car or Shuttle Bus:

Use the West Gate, which is accessible for private vehicles and shuttle buses.
Note that shuttle bus users must reserve their return trip in advance via the site.

Reserve your shuttle bus here.

🎟️ How to Purchase Expo Tickets

To enter Expo 2025, you’ll need to purchase a ticket in advance.
Your entry gate depends on your mode of transport. (And the ticket differs for your entry gate, too.)

Advance Purchase

Tickets can be purchased through the official Expo website, convenience stores, or authorized travel agencies.
It’s recommended to buy tickets early, as reservations for specific dates and times open six months prior to the desired visit date.

• East Gate (東ゲート): For visitors arriving by train (Yumeshima Station).
  → After exiting the station, go left at the top of the stairs.
  　 If you see a long line, it may be for the restrooms or the priority gate for guests with disabilities.
• West Gate (西ゲート): For those arriving by shuttle bus or car.

Ticket Types

Various ticket options are available, including one-day passes, season passes, and special discount tickets.

Choose the one that best fits your itinerary.

🏛️ Pavilion Reservation Tips (More Details!)

To manage crowd flow, the Expo requires reservations for popular pavilions and events:

2-month advance lottery

You can apply for this lottery between 3 months and 2 months before your visit date (up until the day before the 2-month mark).
It’s a great chance to secure popular pavilions early, but you’ll only get one result per round—so choose wisely!

7-day advance lottery

You can enter a lottery 7 days before your visit. You’ll only win one slot.
I filled in my top four choices (out of five) for the places I want to visit. For my fourth choice, I picked a place that’s not super popular, so I’d have a better chance of getting it.

3-Day First-Come Booking

Reservations open at midnight (Japan time), three days before your visit.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The site often gets overloaded, so log in about an hour early.
• It might take 10–20 minutes or more just to load the page.
• The filter function isn’t very user-friendly, so it’s best to look up the exact pavilion names ahead of time and copy-paste them into the search bar to boost your chances.

Same-Day Booking

Available 10 minutes after entering the venue (I heard some people could book in 2 minutes!).

You can only hold one active booking at a time, so book early time slots, enjoy them, and book the next one right after.

Note: For detailed information on the reservation process, visit the official Expo reservation guide.

🍱 Dining Options at the Expo

You’ll find restaurants inside pavilions as well as food courts throughout the venue.
Many places allow you to filter by dietary needs—such as vegetarian, Halal, or allergy-friendly menus—so you can find the best fit for your preferences!

🍙 Want to save time and enjoy more of the Expo?

Pick up some light snacks like onigiri (rice balls) or bread from a convenience store before you go.
You can eat them under the Grand Roof Ring area!
(*There are convenience stores inside the venue too!)

Family Mart Expo 2025 STORE

Lawson EXPO 2025

💧 One bottle of water is all you need!

There are plenty of water stations inside the Expo where you can drink directly or refill your bottle.
Make sure to refill before you run out—staying hydrated is super important, especially in the summer!

🪑 Want to sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal?

There are some places where you can have a reserved seat!

Osaka Noren-Meguri Food Court

Osaka Noren-Meguri 2025 Expo (Reservation Site)

Check availability online for your visit date and book in advance.
Perfect for those who want to take their time or are visiting with elderly family members.

Price: 550 yen per person (50 minutes)
→ You’ll get a guaranteed seat, a bottle of water, and a small souvenir (probably a sweet treat)!

Kura Sushi

Kura Sushi Expo 2025 Osaka Store (Reservation Site for foreign tourists)

Want to enjoy sushi at Expo?
You’ll also be able to reserve seats at Kura Suhi, a famous sushi chain restaurant in Japan!

🛍️ Recommended Souvenirs and Activities

You’ll find tons of Expo 2025 merchandise! Here are a few fun picks I think are fantastic to get!:

Stamp Passport 💮

Love collecting stuff? Me too! You’ll find stamp tables all around the Expo venue.
You can use your own notebook, but grabbing the official stamp book makes for a much better souvenir!

Myaku-Myaku Plushie 🔴🔵

The official Expo mascot, Myaku-Myaku, is super cute (I know some people don’t think it is) and makes for a fun and unique gift.
One of the most popular items? Plushies where Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty or Kuromi wear Myaku-Myaku’s colorful mane around their faces!

O-Myaku-Ji (Myaku-Myaku Fortune) 🥠

And don’t miss the “O-MYAKU-ji”—a fortune-telling charm featuring Myaku-Myaku!
It comes with both Japanese and English translations, so why not give your luck a try?

🏨 Nearby Attractions and Accommodation

You can explore other exciting spots near the Expo venue or travel into the city.

Sightseeing Spots Near the Expo

Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

It’s 10 minutes far from the Expo by car. But if you take a train, you’ll need to transfer so it’ll take about 30 minutes.
But if you’re staying nearby, it’s easy to have fun around!

Kaiyu-kan: Huge Aquarium in Osaka

Just 2 stations away from the Expo!
It’s a good place to explore especially on a rainy day!

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

You’ll get an amazing view of Osaka Bay—including USJ, Yumeshima (the Expo site), and the Osaka city skyline!
Some gondolas even have glass floors for that thrilling see-through experience, and there are also wheelchair-accessible cabins available!

Recommended Places to Stay

For accommodations, consider staying in central Osaka areas like Namba or Umeda, which are approximately 30 minutes by train from the Expo site.

🗣️ Useful Japanese Phrases for the Expo

Enhance your experience by learning these practical Japanese phrases:

Japanese	Roma-ji	English
トイレはどこですか？	Toire wa doko desu ka?	Where is the restroom?
今、入れますか？	Ima, hairemasu ka?	Can I enter now? (Asking for availability)
これはどうやってできますか？	Kore wa dou yatte dekimasu ka?	How do I use this? / How can I do?

🎒 What to Bring to the Expo

Be ready for long walks and unpredictable weather!

Make a checklist not to forget these things!

• Comfortable Shoes: Expect to walk extensively throughout the day.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Prepare for hot or rainy weather conditions.
• Mobile Charger: Essential for accessing QR codes and making reservations.
• Foldable Umbrella: Useful for sudden rain showers.
• Cooling Items: Hand-held fans or cooling towels are recommended, especially during summer.

📱 Stay Connected

Stay up-to-date through the official website and social media.
They’re mainly in Japanese, so try using your translation app or test out your Japanese reading skills while scrolling!

Official Website

Official Instagram: @expo2025japan

この投稿をInstagramで見る

Expo2025 大阪・関西万博(@expo2025japan)がシェアした投稿

Official X: @expo2025japan

🔴🔵Let's Goooo #EXPO2025 !!!!🔵🔴

⠀　✨ *⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀*☆
✦ *⠀⠀⠀⠀✧　　　✨˚

　 Today Apr. 13 (Sun)
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan has finally begun🎉

　　✨⠀⠀✧⠀⠀*　　✦
　 ˚　　＊　　　✨

We couldn't be happier to welcome you at the Expo site💕#HelloEXPO2025 pic.twitter.com/wC3mLRzjbk

— Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai (@expo2025japan) April 13, 2025

Wrap-Up｜まとめ

Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai offers a unique opportunity to experience global innovations and cultural exchanges.

By planning ahead—purchasing tickets early, making pavilion reservations, and preparing for the day’s logistics—you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated, wear comfortable attire, and immerse yourself in the diverse experiences the Expo has to offer.

Hope this guide helps you make the most of your Expo adventure! Don’t stress too much—just have fun and enjoy Japan!

Safe travels and enjoy!