Expo Osaka 2025: our tips and practical information!

April 13, 2025 saw the opening of World Expo 2025 in the city of Osaka! We took the opportunity to take a look around, and here's all the useful information you need to know if your trip to Japan takes you to this major international event!

Practical information

The World Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka from April 13 to October 13. Over 160 countries from all over the world have answered the call, and this year's theme is "Designing the society of the future, imagining our life of tomorrow".

Entering the World's Expo:

Our tips and tricks for visiting the pavilions

How do I visit the pavilions?

When you book your ticket, you'll need to choose the date, time and door you'll enter to gain access to the site. You will then be given a QR Code. You can then start booking a pavilion.

How to reserve a pavilion :

• Online (via the app or the official website):

🔺 You can participate in several lotteries, where you propose 5 pavilions you'd like to see, as well as the schedule that suits you. There is a lottery two months before your visit and another 7 days before. You'll receive an e-mail on the day of the lottery to enter, and if you're lucky, you can win a place for up to one pavilion.

🔺 First come, first served! Three days before you come to the Expo (at midnight Japan time), you can try to win a place for a pavilion.

• On site:

🔺Once inside the park, 10 minutes after you enter, you can reserve pavilions for the current day via the app or website.

🔺Sinon, 16 automatic kiosks are dotted around the park, allowing you to use your QR code ticket to reserve a pavilion.

All these ways of reserving are cumulative, so don't hesitate to take part in all the lotteries and, once you're there, reserve other pavilions. Please note that the majority of pavilions do not have to be booked in advance, so you can simply wait in line.

Reminders:

• Don't forget that most pavilions don't require reservations, so you can simply line up in front of them. You can find the list of pavilions requiring reservations directly on the official Expo website.
• There are fewer people at the opening (9:30-10:30 am) and towards the last hours (7:30-8:30 pm) when you can access the park, so take advantage of this to visit the usually crowded pavilions! You may even be able to access pavilions that require reservations.

What to see

The Expo is divided into three parts:

There's plenty to see and do in all these areas, so take a look at the official website and book what interests you most! You'll also find plenty of shows, events and entertainment all day long!

Our feedback after visiting the park:

• Climb up and stroll around the Grand Ring, the immense 2000-meter-circumference wooden structure designed by architect Fujimoto Sosuke, to enjoy a breathtaking view of the park and the landscape surrounding the Exhibition! 
   
• Take along a notebook and collect stamps, available and unique to each pavilion!
   
• Admire the pavilions from the outside, because even if you can't get inside, their unique, futuristic architecture is well worth a visit! 
   
• Take your time to wander between the pavilions, as you may come across one of the many animations and other events (dance show, music concert...) taking place in front of them.

Find out more here: What to see and do during World Expo 2025 in Osaka?

Things you need to know to visit the World Expo

Once inside the Osaka City Expo site, we recommend you download the official Expo app (EXPO 2025 Visitors) to get around more easily. This will give you access to a complete map of the exhibition, with the location of restaurants and konbinis, information points and toilets. You can also check how busy each pavilion is, on the app. Alternatively, a paper map is available on site, for a fee.

Method of payment

Don't bring any cash with you to Expo, as the event is entirely cashless ! You'll need to pay via :

• All credit cards ⇒ Visa, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, UnionPay
   
• Prepaid cards ⇒ Suica, ICOCA... (and their digital versions)
   
• Electronic payment via Apple Pay, Google Pay available.

Where to eat?

World Expo means international food! Each pavilion offers typical local dishes, making dining an experience in itself during your visit! You'll also find plenty of restaurants serving Japanese food in the food courts, including one with over 12 Japanese restaurants from Osaka. There's also a Kura pavilion, home to the world's largest sushi mat!

Some additional information:

• Pets are not allowed at Expo (except guide dogs).
   
• You can't drive to Expo in your own car (rented or not). There are off-site parking lots and free shuttle buses to and from Expo. For the parking lots provided by Expo (at Maishima, Amagasaki and Sakai), you'll need to reserve a space directly on the website. 
   
• Bulky luggage is prohibited. We advise you to store it in a corner locker or in your hotel before arriving on site.
   
• We strongly recommend that you take an external battery with you. Your telephone will be essential during your visit, so don't hesitate to rent one near the east and west gates. Internet access will also be essential, choose Japan Experience to ensure your internet connection with our Pocket Wifi, SIM card and eSIM card ! Please note: Due to the large number of people, the network may be saturated and the connection may not work on the Expo site. 
   
• Strollers can be rented on site. 
   
• You'll find maps of the Exhibition all over the place as you wander around so you can consult them if you're looking for a specific place!

How do I get to the Osaka World Expo?

Located on the artificial island of Yumeshima, in Osaka Bay, the World Expo is easily accessible in several different ways.

By bus (West entrance)

There are a large number of buses operated by different companies that connect with Expo. Here are some key locations in Kansai from which you can catch a bus to Expo:

• Shin-Osaka Station Bus Stop
• Osaka Station (Umekita) Bus Stop
• Osaka Station (Marubiru) Bus Stop
• Namba Station
• JR Nara Station
• Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi
• Kansai Airport
• Osaka-Itami Airport

There are even direct buses to the Expo from major locations on the main island (Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagoya...).

By car (Taxi = West entrance)

You cannot drive your own car to the Expo site. You'll need to park in a parking lot, or take a cab if you're traveling by car. Shuttle buses have been set up between the Expo parking lots and the Expo site itself. Only cars designed for people with reduced mobility are allowed on the island (Entrance East parking lot).