This guest post is by Sarah Bennett, is a travel writer with a deep love for exploring Japan and uncovering its cultural gems. She enjoys helping travelers craft unforgettable experiences, especially during major events like Expo Osaka 2025.
From April 13 to October 13, Osaka is stepping into the global spotlight as it hosts Expo Osaka 2025, with the theme “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives.”
But with an event of this scale, planning your trip can feel overwhelming. Where’s the best place to stay to avoid long commutes? Which pavilions need advance reservations? And which ones are perfect for a bit of spontaneous exploring?
Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your tenth, this practical guide will help you plan a smooth, exciting journey centered around Expo 2025 — and make the most of everything the Kansai region has to offer along the way.
A Brief Intro to World Expos
This isn’t the first time Osaka has hosted a World Expo. In fact, Expo '70, held in the nearby Suita district, attracted more than 64 million visitors — a figure that remained unmatched for decades.
If you're not familiar with world expos, think of it as the Olympics of ideas, culture, and futuristic technology, all rolled into one huge event. Besides just showcasing culture and achievements, some expos have even served as launchpads that changed how we live! For example, the Exposition Universelle in 1889 unveiled the Eiffel Tower, while the Paris Expo of 1900 introduced the world to escalators, sound films, and even diesel engines.
Of course, Expo 1970 also had its fair share of global milestones. This was Asia’s first World Expo, and it introduced video phones, early robotics, and the idea of global interconnectivity — long before the Internet was a thing. Who knows what kinds of new breakthroughs this year’s expo will bring?
Click here to read What you must know before travelling to Japan.
Book Your Tickets Early
With millions of people expected to attend, advanced planning is absolutely essential. After all, Expo Osaka 2025 isn't an event where you can just show up at the gate!
Thankfully, the Expo organizers have come up with a variety of different ticket options and types to suit everyone. The most basic option, the One-Day Adult Tickets, is priced at approximately ¥7,500 (around US$52). If you’re planning to stay longer, it’s worth looking into Weekday, Night, Summer, or Season Passes, which provide greater flexibility for repeat visits or evening entry.
Speaking of which, Night Tickets are an excellent option if you’re traveling to Japan on a budget but still want to visit Expo 2025. They start around ¥3,700 (approximately US$25) — half the price of regular tickets — and are a great option if you want to explore Osaka in the morning and then head over to the Expo after 5 pm.
However, buying tickets to the main expo is just the beginning! If you’re hoping to visit popular pavilions — such as the Japanese or USA pavilions — you’ll need to register in advance, and in some cases, leave it up to chance. Access to these pavilions is managed through a lottery system, so be sure to check beforehand.
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Choose Your Must-See Pavilions
One of the main attractions of any world expo are the pavilions, which are a type of creative walk-through exhibit. Each pavilion is designed by a different country, company, or organization, with the goal of showcasing their best ideas. Some pavilions are high-tech, some lean more on the artsy side, and some are a mix of both.
One pavilion you won’t want to miss is Japan, a huge circular wooden structure inspired by nature and built around the idea of life cycles. The Scandinavian Pavilion — shared by Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland — will charm visitors with its clean look and eco-friendly designs, a nod to Scandi sensibility. There are also themed pavilions, created around big ideas rather than countries. “The Future of Life” explores how science and society can evolve together, while Poland’s “Jellyfish Playground” is a fun and imaginative underwater world made from art and light.
Big-name Japanese companies like Panasonic and NTT will have their own pavilions too, featuring robots, artificial intelligence, and smart cities that could be just a few years away from reality.
Find the Perfect Hotel
With a serious influx of visitors, Osaka hotels will fill up fast — we’re talking faster-than-a-Shinkansen-train fast!
The exhibition will be held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, so it's best to stay nearby. If you want to be close to the expo, consider booking your accommodation near Cosmosquare Station or Sakishima — both are just a few stops from Yumeshima Island. They’re a bit quieter but super convenient.
If you’d rather stay in the heart of (Osaka’s) action, Chuo Ward is your spot — you can enjoy trendy cafes, great food, and easy metro access to Expo in about 30 minutes. Either way, book early and expect prices to rise as expo-season heats up.
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Explore Osaka…and beyond!
Yes, a twice-per-decade world expo is amazing, but don’t forget — you’re in Osaka, after all. As one of Japan’s most fun and food-loving cities, you can spend an entire week in the area and not get bored.
By day, visit Osaka Castle, a 16th-century fortress surrounded by peaceful gardens and seasonal cherry blossoms. Once the sun sets, spend your evenings wandering Dotonbori, where giant neon crabs and sizzling street food stalls await.
When you're ready to explore further, hop on a train: Kyoto is just an hour away, with peaceful temples and iconic bamboo groves, while Nara offers bowing deer, ancient shrines, and one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world.
Expo Osaka 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of innovation, culture, and global connection. With the right planning, you can enjoy not only the excitement of the Expo itself but also the rich history, incredible food, and must-see sights of the Kansai region and beyond. Whether you're marveling at futuristic tech or strolling through ancient temples, this trip has all the makings of a truly outstanding adventure. See you in Osaka!
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