Japanese girl group NMB48 and mascot Myaku-Myaku pose at Expo 2025 | Image credit: expo2025japan/X
Expo 2025 Osaka is Japan’s largest international event this year. Ongoing on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay since April 13, 2025, the Expo is expected to attract over 28 million visitors. About 161 countries and nine international organisations will showcase their cultures, technological innovations, local cuisines, wildlife, and ideas for a sustainable future. Visitors can explore each country’s unique pavilion through engaging visual and interactive experiences.
The Osaka Expo site has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence, futuristic technology, global issues, architecture, climate change, or cultural exploration. If you’re planning a trip, this guide provides all the essential information you need to know about this global event, including dates, ticket details, insider tips, pavilion highlights, food options, and recommendations for where to stay.
And as you contemplate your participation in this global spectacle, this 5-day Osaka itinerary can help you plan.
Osaka Expo 2025: Key details and highlights
When and where? Adding to its legacy on the world stage, Osaka is hosting its second World Expo since 1970 this year. The Yumeshima Island in Osaka is the central hub for this global gathering from April 13 to October 13.
How to reach? Since you cannot drive directly to the venue, the most convenient ways to get there are by train or shuttle bus. Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and get off at Yumeshima Station. The Expo’s East Gate is just a 2-minute walk from the station. You can also take a shuttle bus to the Expo site but must make a reservation online.
Other than attending the Expo, here’s a selection of other things you must do when in Osaka.
Book your stay at W Osaka via Marriott
Book your stay at W Osaka via Booking.com
Expo theme and mascot
The 2025 Expo Osaka’s theme is ‘Designing a Future Society for Our Lives’. A key objective is to establish a sustainable, human-centred society that thrives in harmony with nature.
At Expo 2025, attendees can learn about current pressing challenges, provide company feedback, and collaborate on sustainable solutions that enhance the global standard of living for both people and wildlife.
About Myaku-Myaku: Out of nearly 2,000 design proposals, Myaku-Myaku was selected as Osaka’s official mascot for Expo 2025. Designed by picture book illustrator Kohei Yamashita, Myaku-Myaku is a unique red and blue shape-shifting creature symbolising water and life’s continuity.
The character’s name is derived from the Japanese word “myaku”, which translates to “pulse” in English. The Expo site offers exclusive Myaku-Myaku merchandise, including plush toys, apparel, keychains, and snacks.
Daily schedules and events
For daily schedules and events, please visit the official Osaka Expo 2025 website or app for the most up-to-date information. This link will help you stay informed about the events happening each day. You can enjoy cultural performances, parades, pavilion activity workshops, panel discussions, National Day events, and live bands. Visitors can also experience a water or drone show in the evening if the weather is clear, without rain or strong winds.
Book your stay at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka via Agoda
Book your stay at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka via Booking.com
Tickets to the Osaka Expo 2025
1. Multiple-Entry Pass: This pass is ideal for those who wish to attend the Osaka Expo multiple times. Two types of passes are available: a season pass and a summer pass.
The season pass, which allows unlimited entries to the Osaka Expo until October, costs JPY 30,000 for adults, JPY 17,000 for juniors, and JPY 7,000 for children.
The summer pass, available for multiple entries between July 19 and August 31, costs JPY 12,000 for adults, JPY 7,000 for juniors, and JPY 3,000 for children.
2. Special Discount Ticket: Guests with a disability certificate and accompanying guests can purchase this pass. The pricing is JPY 3,700 for adults, JPY 2,000 for juniors, and JPY 1,000 for children.
3. Free Ticket for Young Children: Children aged three or under can visit the Expo multiple times for free.
4. One-Day Ticket: This one-day entry pass allows access to the Osaka Expo on any day until October. The prices are: JPY 7,500 for adults, JPY 4,200 for juniors, and JPY 1,800 for children.
5. Weekday Ticket: This one-day entry pass is valid only on weekdays. It costs JPY 6,000 for adults, JPY 3,500 for juniors, and JPY 1,500 for children.
6. Night Ticket: This allows entry after 5 pm. The pricing is: 3,700 JPY for adults, 2,000 JPY for juniors, and 1,000 JPY for children.
7. Group Ticket: This option is available for groups of 15 or more people. Each pass costs JPY 6,300 for adults, JPY 3,500 for juniors, and JPY 1,500 for children.
8. School Group Ticket: This is available for school groups from April 13 to July 18. The cost is JPY 2,000 for high school students and JPY 1,000 for kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school students.
How to book tickets? To purchase tickets, you will need an Expo ID. Once registered, you can buy any of the admission tickets listed above.
Also, check out this Osaka shopping guide to enhance your itinerary.
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Book your stay at St. Regis Osaka via Booking.com
Pavilions
As soon as you enter the Osaka Expo 2025 site, you will be greeted by the stunningly designed pavilions. The Expo features five thematic zones and three main types of pavilions:
Type A: These pavilions are designed and built by participating countries, characterised by their national identity and unique architectural styles.
Type B: These pavilions are collaborations between multiple countries.
Type C: This large pavilion, constructed by the Expo Association, typically showcases smaller nations.
What to expect at the pavilions?
Expect long queues at almost all pavilions, with wait times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.
If this is your first visit, we recommend checking out the following: the Ocean Dome designed by Shigeru Ban, the Japan Pavilion by Nikken Sekkei, the Philippines Pavilion, the Switzerland Pavilion by Manuel Herz Architects, the France Pavilion by Coldefy & Associés and Carlo Ratti Associati, the Uzbekistan Pavilion by Atelier Brückner, the Bharat Pavilion, the Null² Pavilion, and the Women’s Pavilion by Cartier.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka here
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka via booking.com
Where to eat at the Osaka Expo 2025
When it comes to food, Expo 2025 Osaka offers a wide variety of cuisines to suit every taste and budget.
For an authentic taste of Osaka street food and local Japanese dishes, visit places like Takoyaki Dotonburi Kukuru, Dotonbori Kamukura, Negi-yaki Yamamoto, and Daikki Suisan Conveyor-belt Sushi.
The pavilions representing India, Korea, Germany, Kuwait, France, Indonesia, and Vietnam also offer visitors a chance to experience their local cuisines and beverages. Authentic taste and hearty portions are promised!
Lunch boxes and snacks are also available at convenience stores like Lawson’s Cafe and Family Mart, which are located within the Expo site.
Book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Osaka via Hilton
Book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Osaka via Booking.com
Accommodations near Osaka Expo
Since the Osaka Expo site does not permit overnight stays, it is advisable to find accommodations nearby, in areas like Hommachi, Shinsaibashi, Morinomiya, or Tanimachi Yonchōme. These areas boast direct access to the Chuo Line (colour-coded green line).
To be conveniently located for Expo 2025 Osaka, explore these top-tier accommodations. The W Osaka, an unmatched stay in the Shinsaibashi area, offers excellent proximity. The Centara Grand Hotel Osaka stands out as a leading luxury option in the city’s heart. Those seeking themed dining alongside elevated luxury will appreciate The St. Regis Osaka. The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is a prime choice for a blend of fine dining and relaxation. The elegant Waldorf Astoria Osaka provides comfortable rooms, impressive views, premium amenities, and delightful Japanese breakfast bento, among other highlights. Adding to the diverse options, offers an artistic retreat, a modern Japanese sanctuary with resort-like amenities and a pool featuring an exclusive view of the Osaka Castle.
Book your stay at Patina Osaka via Booking.com
Tips for people visiting Expo 2025
Arriving before 8 am allows you to visit popular pavilions without a reservation.
Once you enter the venue, head to the gift shop near the east entrance to purchase a stamp book; collecting stamps from each pavilion is a wonderful souvenir.
Download the official Expo app for details on the schedule, live wait times, digital map navigation, and reservation management.
When you visit the Expo site, carry your passport or ID, the digital QR code of your ticket, your credit card, and a power bank.
You can only make one same-day reservation at the on-site kiosk. If the server is not overloaded, you may make another reservation on the website.
Most souvenir stores and food courts within the pavilions only accept digital payments.
Large luggage, such as wheeled suitcases, is prohibited at the Expo. We recommend leaving them at your hotel or using a coin locker at your departure station.
The Yamato Transport Booth charges a small fee for storing small bags, such as backpacks and shopping bags.
Stroll along the Ring Skywalk for a bird’s-eye view of the Expo site. You can also walk beneath the wooden structure to admire the intricate details of Japanese architecture.
To avoid large crowds, visiting popular country pavilions such as the USA, France, Singapore, and Japan during the first half of the day is best, as they tend to get busier in the afternoon and evening.
If the weather is pleasant, look out for the drone show in the evening around 9 pm.
Most presentations at each country’s pavilion are conducted in Japanese and English. Google Translate can be helpful if you have trouble understanding either language. Use our handy guide to essential Japanese phrases to navigate your way.
We recommend purchasing souvenirs early in the day to avoid last-minute crowds and potential sellouts at night.
Dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s rainy, carry a raincoat or an umbrella. If it’s hot, wear breathable clothing and consider bringing a portable fan. These items are available at the Expo site, but can be expensive.
There are water stations throughout the Expo site where you can refill your water bottle free of charge.
Most large international pavilions feature food courts where you can sample local cuisine.
For a smoother experience, try leaving the venue before 10 pm, as the station and trains tend to get crowded after that.
Weekends and national holidays attract larger crowds; visiting on a weekday may provide a more relaxed experience.
Some pavilions do not require reservations to access souvenir shops and food courts.
There are designated Pokémon photo spots at the Expo site where visitors can take pictures, collect stamps, and catch rare Pokémon like Unown, Snorlax, and Lapras using the Pokémon Go app.
Due to long wait times and lines, visiting all the pavilions in a single day can be challenging. If you’re staying in Japan for an extended period, we recommend purchasing a multiple-entry pass to explore the Expo site at your own pace.
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(Feature image credit: expo2025japan/Instagram)
Related | Heading to Osaka World Expo 2025? Marriott Bonvoy Has the Perfect Stay for You Across Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long will Expo 2025 last?
The Expo 2025 Osaka will last six months. It began on April 13 and will continue until October 13, 2025.
What is the concept of the “People’s Living Lab”?
It’s a big experiment where companies, Expo employees, visitors, universities, and researchers come together to test new products, collect data, exchange ideas, and create sustainable solutions to build a brighter future.
What are the major attractions at Expo 2025?
The Grand Ring, Jellyfish Pavilion, and Osaka Healthcare Pavilion are beautifully designed spaces to admire detail and architecture. We recommend visiting the Women’s Pavilion by Cartier, the Gundam: Next Future Pavilion, and the Blue Ocean Dome.
Who is the mascot of Expo 2025?
Designed by Mr Kohei Yamashita, Myaku-Myaku is the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka. Myaku-Myaku comes from the Japanese word ‘Myaku’, which means pulse. This quirky creature is said to be born from the fusion of cells and water.
What is an Expo ID, and how do I get one?
With an Expo ID, you can purchase tickets, make reservations, and participate in lotteries to access special events.
Can I attend Expo 2025 online or virtually?
By downloading the Virtual Expo 2025 app, you can visit the Expo 2025 metaverse, explore pavilions, and make friends with people from all over the world.
What languages will be supported at the event?
English and Japanese are spoken across all pavilions. If you speak other languages, use the Expo Translation or Google Translate app to translate real-time conversations between staff and visitors.
Is Expo 2025 suitable for children and families?
Yes, Expo 2025 Osaka is suitable for children and large families. There are plenty of cultural events, live music shows, public play areas, and interactive and educational pavilions to keep children entertained.
What public transport options are available?
Trains and shuttle buses are two popular transport options available at the moment.
Are there sustainability initiatives at the Expo?
Sustainability and its importance are the main themes of the Expo 2025 Osaka. Visitors can learn about carbon recycling, algae farming to reduce food shortages and fossil fuel emissions, recyclable tableware, and establishing a circular economy.
Will there be food and shopping available?
At the Expo site, there are restaurants, local snack shops, and convenience stores like Lawson’s Cafe and Family Mart. Most pavilions also have restaurants and cafes that serve local food and drinks.
Is the Expo site accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the Osaka Expo site is accessible for people with disabilities. The entire venue is designed with universal access in mind. All facilities can be accessed using a wheelchair. The restrooms are equipped with handrails, and a few have accessible facilities. Service dogs, like hearing and guide dogs, can also enter the Expo site. Additionally, there’s a priority entrance lane where those with disabilities and accompanying persons can comfortably enter.
Are there guided tours at Expo 2025?
There are no official guided tours at the Osaka Expo site, but you can join one through a third-party travel agency via Tripadvisor or HIS Tours.
How can I stay updated on Expo 2025 news?
You can check the Expo 2025 official website or app for the latest news and real-time updates about the Osaka Expo 2025.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read Moreshe worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte. Read Less
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