by Philbert Ono, Updated: May 25, 2025
Osaka Expo 2025 is an official world’s fair or world exposition being held for six months from April 13th to October 13th, 2025 in the city of Osaka in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.
Osaka is in the Kansai Region of Japan which includes Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama Prefectures. The “Kansai” name is being included to get all these nearby prefectures involved as well.
World expositions are a mass gathering and showcase of many countries, cultures, peoples, technologies, and ideas in line with the expo’s overall theme. Over 150 countries and regions have pavilions or booths at Osaka Expo 2025 along with over 20 Japanese pavilions.
Many pavilions are eye-catching buildings attracting visitors with a variety of educational, cultural, and entertaining content in line with the expo’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” They may have short videos, cultural or art exhibits, arts and crafts, flora, interactive programs, freebies, live performances, restaurant/cafe, and gift shop.
Besides pavilions, there’s lots of live entertainment, stage performances, pop-up concerts, National Day events, water fountain show, evening drone show, and even fireworks once a month. Souvenir shops are also popular for Expo 2025 merchandise.
The expo site is on a flat, man-made island called Yumeshima (夢洲) on the city’s waterfront facing Osaka Bay. The island was reclaimed as a waste dump landfill from 1977 to 1991.
The expo site is quite large, covering 155 hectares (383 acres). It’s much larger than Tokyo Disney Resort (291 acres) and Universal Studios Japan, also on Osaka’s waterfront.
The expo site is not far from central Osaka. By train and subway to Yumeshima Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line) near the expo site (East Gate), it takes about 35 minutes from JR Shin-Osaka Station and 25 minutes from JR Osaka Station. The train and subway run frequently. Shuttle buses also run from major train stations in Osaka to the West Gate. The expo is also accessible for wheelchair users. More info…
World expositions have been around since 1851, now sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). Notable past expos include the Paris Expo in 1889 marked by the Eiffel Tower, Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 with the Space Needle, Expo ’70 in Osaka with Okamoto Taro’s iconic Tower of the Sun sculpture, and Expo 2005 in Aichi Prefecture.
The last one was Expo 2020 in Dubai from October 2021 to March 2022 (postponed due to COVID). The next expo will be Expo 2030 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Osaka Expo 2025 is the second world expo held in Osaka.
CONTENTS
- What’s at Osaka Expo 2025?
- How’s the expo layout? (Expo 2025 map)
- What’s the Grand Ring?
- How do I buy Expo 2025 tickets and how much are they?
- Should I make reservations to visit pavilions?
- What should I bring to the expo?
- What NOT to bring to the expo:
- How crowded is the Expo? How long does it take to enter the Expo and pavilions?
- How should I enjoy the expo?
- What kinds of pavilions are there?
- Which pavilions are worth visiting or the most popular?
- What can we see inside the pavilions?
- Tell me more about Expo 2025 pavilions:
- How long would it take to visit all the pavilions?
- Which countries are not at Expo 2025?
- What do the official volunteers at the expo site and train stations do?
- How are the restaurants and food courts at the expo?
- What kind of events are there?
- Where are the Expo 2025 official stores? Does the official online store ship orders worldwide?
- What’s that weird mascot colored red, blue, and white?
- What other visitor’s facilities and services are there?
- What else should I know? (Potential problems…)
- Are the official apps helpful?
- Osaka Expo 2025 Fact Sheet
- Basic Japanese Words/Phrases for expo visitors
What’s at Osaka Expo 2025?
- Over 150 international pavilions/booths and 20+ Japanese pavilions. SDGs, healthcare, and the environment are common topics.
- The Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden building, is Expo 2025’s defining feature. Walk on the Skywalk boardwalk for sweeping views of the expo.
- Other-worldly atmosphere with fantastical building designs and diverse landscapes.
- Lots of live entertainment, shows, and side events.
- Wide variety of food courts and restaurants including local Osaka cuisine and finger food.
- Many pavilions serve their native food and drink in their own cafes or food stand.
- Wildly popular official mascot Myaku-Myaku, a weird-looking cell creature.
- Official souvenir stores selling all kinds of expo merchandise.
- Beautiful evening illumination of the pavilions and Grand Ring.
How’s the expo layout? (Expo 2025 map)
- Only two entrances: East Gate (red area on the right in the map above) and West Gate (blue area on the left) outside the Grand Ring. (To walk between these two gates, you must first enter the gate. Cannot walk between the two gates outside the expo site.)
- Most visitors arrive at the East Gate because it’s next to Yumeshima Station on the convenient Osaka Metro Chuo Line subway.
- The West Gate is mainly for shuttle buses (from major train stations like Sakurajima Station), tour buses, and taxi cabs. It’s less busy than the East Gate.
- If you need to borrow a wheelchair, note that the Accessibility Center is outside the gate. Go there before entering the gate.
- After you enter the East or West Gate, there’s a large plaza area with an information center where you can buy an official paper map for ¥200. (Download here for free. Wheelchair accessible map and sensory map also available.
- The huge, wooden Grand Ring encircles all the international pavilions and Signature Pavilions. Japanese pavilions are outside the ring.
Ring diameter is 675 meters, circumference 2,025 meters, and height 12 to 20 meters. You can walk on, below, or beside the Grand Ring. There are five escalators and elevators to reach the rim or top. See great views of the expo site. The Grand Ring will be your main point of reference while you walk around. - Besides the Grand Ring, there are three east-west pedestrian paths (upper, lower, and waterfront) and one north-south path. They are light gray (or white) on the map. This is how we get around the expo site.
- The entrance to pavilions face these walking paths (especially those facing the ring) or plazas. Note that there are also gated back-end paths only for staff and closed to the public. (Google Maps might not know these closed paths.)
- Near the center of the expo site is a green patch called Forest of Tranquility, a small forested park. It’s a roundabout intersection for the north-south path and upper east-west path.
- The upper east-west path is the shortest route between the East and West Gates, 1.2 km (15-min. walk). It goes through the Forest of Tranquility.
- The waterfront east-west path faces the Water Plaza where the nightly water fountain show is held.
- Download official maps here…
What’s the Grand Ring?
The Grand Ring (大屋根リング) is Osaka Expo 2025’s defining feature and the world’s largest wooden structure as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. It uses traditional Japanese nuki joinery with no nails. This stilt construction may be found at large Japanese Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto.
All Expo 2025 visitors are awed by the ring’s scale and construction. You can go up to the rim and walk completely around (2 km) and enjoy the views from a height of 12 to 20 meters. The top boardwalk is called “Skywalk.” The outer diameter is 675 meters, and inner diameter 615 meters.
The ring was constructed by three Japanese construction companies, each one simultaneously building one-third of the ring using mostly wood from Japan (Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress). The ring was completed in March 2025.
Under the Grand Ring are benches, drink vending machines, and maybe trash bins.
Benches under the ring make it a convenient place to sit and rest. Soft drink vending machines are also welcome. However, since it’s an open-air structure, when it rains, the benches will get wet. On rainy days, a hand towel or plastic sheet may come in handy.
Five escalators and elevators take you to the top of the Grand Ring’s Skywalk until 9:00 pm.
After the expo ends, at least part of the Grand Ring will likely be preserved. More info about Grand Ring…
How do I buy Expo 2025 tickets and how much are they?
- To buy tickets and make reservations to visit pavilions or events, you need to register and receive an Expo ID. One Expo ID can be used to buy tickets for multiple people such as your spouse or family members who will enter the expo with you. Details here…
- If you just want to visit the expo and don’t care to make any pavilion/event reservations, buy the Expo Quick ticket. You don’t need to register for an Expo ID. Details here…
- Ticket prices vary depending on the day, time, season, visitor age, etc. One-day weekday adult ticket is ¥6,000, one-day weekend/weekday adult ticket is ¥7,500, and night ticket valid from 4:00 pm (formerly 5 pm) to 10:00 pm is ¥3,700. Season pass is ¥30,000. Tickets are cheaper for age 17 and below, and free for age 3 or younger infants. Details here…
- Your expo ticket will be a QR code you need to show at the entry gate either on your smartphone/tablet screen or a paper printout. Since the Wi-Fi or cell phone signal or the expo website at the gate might not connect due to overload, best to take a screenshot of your QR code in advance (day before or earlier) and show that image instead of trying to login at the gate to show it.
- Expo tickets cover admission to all pavilions and events. You will spend money (cashless) only on food, souvenirs, and any extra services inside the expo.
- More info here…
Should I make reservations to visit pavilions?
- You can if you want to, but It’s not required. The pavilion reservation/lottery system can be frustrating to figure out and obtain the desired reservations. More info…
- Most international pavilions do not require reservations, while most Japanese pavilions require reservations (advance or same-day), although this policy can be fluid. Visitors with reservations can enter the pavilion at the specified time with minimal wait time, while people without reservations may or may not have a long wait time. Pavilions not requiring reservations here…
- Normally, you can just enter the expo, walk around, and enter any pavilion with a line/queue not too long. A 20- to 30-minute wait is reasonable, but long wait times of 2 hours or longer have been reported at popular pavilions during peak hours. Best to try and enter the popular pavilions in the evening after 7:00 pm when the crowds begin to thin.
- Note that although the expo’s closing time is 10:00 pm, most pavilions will close by 8:00 pm for their last pavilion tour when they stop letting people in. Visitors must exit the pavilions and expo site by 10:00 pm.
- Some pavilions may have certain hours when reservations are not required, such as the Japan Pavilion not requiring reservations for 9:30 am to 10:30 am and 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
- Some international pavilions (like Canada) allow their citizens to enter the fast line. USA Pavilion has an English line (English tours once an hour) which may be faster than the Japanese line.
- A few pavilions (like null2) might distribute reservation tickets (seiriken) to allow entry at certain times.
- People in wheelchairs can enter through a faster line.
What should I bring to the expo?
- Take a screenshot of your QR code digital ticket in advance and show that at the gate instead of trying to login to the website/app and accessing your QR code. Cell phone or Wi-Fi signal or the website might not work at the expo gate.
- Bring some snacks and drinks in case restaurants and convenience stores at the expo are too crowded or faraway.
- Drinks must be in PET plastic bottles or paper cartons. Anything in glass bottles or metal cans is not allowed. Metal water bottles (thermos) are permitted. Expo site has water refilling stations (free).
- Bring a credit card or topped-up IC tap card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, etc.) to buy food, souvenirs, etc., at the expo. No cash is accepted at the expo site. (IC = integrated circuit.)
- Rain or shine, bring a compact umbrella. A dark-colored umbrella can provide shade under the sun. The expo site does not have much shelter against the sun, rain, and wind.
- Cap or wide-brimmed hat for shade.
- Be sure your smartphone is fully charged or bring a spare battery. The battery tends to wear down quickly at the expo.
- Bring a small notebook with blank pages to collect rubber stamp impressions. Or buy the Expo 2025 Stamp Passport at the official store at JR Shin-Osaka, Osaka Station, or the expo if it’s in stock.
What NOT to bring to the expo:
- No large luggage or suitcase. No large lockers available at the expo. Available lockers are small (handbag or small rucksack).
- No pocket knives, scissors, nail clippers, or anything sharp or pokey.
- No glass bottles or metal cans.
- No alcoholic beverages.
- No pets except for service dogs, hearing dogs, and guide dogs.
- The entry gates have a security/bag check where you’ll have to discard any banned items.
- More details here…
How crowded is the Expo? How long does it take to enter the Expo and pavilions?
In the mornings during the busiest time from 8:00 am to noon at the East Gate, the wait time to enter is typically 30 to 90 minutes. Gates open at 9:00 am, but you can start standing in line before then. Many people start arriving from 7:00 am to 7:30 am. They wait about 90 min. to be the first to enter at 8:50 am or so. Staff will show you where to stand in line for your reserved entry time. You can always enter the expo after your reserved entry time in case you’re late.
East Gate’s live camera: https://www.youtube.com/live/knR19va6ZCI
West Gate’s live camera: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkAVMmJA9uQ
The wait time to enter a pavilion varies depending on the pavilion’s popularity, day of the week, and time of day (less crowded in the evening). It can be zero waiting time or as long as 2 to 3 three hours. If you have reservations, the wait time will be shorter at your reserved entry time.
How should I enjoy the expo?
After entering, login to Expo 2025 Personal Agent app and refer to the map and your current location. Then just walk around and enjoy the architecture, landscapes, atmosphere, etc.
- Visit pavilions with a short line (less than 30-minute wait).
- See performances or stage entertainment. Check the day’s event schedule.
- Walk on the Grand Ring.
- Enjoy diverse landscapes and designer toilets.
- Try different food at restaurants, food courts (marketplaces), and pavilion cafes.
- Shop for Expo 2025 souvenirs at the official stores near the East and West Gates.
- In the evening, enjoy the colorful illuminations, evening water fountain show (7:30 pm), and drone show (around 9 pm), weather permitting.
What kinds of pavilions are there?
- There are international pavilions (all inside the Grand Ring) and Japanese pavilions (most outside the ring).
- International participants use different types of buildings:
- Standalone buildings which can be large or medium-size. There are about 40 standalone international pavilions. They are the fancy ones such as the Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, UK, and USA Pavilions. More here…
- Shared generic buildings partitioned into multiple rooms such as Algeria, Bangladesh, and Peru.
- Large shared halls called “Commons” where there are 20 to 30 booths representing different countries. There are five Commons halls (A, B, C, D, F). They house booths for countries such as Jamaica, Israel, Pakistan, Palestine, and Ukraine. Most of the 150+ participating countries have booths instead of standalone pavilions.
- Japanese pavilions include the Japan Pavilion, local government pavilions, corporate pavilions, and eight “Signature Pavilions” designed by prominent Japanese artists showcasing their unique concepts. More info here…
Large shared halls called “Commons” usually have 20 to 30 booths representing smaller countries or those on a budget. There are five Commons halls (A, B, C, D, F). Commons buildings have restrooms.
Commons buildings let you visit many countries in a short time. They have booths or small rooms.
“Signature Pavilions” were planned by prominent Japanese artists. They are inside the Grand Ring.
Local government pavilions include Kansai Pavilion (left) and Osaka Healthcare Pavilion (right). They are outside the Grand Ring.
Japanese corporate pavilions include Iida Group/Osaka Metropolitan University (left) and Pasona Nature Verse (right) showing a small artificial heart made of stem cells. They are also outside the Grand Ring.
Which pavilions are worth visiting or the most popular?
- Your country’s pavilion (or booth) if there is one.
- Any pavilion without a long line/queue.
- Any pavilion or country you’re interested in.
The most popular pavilions include many of the large pavilions especially Italy, France, USA, China, Japan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Gundam Next Future, Pasona Nature Verse, and the Signature Pavilions. Myaku-Myaku House is also popular for the lottery to get a stuffed toy.
On the other hand, countries in shared buildings like the Commons buildings are the least crowded. You can go right in and browse the many national booths or rooms.
China Pavilion (left) has an interesting story behind the design. Netherlands (center) lends visitors an orb forinetractive exhibits. Indonesia Pavilion (right) features diverse exhibits including a tropical forest with a waterfall.
What can we see inside the pavilions?
They may have short videos, cultural or art exhibits, arts and crafts, flora, interactive programs, freebies, live performances, restaurant/cafe, and gift shop. The restaurant/cafe or food stand usually has a separate line or entrance from the pavilion tour.
Pavilion attendants guide visitors through the pavilion speaking in Japanese and/or English. Some pavilions have areas not requiring reservations combined with areas requiring reservations.
A small sample of pavilions is shown in the photos below.
Some pavilions have flora such as the lush rainforest with waterfall in the Indonesia Pavilion (left) and imitation forest in Australia Pavilion (right).
Many pavilions show short videos or projected images like the USA Pavilion (left) and Colombia Pavilion (right).
Some pavilions have live demonstrations such as the “human washing machine” in the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion (left) and yoga session in the Indian Pavilion (right).
Japan Pavilion features beneficial microorganisms such as algae and koji mold (to brew sake). One highlight is the Hello Kitty-shaped algae and Martian meteorite rock found in Antarctica. More about the Japan Pavilion here…
Many pavilions have their own small stage for entertainment such as Canada (left) and Malaysia (right).
Do pavilions also have a restaurant/cafe or snack bar?
Yes, many pavilions have a small restaurant/cafe, snack bar, or food/drink stand. They usually have a separate entrance from the pavilion tour, so you can enjoy their food and drinks without going through the busy pavilion.
Some pavilions even serve their native beer such as the Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, German, Italian, Spain, Thailand, UK, and USA pavilions. Native coffee is also served at pavilions like Indonesia and Colombia. More info here…
Tell me more about Expo 2025 pavilions:
- There might be a lack of English at pavilions, especially the Japanese pavilions. The Japanese have never been good at English.
- Pavilions don’t have public restrooms except for the Commons buildings. Toilets are mainly near the East and West gates, in food courts (Marketplaces), and along the waterfront. Check the Expo 2025 Personal Agent app’s toilet map.
- Flash photography not allowed inside pavilions.
- Each pavilion has its own rubber stamp which you can impress in a stamp booklet or Stamp Passport. Popular thing to do.
- Most pavilions close at around 8:00 pm as the last entry time even though the expo closes at 10:00 pm by when everyone must leave the site.
How long would it take to visit all the pavilions?
There are about 180 pavilions and booths. It would take at least 10 to 15 days to visit all the pavilions and booths. Along the way, you will likely get distracted by attendants, meals, rest breaks, side events, and entertainment which will reduce the time you have to visit pavilions/booths.
Visiting the expo on consecutive days will be exhausting. Best to allow a one-day break if you have the time.
Pavilions in the evening are beautifully illuminated.
Which countries are not at Expo 2025?
Countries which had planned to participate but withdrew were Afghanistan, Argentina, Botswana, El Salvador, Estonia, Greece, Iran, Mexico, Niger, Niue, Russia, and South Africa.
New Zealand is also missing since it had never intended to join in (too bad). Taiwan is unofficially represented by the Tech World pavilion outside the ring. The Nepal Pavilion and Angola Pavilion remain closed as of this writing due to its incomplete construction caused by a lack of funds.
What do the official volunteers at the expo site and train stations do?
There are about 20,000 official Expo 2025 volunteers (unpaid). They were selected from among many more applicants and underwent various online training. They work in teams of four or more and wear uniforms with VOLUNTEER on the back. Some of them can speak English or use a translation app.
At major train stations such as Shin-Osaka and Osaka Stations, they give directions to visitors or hold photo frames for selfies. You can ask them how to get to the expo site or anywhere near the station.
At the expo site, volunteers wear gray and dark blue uniforms with “VOLUNTEER” on the back. They work in small teams standing at busy locations to give directions and any assistance to visitors. Feel free to ask them something.
How are the restaurants and food courts at the expo?
There’s a good number of restaurants and food courts, a few convenience stores, and food trucks. The largest food courts are along the northern rim of the ring (Ringside Marketplaces) and the waterfront (Water Plaza Marketplaces). Sushiro sushi restaurant is very popular and hard to get in. The least crowded food court is probably the faraway Wind Plaza Marketplace near the West Gate and Expo Arena.
There are also drink vending machines near the East and West Gates and under the Grand Ring.
What kind of events are there?
Many events and performances are held to showcase the respective country’s culture, sights, technologies, and ideas. There are National Days with stage performances, local festivals, dance and music, pop-up concerts, special demonstrations (flying cars, etc.), etc. Individual pavilions may also have a small stage or space for dance, music, kids’ activities, etc.
Check the Event Calendar for the day(s) you plan to visit. There are large and small venues.
Enjoy pop-up music and pavilion performances.
In the Future Life Zone next to West Gate, there’s a heliport named Mobility Experience (Expo Vertiport) where flying car demos will be held.
The original plan was to have four Japanese companies (ANA, JAL, Marubeni, and Skydrive) provide Japan’s first air taxi service (空飛ぶクルマ) using flying cars (large drones actually) between the expo site and Kansai Airport (KIX), Osaka Bay area, and central Osaka during the expo. However, some red tape and safety issues prevented it from happening. Such a service is perhaps too far in the future. Instead, they plan to show demonstration flights with just the pilot onboard.
However, a demo flight malfunction (propeller parts broke off in mid-flight, no injuries) on April 26, 2025 at the expo has grounded demo flights for now until they can ascertain the cause of the malfunction. More info…
Water Plaza has a nightly water fountain show called “Under the Midnight Rainbow” at 7:30 pm. Reserved and non-reserved seating and standing room available. Reserved seating provides the best views of the show.
Drone show is also usually held nightly, weather permitting. More info here…
Where are the Expo 2025 official stores? Does the official online store ship orders worldwide?
Just a few weeks after the expo opened, a lot of Myaku-Myaku official mascot merchandise has been selling out at official stores and the online store. The stuffed Myaku-Myaku toys are especially selling well.
- The expo site has official stores near the East and West Gates (East Gate Marketplace and West Gate Marketplace). They usually have a line outside the entrance. The official stores sell some of the same official merchandise like pins, Stamp Passport, and stuffed Myaku-Myaku toys, but also different merchandise since they are run by different vendors such as Kintetsu Dept. Store (near West Gate) and Daimaru Dept. Store (near East Gate).
- There are also official stores outside the expo site, especially in central Osaka. If you’ll visit Osaka by train, see the official store at JR Shin-Osaka Station (Eki Marche), JR Osaka Station (Central Entrance), or JR Tennoji Station (Abeno Harukas). It would be a good idea to buy the Stamp Passport or a stamp collection booklet beforehand so you can collect rubber-stamp impressions when you visit pavilions.
- Other major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Kobe may have an official store in Maruzen Bookstores, Daimaru Dept. Stores, and Junkudo Bookstores. Note that different official stores might not stock or sell the same things. Complete list in Japanese here…
- There’s an official online store, but it’s only in Japanese and only for customers in Japan. They don’t ship overseas. Online store: https://expo2025shop.jp/
- Tax-free shopping info here…
What’s that weird mascot colored red, blue, and white?
Osaka Expo 2025’s official mascot Myaku-Myaku is an organic, cell-based creature. Perhaps one of Japan’s weirdest official mascots. “Myaku” means “pulse” in Japanese.
Despite the weirdness, the mascot has grown on the Japanese public and has become wildly popular. It can pose standing or sitting. Stuffed Myaku-Myaku toys are selling very well anreven selling out. More details here…
What other visitor’s facilities and services are there?
- Information centers near East Gate and West Gate. They sell official paper maps (¥200) and give expo info.
- Accessibility Centers right outside East Gate (right side) and West Gate (left side). (It’s not inside the expo site.) Rent wheelchairs and walkers. Sign language interpreters also available. Location info…
- Personal Mobility Stations (near East and West Gates) lend out mobility scooters for free for maximum 4 hours. The time limit is to allow more people to try and use it. No reservations accepted. More info…
- e Mover is an electric or self-driving bus taking people around the fringe of the expo site for ¥400 per ride or ¥1,000 day pass. Official map shows the route and bus stops.
- Water refill stations and water bottle washing stations. Map here…
- First-aid stations and clinics are located in key locations within the expo site. Location info…
- Lost child and baby center.
- Lost and found center.
- All-gender toilets.
- Baby care room. More info…
- Quiet room.
- Free Wi-Fi called “Osaka Free Wi-Fi” in certain areas of the expo site (mainly near the East and West Gates, Marketplace food courts, Signature Pavilions, and Future Life Zone). Register here…
- Portable Wi-Fi rental (paid) near the East Gate and West Gate.
- Free cell phone charging stations powered by by solar panel (USB-A port only). You sit on a bench and connect your cable. (Cable not provided.)
- Lockers (small size only) outside the gates.
- Smoker’s rooms (outside the gates).
What else should I know? (Potential problems…)
- The official expo paper map is not free. It’s sold at the information center/desk for ¥200. You can download it for free online.
- The official expo paper map (Japanese and English versions) and on-site signboards are not very helpful because the names of the pavilions are not on the map, only code numbers referring to an index. The pavilion names are not in alphabetical order eiher.
- Download the Expo 2025 Personal Agent app which includes a map of the expo site with pavilions labeled as well as toilet locations. It also shows your current location.
Google Maps might be useful, but it still does not know which walking paths are open or closed to the public and the location of pavilion entrances. Some back-end paths are closed to visitors. - Wi-Fi at the expo can be slow or almost useless. If you need to show a QR code for anything, take a screenshot in advance instead of logging in when you need it.
- If you need to recharge your phone, there are a few free charging stations, but they only have USB-A ports, no power outlets.
- Trash bins are scarce. Be prepared to carry your trash.
- The expo site only has small lockers for small rucksacks and handbags. Don’t bring large luggage.
Are the official apps helpful?
Yes and no. They have so many official apps and even the Japanese can’t understand the difference or figure them out. What’s the difference between the official website and the official Expo 2025 Visitors app?
The most useful official app is Expo 2025 Personal Agent created by NTT. It has a realtime map of the expo site while showing your current location. It also has a toilet map. More info…
Osaka Expo 2025 Fact Sheet
- Period: April 13th to Oct. 13th, 2025, open 9:00 am to 10:00 pm (pavilion entry may close by 8:00 pm).
- Location: Yumeshima island on the waterfront in the city of Osaka. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zGqQgtyEbLigBZH28
- Getting there by subway: Take the Chuo Line (green) Osaka Metro subway to Yumeshima Station (夢洲駅) outside the East Gate of the expo site. Details here… Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ycS1o5FcSD6FZhJ9
- Getting there by bus: Shuttle buses run from major train stations in Osaka and Sakurajima Station. Make reservations here…
- Area: 155 hectares (383 acres) (Three times larger than Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, bigger than Tokyo Disney Resort.)
- Pavilions: 150+ international pavilions (including about 60 standalone pavilions and 94 booths in shared halls) and 27 Japanese pavilions. (As of this writing, Nepal Pavilion remains closed due to incomplete construction.)
- Theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives
- Official mascot: Myaku-Myaku
- Official website: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/
- Official expo maps (English): https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/expo-map-index/map/
- Expo tickets: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/
- Official apps: https://www.expovisitors.expo2025.or.jp/service-support/about-related-app
- Official social media (only in Japanese, no visitor support): https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/officialsns/
When exiting the East Gate to walk to Yumeshima Station, you will likely have to walk on a roundabout route due to crowd control. It will take an extra 5 minutes of walking.
Smooth flow inside Yumeshima Station. Overhead sign says, “Come again!”
Basic Japanese for expo visitors
English – eigo 英語
Is there English? (inside pavilion) – Eigo wa arimasuka?
Do you speak English? – Eigo wakari masuka?
I don’t speak English. – Eigo dame desu.
I can speak Japanese. – Nihongo daijobu desu.
Yes – hai (Most Japanese will understand both “yes” and “no” in English.)
No – iie
Sorry – sumimasen (also used to get someone’s attention in store, etc.)
information – pronounced almost the same as in Japanese.
Can I take your picture? – Shashin daijobu desuka? 写真は大丈夫ですか？
Osaka – name of the city hosting the expo. Also the name of the prefecture where Osaka city is located. 大阪
world exposition – banpaku 万博 (full word is banpaku hakurankai 万博博覧会)
Osaka expo – Osaka banpaku 大阪万博
Kansai – name of the region of Japan where Osaka is located. Kansai also includes Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, and Shiga Prefectures. 関西
Welcome to Osaka! – Yokoso Osaka e!
Yumeshima – name of the artificial island where the expo site is located. Also the name of the nearest subway station. 夢洲
[Expo site]
East Gate – Higashi geto 東ゲート
West Gate – Nishi geto 西ゲート
Grand Ring – Oyane-ringu 大屋根リング
toilet/restrooms – toire (pronounced almost the same as in Japanese) トイレ
rest area (benches) – kyukeisho 休憩所
first aid station/medical clinic – kyugo shisetsu 救護施設
trash bin – gomi-bako ゴミ箱
Where? – Doko?
[Pavilions]
pavilion – pronounced almost the same as in Japanese. パビリオン
reservations – yoyaku or jizen yoyaku (advance reservations) 予約
no reservations – yoyaku-nashi 予約なし
lottery – chusen 抽選
line (for waiting) – retsu 列
end of the line – saikobi 最後尾
numbered ticket/reservation ticket – seiriken 整理券
waiting time (to enter a pavilion) – machi jikan 待ち時間
30 minutes – sanju-pun 30分
1 hour – ichiji-kan 1時間
2 hours – niji-kan 2時間
3 hours – best to give up and find another pavilion.
closed (pavilion) – heikan 閉館
rubber stamp – sutanpu or stamp rally スタンプ
Myaku-Myaku lottery (to win a plush toy at Myaku-Myaku House) – Myaku-Myaku kuji ミャクミャクぬいぐるみくじ
[Shopping]
official store – shoppu ショップ
souvenirs/merchandise – gutzu (goods) or ki’nenhin グッズ or 記念品
plush toys/stuffed animals – nui-gurumi ぬいぐるみ
sold out – uri-kire 売り切れ or 売切
How much? (price) – ikura? いくら？
Cash not accepted – kyashu wa dame – キャッシュはだめ
This one (pointing) – kore これ
[Food]
vegetarian – pronounced almost the same as in Japanese ベジタリアン
I don’t eat fish. – sakana wa dame – 魚はだめ
I’m allergic. – arerugi arimasu アレルギーあります
octopus balls/dumplings – tako-yaki たこ焼き
ice cream cone (soft serve) – soft cream ソフトクリーム
vending machine – jido hanbaiki 自動販売機
water station – kyusui – 給水機
drinks – nomi-mono 飲み物
water drinking fountain – mizu-nomiba 水飲み場
[Transport]
train/subway station – eki 駅
train – densha 電車
subway – chikatetsu 地下鉄
bus – basu バス
boat/ferry – fune or feri 船 or フェリー
airport – kuko 空港
heat illness, heat exhaustion, heatstroke – netchusho 熱中症、熱射病
I’m exhausted. – tsukareta 疲れた
Cannot walk – arukenai 歩けない
I’m going to faint/collapse – taoreso 倒れそう
water – mizu 水
first aid station – kyugo shisetsu 救護施設
Get the AED – AED onegaishimasu – AED持ってきてください
ambulance – kyu-kyu-sha (dial 119) 救急車
police – keisatsu (dial 110) 警察
[Weather]
weather – tenki 天気
good weather – ii tenki いい天気
rain – ame 雨
thunderstorm – kami-nari 雷
typhoon – taifu 台風
umbrella – kasa 傘
raincoat – pronounced almost the same as in Japanese レインコート
poncho – kappa カッパ
humid/muggy – mushi-atsui 蒸し暑い
earthquake – jishin 地震
evacuate – hinan 避難
emergency – kinkyu 緊急