Japan Osaka Kansai Expo Guide 2025: Essential Travel Tips & Planning Guide

I know, I still have so many other travel diaries and events I want to blog about – but since the Osaka Expo is happening right now, I wanted to share my personal tips with you before it ends, lol.

So here we go – your go-to guide for visiting Expo 2025 in Osaka! Whether you have been to a world expo before or this is your first time, I have put together everything I think you will want to know – before you leave and once you are there. I wanted to make it easy, fun and hopefully a lot less stressful for you.

But first, let’s be real – planning a trip to something as massive as a world expo can feel like a lot. There are so many pavilions, apps to download, things to reserve in advance and random little rules that aren’t super obvious at first. That is honestly, why I decided to write this. You might already have your ticket and be counting down, or maybe you are still deciding if you will go – either way, I have got everything you need. Let’s dive in!

☆ Osaka Expo
13 April – 13 October 2025
Yumeshima Station
expo2025.or.jp

Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday, 09:00 – 22:00

How to get Tickets

Tickets are available through the official Expo website, convenience stores and travel agencies. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues. Each ticket specifies an entry gate (East or West) and a time slot; ensure you arrive at the correct gate during your designated time.

Adult
One Day Ticket: 7’500 JPY
Weekday: 6’000 JPY
Special Discount Ticket: 3’700 JPY (with disability certificate)

Children 12-17 years
One Day Ticket: 4’200 JPY
Weekday: 3’500 JPY
Special Discount Ticket: 2’000 JPY (with disability certificate)

Children 4-11 years
One Day Ticket: 1’800 JPY
Weekday: 1’500 JPY
Special Discount Ticket: 1’000 JPY (with disability certificate)

Children under 4
free

Book your tickets online!

Pavilion Reservation & Lottery

Due to the high visitor demand and the popularity of certain pavilions, Expo 2025 implements a lottery reservation system to ensure fair and smooth access. Visitors can apply for reservations in advance through the official app or website. Multiple lottery rounds are held at different times leading up to your visit.

Lottery Types & Timing:

2-Month Lottery
Opens 2 months before your planned visit date. Ideal for early planners to secure popular pavilion slots.
7-Day Lottery
Opens 7 days prior to your visit. A chance for last-minute planners to win a spot.
3-Day First-Come, First-Served
Opens 3 days before the visit and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited availability.
Same-Day Booking
After entering the Expo site, visitors can try to book pavilion spots 10 minutes after arrival, subject to availability.

How to Participate:
1. Download the official “EXPO 2025 Visitors” app.
2. Select your desired pavilion and time slot.
3. Submit your lottery entry before the deadline.
4. Lottery results notification: Winners receive confirmation through the app.

Tips:

Apply to multiple lotteries if possible to increase your chances!
Popular pavilions (e.g., Japan Pavilion, U.S. Pavilion) often fill up quickly, so early applications are recommended.
Check for cancellations and last-minute openings via the app.

Access

🚇 By Train

Primary Access Point:
Yumeshima Station (Osaka Metro Chūō Line, C09) is the nearest station to the Expo site, located at the East Gate.

From Osaka City Center:

Option 1: Take the Osaka Metro Chūō Line directly to Yumeshima Station.
Option 2: From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, transfer to the Osaka Loop Line (inner loop) to Bentencho Station, and then transfer to the Osaka Metro Chūō Line.

From Kansai International Airport (KIX):

Option 1: Take the JR Kansai Airport Line or Hanwa Line to Tennoji Station, transfer to the Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station, and then transfer to the Osaka Metro Chūō Line.
Option 2: From Nankai Kansai Airport Station, take the Nankai Airport Line to Namba Station, transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Hommachi Station, and then transfer to the Osaka Metro Chūō Line.

🚌 By Bus

Shuttle Buses: Direct shuttle buses operate from major railway stations, including Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Namba, and Sakurajima Stations, to the Expo site.
Reservations: Reservations are required for shuttle buses departing from Sakurajima Station via Kansai MaaS app or website

🚗 By Car

Parking: Visitors arriving by car should park at Expo P&R (Park and Ride) Parking in Maishima, Amagasaki, and Sakai, and then transfer to the P&R shuttle bus to reach the Expo site. Advance reservations are required for both parking and P&R shuttle bus use.

🚲 By Bicycle

Yumeshima Bicycle Parking: Advance reservations are necessary for parking. The Expo site is about an 8-minute walk from the parking area.
Cosmosquare Bicycle Parking: No reservations are needed. You can transfer to the Osaka Metro Chūō Line at Cosmosquare Station.

Two Essential Expo 2025 Apps

For an unforgettable and hassle-free visit to Expo 2025 Osaka, I highly recommend using both the Expo 2025 Visitors app and the Expo 2025 Personal Agent app together. Each app complements the other perfectly, giving you the best of both worlds — official information and personalized assistance.

The Expo 2025 Visitors app keeps you grounded with essential site maps, schedules, ticket management and official announcements.

Meanwhile, the Expo 2025 Personal Agent app acts like your smart personal assistant, offering AI-powered recommendations tailored to your interests, answering your questions in real time, and helping you adapt your plans on the fly.

What to Bring

Prepare for varying weather condition: Bring a portable umbrella or a lightweight rain poncho for unexpected showers and don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from strong sun exposure.
Stay hydrated: Carrying a refillable water bottle (glass/cans are not allowed) is highly recommended. There are free water refill stations around the Expo grounds to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
Wear comfortable shoes: You will be walking a lot! The Expo site covers a vast area with many attractions and pavilions, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers to avoid fatigue and foot pain.
Keep your devices charged: Since your phone is needed for entry and booking reservations, your battery might run low quickly. Bringing a power bank will help you keep your phone or camera charged, especially if you stay until evening.
Trash Bag: There are not many trash bins at the venue, so it’s a good idea to bring a small bag for your garbage.

What You Cannot Bring Inside

To ensure safety and a pleasant experience for everyone, certain items are not allowed inside the Expo venue:

No glass bottles or cans: Only plastic or refillable bottles are permitted.
No large luggage or backpacks: Large bags are restricted. Use nearby coin lockers or leave your luggage at your accommodation.
No pets (except service animals): Pets are prohibited to maintain hygiene and safety.
No dangerous items: Weapons, fireworks, or hazardous materials are strictly forbidden.
No drones or remote-controlled devices: To avoid accidents and interference with exhibits.

Make sure to check the official Expo 2025 guidelines before your visit for any updated restrictions.

Food & Dining

The Expo site offers a variety of dining options, including international cuisines and Japanese specialties. However, food prices can be higher within the Expo grounds.
To save time and money, consider bringing your own snacks or packed meals. This is especially useful during peak hours when food stalls may have long lines.
Reservations: Some popular restaurants, like Tonkatsu Noguci, require reservations. It is advisable to book in advance to secure a spot.
Meal Times: The Expo can get crowded during meal times. To avoid long lines, consider dining during off-peak hours.

Insider Tips

Plan Ahead: Use the official Expo app or website to check the schedule, reserve entry times for popular pavilions and stay updated on any changes.
Stay Flexible: While planning is important, remain flexible to adapt to unexpected changes or opportunities.
Engage with Exhibits: Take time to interact with exhibits and participate in workshops or demonstrations to enhance your experience.
Wi-Fi: Some visitors have mentioned poor WiFi at the Yumeshima site – consider a mobile data plan to stay connected, as you will need it for reservations, navigation and pavilion info etc.
Take Breaks and Rest: Look out for designated rest areas with seating scattered across the Expo site. Use these spots to relax, recharge and plan your next stop. Taking breaks will keep your energy up for a full day of exploration.
Cashless: All transactions inside the venue, including food, drinks, souvenirs and services, must be made using electronic payments. Expo 2025 accepts a variety of cashless payment options, including credit and debit cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, and JCB), mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and popular Japanese QR code payment systems such as PayPay, LINE Pay, and Rakuten Pay. You can also use IC cards like Suica, ICOCA, and PASMO for quick and convenient purchases throughout the venue.
West Gate Area: I experienced significantly fewer crowds around the West Gate compared to the East Gate. If you are planning to buy souvenirs, I had the best experience with shorter lines and less waiting time in the West Gate area.
Pokémon GO Stamp Rally: Don’t miss the Pokémon GO Stamp Rally, where you can collect exclusive digital stamps and earn special Pokémon rewards by exploring designated PokéStops throughout the Expo site!
Plan Two or More Days: If you really want to experience everything Expo 2025 Osaka has to offer, plan to stay at least two days. I went for just one day personally, but honestly, that was not nearly enough time to see all the pavilions, exhibitions and events – there is so much to explore! Taking two or more days lets you enjoy the Expo at a relaxed pace without rushing.
Stay Until Night: Here is a golden tip: don’t rush to leave as the sun sets. The expo grounds transform after dark into a dazzling spectacle of lights and illuminated displays that you will not want to miss.

Expo Map:

PDF: Unofficial_Osaka_Expo_Map_2025_byt_tsuji Download

Last but not least: Fun Facts

World’s Largest Wooden Structure
The Expo’s iconic Grand Ring is a massive 2-kilometer-long wooden canopy, making it the largest wooden structure ever built! It is designed by renowned architect Sou Fujimoto.
Gundam Giant
Fans of Japanese pop culture will love the 17-meter-tall Gundam statue featured at the Expo, an epic tribute to the legendary mecha franchise. Did you know that the impressive statue was carefully transported all the way from Yokohama?
First World Expo in Osaka Since 1970
Expo 2025 is the first time Osaka is hosting a World Expo since the famous Expo’70, which was the first World Expo held in Japan.
A “Floating” Island Venue
The Expo is held on Yumeshima Island, an artificial island in Osaka Bay specially developed for this event.
Theme Focused on Humanity’s Future
The theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, focusing on how technology and culture can create a better life for everyone.
Over 160 Countries Participating
More than 160 nations and organizations will showcase their innovations and cultures, making it one of the most diverse global gatherings.