Osaka Expo 2025 Perfect Guide: A Guide to the World Exposition in Japan
The Osaka Expo 2025 is a globally anticipated event, coming 55 years after EXPO'70. I've been looking forward to it myself and made several trips to Osaka throughout 2024 to gather information. This article includes those insights to create a comprehensive guide to Osaka Expo 2025.
I also researched several tourist destinations worth visiting alongside the Expo, making multiple trips to explore them. I'll share my impressions of the city and what makes it special.
However, it can be challenging for first-time visitors to fully experience Osaka's hidden gems and locally beloved establishments. If you want to efficiently explore Osaka's truly fascinating spots, I recommend trying Magical Trip tours.
I'll also tell you about Magical Trip's "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba" and "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai," which are great ways to enjoy the surrounding areas.
Osaka Castle, the most famous sightseeing spot in Osaka, is a must-see when visiting Osaka.
Enjoy the secrets and attractions of Osaka Castle along with the guide articles below, and Magical Trip's cycling tours are also featured below.
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Introduction
In 2025, a major event that will attract attention from around the world will be held in Osaka, Japan. It's the "Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan," commonly known as the "Osaka Expo 2025."
With the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," the Osaka Expo 2025 will be a grand stage to showcase to the world the image of a future society where cutting-edge technology and traditional culture merge.
With over 150 countries participating, this expo, where diverse cultures interact, can truly be called a global festival.
At the 1970 Osaka Expo, with the theme "Progress and Harmony for Mankind," about 64 million visitors expanded their dreams and hopes for the future. As a Japanese person, I'm happy that more than half a century later, an expo is being held again in Osaka.
In this article, I'll provide you with the latest information about the Osaka Expo 2025. As preparations for the expo in Osaka are currently ongoing, I plan to update this article regularly. If you're interested in the expo, please bookmark this article.
Table of Contents
・What is the Osaka Expo 2025?
・Highlights of the Osaka Expo 2025
・What kind of city is Osaka?
・Story: Why is Japan putting so much effort into the Osaka Expo?
・About the official expo mascot "Myaku-Myaku"
・How to buy tickets for the Osaka Expo 2025
・Famous places and spots in Osaka to visit along with the Expo
・Two Recommended Tours to Fully Experience Osaka
What is the Osaka Expo 2025?
Source: Official Osaka Expo 2025 website
The Osaka Expo 2025, to be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Konohana-ku, Osaka City, is a major event attracting attention from around the world.
With the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," it aims to promote SDGs and propose visions for future society.
With participation expected from about 150 countries and regions worldwide, it's anticipated to be a grand stage to showcase to the world the image of a future society where cutting-edge technology and traditional culture merge. As I'm interested in architecture and urban planning, I'm already looking forward to seeing how the future city will be expressed at the expo venue.
Website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
Access
Yumeshima, the expo venue, is an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Currently, the extension work of the Osaka Metro Chuo Line is underway, and a new "Yumeshima Station" is scheduled to open in time for the expo's opening in 2025.
It's expected to be accessible in about 30 minutes by train from Osaka Station or Shinsaibashi. I often go to Osaka, but Yumeshima has been a place I've had little connection with until now.
However, I expect that with the expo, many people will visit this new artificial island, and it will become a new landmark of Osaka.
Related Article
・Osaka Bay Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Things to Do in the Waterfront Area
In addition to Yumeshima, Osaka's bay area is home to several popular tourist attractions. With this guide written by myself, who knows Osaka inside and out, be sure to enjoy Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan as well.
Highlights of the Osaka Expo 2025
Here are the must-see attractions at the Osaka Expo 2025.
Pavilions of Various Countries and Japanese Companies
Source: Official Osaka Expo 2025 website
The essence of an expo is touring the pavilions of various countries. At the Osaka Expo 2025, not only will pavilions from countries worldwide be exhibited, but themed pavilions by Japanese companies are also planned.
For example, attention is focused on exhibitions using the latest technology, such as NTT's pavilion themed "Natural."
I remember when I visited the Shanghai Expo as a student, I was impressed by the creative designs of each country's pavilions and the richness of their exhibits. I'm looking forward to the Osaka Expo 2025 being a valuable opportunity to experience the world's diverse cultures and ideas.
The Large Roof "Ring"
Source: Official Osaka Expo 2025 website
The symbol of the venue will be the "Ring," one of the world's largest wooden structures. Designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, it embodies the expo's concept of "diverse yet one."
Under the Ring, there are plans for unique exhibition spaces called "Signature Pavilions" by eight producers, as well as a large plaza and event spaces.
Ideas for utilizing the Ring after the expo closes are being considered, and it's expected to become Osaka's new landmark for the future. As an architecture enthusiast, I'm eagerly awaiting the completion of this unprecedented giant wooden structure.
Future Society Showcase
Source: Official Osaka Expo 2025 website
Showcases using the latest technology are also a highlight of the Osaka Expo 2025, including "Smart City Exhibitions" that present future urban images utilizing advanced technology, and "Digital Experiences" where you can experience future life in virtual spaces using VR and AR.
I once visited an exhibition themed on smart cities in Singapore, and the vision of future urban development utilizing IoT and AI was very inspiring.
At the Osaka Expo 2025, you should be able to experience an even more evolved image of future society. I'd really like technology enthusiasts to visit as well.
Various Dining Experiences
Osaka is known as a gourmet city. At the expo venue, about 50 restaurants and 20 food trucks are planned to offer a variety of cuisines. You should be able to taste not only Osaka's specialty dishes but also cuisines from around the world, so even discerning food lovers will surely be satisfied.
The expo venues are known for their abundance of food options, and you'll see many people enjoying food walks during the event. Although specific vendors haven't been announced yet, I'm definitely looking forward to savoring the expo's gourmet offerings.
What Kind of City is Osaka?
Osaka, the host city of the Osaka Expo 2025, is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, and has nurtured vibrant commerce and rich food culture.
Osaka, which has prospered as a commercial city since ancient times, was called the "Nation's Kitchen" during the Edo period, and still has a unique gourmet culture including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Popular tourist spots such as Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and Tsutenkaku are scattered throughout the city, and the 1970 expo attracted about 64 million visitors.
Osaka is also called the "City of Laughter," and the culture of laughter, represented by "manzai" comedy, is still alive. Please enjoy the expo to your heart's content while experiencing the bright and friendly people of Osaka.
However, for first-time foreign visitors to Osaka, finding truly local-favorite restaurants can be incredibly challenging. Even when visiting tourist spots, without knowledge of the culture and traditions, the experience might end up being just "kind of fun" without any deeper appreciation.
If you want to explore Osaka more deeply and efficiently, I recommend taking a Magical Trip tour with a guide who knows Osaka inside and out.
Below are the tours I personally joined and found fascinating.
・Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
・5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch
Story: Why is Japan Putting So Much Effort into the Osaka Expo?
Through hosting the expo that attracts attention from around the world, the Japanese government wants to appeal to the world its efforts on international issues such as SDGs.
In fact, an expo was also held in Osaka in 1970, which became a symbolic event of Japan's high economic growth at that time. The Osaka Expo, which led to infrastructure development and economic revitalization, is a great source of pride for citizens, and this successful experience has also been a motivation to bid for the expo again.
On the other hand, Japan currently faces many challenges such as an aging population with a low birth rate and prolonged economic stagnation. It's true that there are critical voices saying that hosting an expo at this timing is a waste of tax money.
However, precisely because of this, the Japanese government and Osaka City genuinely want to make the Osaka Expo 2025 successful as a symbol of a bright future.
Just as the 1970 expo was, I hope that the 2025 expo will be an opportunity for a new leap forward for Japan. I encourage you to visit Osaka and experience the future for yourself.
Website: https://www.expo70-park.jp/languages/english/
About the Official Expo Mascot "Myaku-Myaku"
Source: Official Osaka Expo 2025 website
The official mascot character for the Osaka Expo 2025 is "Myaku-Myaku." It's characterized by its colorful red and blue appearance, expressing the vitality of life and hope for the future.
The design motif is "cell division and regeneration." To be honest, I was shocked at first by Myaku-Myaku's overly unique visual. However, as I saw Myaku-Myaku's costume at events, I gradually grew fond of it.
"Myaku-Myaku" is actively disseminating information on social media and has now become familiar as the face of the Osaka Expo 2025. If you spot Myaku-Myaku at the venue, please try to take a commemorative photo.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/expo2025japan/
How to Buy Tickets for the Osaka Expo 2025
Tickets for the Osaka Expo 2025 can be purchased online from the official website. Be sure to check for advantageous price plans such as advance tickets.
Various ticket menus are also available to meet different needs. For example, the "First 12 Pass," which allows unlimited entry from April 13 to April 26 during the first half of the expo, is sold at 4,000 yen for adults, 2,200 yen for ages 12-17, and 1,000 yen for ages 4-11. Children under 3 are free throughout the entire expo period.
As expo tickets are expected to become difficult to obtain as the event period approaches, I recommend purchasing early. Of course, I've already purchased my ticket for the opening day!
Website: https://ticket.expo2025.or.jp/en/
Famous Places and Spots in Osaka to Visit Along with the Expo
You'd want to cover the highlights of Osaka City as well, not just the Osaka Expo 2025 venue, right? Please enjoy Osaka sightseeing to your heart's content along with the expo.
Tennoji
Tennoji, the southern gateway to Osaka, is home to "Abeno Harukas," Japan's tallest building. It's a spectacular spot where you can view the entire city of Osaka from the observation deck, and it's a complex facility with a shopping mall and art museum.
There are many attractions including a zoo and Shitennoji Temple. Personally, I like the atmosphere of "Shinsekai," with its retro shopping streets and the "Tsutenkaku" tower. It's also a food hub where famous kushikatsu restaurants gather.
Access to this area is convenient via Midosuji Line or Tanimachi Line of the Osaka Metro, or JR Loop Line's "Tennoji Station."
Related Article
・Shinsekai: The Ultimate Guide to Osaka's Vibrant Downtown
Tennoji and the adjacent Shinsekai area are among Osaka's most popular tourist destinations. You'll find plenty of izakayas (Japanese pubs) where you can enjoy Osaka specialties like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and delicious drinks, so be sure to use this guide when planning your itinerary.
Nakanoshima
Nakanoshima, floating in the center of Osaka, is an area that perfectly matches the image of a beautiful water city. The promenade along the river is a healing space where you forget you're in a city.
You can enjoy nature in all four seasons at Nakanoshima Park, which is sandwiched between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River. It's also a spot where you can feel art and history with cultural facilities like the historical building of Nakanoshima Library scattered around.
You can access it from "Nakanoshima Station" on the Keihan Railway, but it's an area you can walk to in 15-20 minutes from Umeda, so I recommend stopping by while shopping.
Related Article
・Nakanoshima Guide for Travelers: Explore Retro and Relaxing District
Nakanoshima is one of Osaka's most scenic areas, rich in natural beauty. With its art venues and historic districts, it's also a popular destination for tourists. Let Sena, who loves art and vintage cityscapes, guide you through everything the Nakanoshima area has to offer.
Umeda & Kitashinchi
Umeda, Osaka's representative downtown area, is the center of shopping. Large commercial facilities like Hankyu Department Store and Grand Front Osaka are abundant, gathering the latest fashion an d gourmet offerings.
The underground shopping area in Umeda is complex like a maze, but exploring it can be fun. Don't miss the iconic Ferris wheel at "HEP FIVE" in front of the station.
On the other hand, Kitashinchi, close to Umeda, is an adult social scene with high-class Japanese restaurants and traditional dining establishments lined up. The sophisticated streetscape, often used for business entertainment, contrasts with Umeda's energetic atmosphere.
By the way, please remember that "Umeda Station," "Higashi-Umeda Station," "Nishi-Umeda Station," "Osaka Station," and "Osaka-Umeda Station" are all stations in the same Umeda area.
Related Article
・Umeda Perfect Guide: Discover the Heart of Osaka's Urban Adventure
Umeda is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Kansai region, rivaling even Tokyo's Shinjuku and Shibuya in scale. With so many tourist attractions packed into the area, planning an itinerary can be challenging. Use this guide to make the most of your visit to Umeda.
・Kitashinchi Ultimate Gourmet Guide 2024: Enjoy Osaka's MICHELIN Restaurants
Please also check out Sena's guide to Kitashinchi. If you like a luxurious town like “Roppongi” in Tokyo, you will love Kitashinchi.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi about 400 years ago, is the symbol of Osaka. The vast Osaka Castle Park has beautiful gardens spread out, and it's also famous as a cherry blossom spot in spring.
The castle tower floating on the moat conveys the architectural beauty of the Edo period to the present day. Osaka Castle is also a healing spot where locals can relax while feeling the history, whether jogging in the park or enjoying a picnic. I always visit Osaka Castle Park whenever I go to Osaka.
Access is convenient from "Osakajokoen Station" on the JR Loop Line, "Osaka Business Park Station" on the Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, or "Morinomiya Station" on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.
The Chuo Line is the line where "Yumeshima Station," which will be the nearest station to the Osaka Expo 2025, is planned to be built, so you can go to Osaka Castle from the expo without transferring.
If you're planning to visit Osaka Castle, I highly recommend exploring it with a local guide who has deep knowledge of its history and traditions.
With the following tour, you can not only explore Osaka Castle but also enjoy an exhilarating bicycle ride through the surrounding Osaka Castle Park.
・5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch
Related Article
・Osaka Jo Castle (Osaka Castle) w/Access, Ticket, Admission fee
Shinsaibashi & Namba
This area has many iconic Osaka tourist spots such as "Dotonbori" and the "Glico Sign." Many restaurants gather here, and you can fully enjoy Osaka gourmet foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
It's an energetic area bustling with tourists until late at night. Although it's quite touristy with more foreigners than Japanese, it's an area you can't miss if it's your first time in Osaka.
For access, I recommend getting off at "Shinsaibashi Station" on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line or Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line, and walking south from Shinsaibashi to Namba, enjoying the change in the streetscape.
Related Article
・Namba Guide: Your Complete Guide to Osaka's Vibrant District
Namba, one of Osaka's central entertainment districts, is packed with great food spots and tourist attractions. While this can make it challenging to plan an efficient sightseeing route, check out this guide to discover my hand-picked selection of must-visit destinations and restaurants!
Finally, here are two tours that will take you to some of the truly local stores in Namba!
Two Recommended Tours to Fully Experience Osaka
Known as "The Nation's Kitchen," Osaka is a culinary capital. Here are two captivating MagicalTrip tours where you can enjoy the city's vibrant streets and rich food culture.
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
This engaging 3-hour night tour takes you to three different izakayas (Japanese pubs).
Priced at $95.44 (approximately ¥14,000) per person, it includes meals and 3-4 drinks. With a local English-speaking guide, you'll explore hidden gems in the back streets of Namba that most tourists don't know about, along with Hozenji Yokocho alley and Dotonbori.
You can savor Osaka's signature dishes like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). While vegetarian options are available, vegan and gluten-free accommodations are not possible.
The small group setting allows for interaction with locals, making it enjoyable for solo travelers and families alike.
The tour includes a professional photographer service, with photos delivered by email afterward. Those 20 and older can enjoy Japanese alcohol, and participants must be at least 15 years old. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before, and bookings can be made up to 15 months in advance.
For more details: Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
This 3-hour food tour features eight Osaka specialties and costs $93.44 (approximately ¥14,000) per person.
At local guide-recommended spots, you can enjoy dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, with three drinks included.
The route from Shinsekai to Dotonbori covers not just tourist spots but also hidden backstreets and temples known only to locals. English-speaking guides provide detailed explanations of each location's history and culture, and the tour has received high ratings from over 4,700 participants.
Vegetarian options are available with advance notice (by the previous day), but gluten-free options are not available.
The tour meets at Imamiya-Ebisu Station and ends at Namba Station, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Note that participants more than 5 minutes late will not be allowed to join.
For more details: Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
These two tours offer comprehensive experiences of Osaka's food culture and local charm. They provide opportunities to discover hidden spots and authentic flavors with local guides, and their flexible booking systems ensure worry-free participation. These tours are perfect for those wanting to experience the true essence of Osaka.
The Osaka Expo 2025 is truly a big event where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not only the venue but the entire city is expected to be filled with excitement. Why not take this opportunity to fully enjoy the charm of Osaka?
A special experience where you can witness the moment the door to future society opens is waiting for you in Osaka. I hope this guide will help you spend a memorable time at the Osaka Expo 2025!
