- Language
Published: 2023/10/30 Updated: 2023/12/25
Osaka, with its deep cultural roots, is set to host the 2025 World Exposition under the theme "Designing Future Society For Our Lives." This expo invites global entities to collaborate on current challenges. Pioneering in its approach, it emphasizes carbon neutrality and the advent of virtual expos. Visitors can anticipate a rich blend of entertainment, arts, and global cuisines.
Learn more about the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo and its fascinating allure with this convenient guide.
(Main image: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
Contents
[ OPENCLOSE ]
Image of the Expo Venue (Provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
Period: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Monday, October 13, 2025 184 days
The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo is an international exposition aiming to attract participation from 150 Bureau International des Expositions (BIE)-member countries and 25 international organizations. The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
The theme is "Designing Future Society For Our Lives," with the fundamental plan emphasizing the creation of a sustainable society where individuals can pursue their desired ways of living and maximize their potential, promoting international collaboration.
Expo 2025 will address emerging social issues such as inequality and conflicts, advancements in science and technology like AI and biotechnology driving Society 5.0 (Japan's concept of a future society integrating the real and virtual worlds to solve various social problems and foster economic development), and the consequences of longevity. Participants will confront these changes and reflect on what constitutes a "happy way of living" for each individual.
Approximately 28.2 million visitors are expected, with an estimated 3.5 million being inbound foreign tourists to Japan.
Vision of the Expo site as a model for Society 5.0 (Provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
The Expo 2025 venue is an artificial island called Yumeshima (“Dream Island”), located in the waterfront area of Osaka City. The venue covers an area of 155 hectares, and each country's pavilion will be exhibited inside the main thoroughfare called Pavilion World, an area encircled by a “Grand Roof (Ring),” about 2 km in circumference.
Venue: Yumeshima, Osaka
By bus
By train
・Direct access to Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line (scheduled to open around the end of FY2024)
Access to the venue will maximize the use of existing transportation infrastructure, incorporating new technologies like MaaS (Mobility as a Service) to ensure smooth visits. Specifically, the extension of the Hokko Technoport Line from Cosmosquare Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line is underway, and a new station is being constructed. Direct shuttle buses will operate from major railway stations like JR Yumesaki Line's Sakurajima Station and Kansai International Airport. Private vehicles will park at parking lots outside the venue and transfer to buses using the "Park and Ride" system. Other access options, such as water transport via boat, are also being considered.
The types and prices of admission tickets are as follows. Some advance tickets have been available for purchase since November 30, 2023.
| Ticket Type | Summary | Adults (ages 18+) | Juniors (ages 12-17) | Children (ages 4-11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance Ticket | ||||
| Opening Ticket | Single entry permitted from April 13 - 26, 2025. | 4,000 yen | 2,200 yen | 1,000 yen |
| First-Half Period Ticket | Single entry allowed from April 13 to July 18, 2025. | 5,000 yen | 3,000 yen | 1,200 yen |
| One-Day Ticket (Super Early Bird Ticket) | Available for a limited time, grants one entry anytime during the Expo period. | 6,000 yen | 3,500 yen | 1,500 yen |
| One-Day Ticket (Early Bird Ticket) | Available for a limited time, grants one entry at any time during the Expo. | 6,700 yen | 3,700 yen | 1,500 yen |
| Tickets Sales During the Expo | ||||
| One-Day Ticket | Sold and valid for one entry at any time during the Expo. | 7,500 yen | 4,200 yen | 1,800 yen |
| Weekday Ticket | Available for purchase during the Expo and valid for one entry on weekdays from 11 AM. | 6,000 yen | 3,500 yen | 1,500 yen |
| Night Ticket | Available for purchase during the Expo and valid for one entry after 5 PM. | 3,700 yen | 2,000 yen | 1,000 yen |
| Advance Ticket & Tickets Sales During the Expo | ||||
| Special Ticket | A guest with a disability certificate and one accompanying guest (assistant) are eligible for entry. | 3,700 yen | 2,000 yen | 1,000 yen |
| Multiple-Entry Pass / Summer Pass | Multiple entries allowed from July 19, 2025, to August 31, 2025, daily after 11 AM. | 12,000 yen | 7,000 yen | 3,000 yen |
| Multiple-Entry Pass / Season Pass | Multiple entries allowed from opening day to October 3, 2025, daily after 11 AM. | 30,000 yen | 17,000 yen | 7,000 yen |
*Tax included in prices.
*Age refers to person’s full age (in terms of full years lived since birth) as of April 1, 2025.
*In addition to the above, group discount tickets such as discount tickets for groups of 15 or more people are available.
For details, please refer to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (expo2025.or.jp) website.
Types of Admission Tickets | Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website
To cater to diverse visitors, including children, elderly, people with disabilities, foreigners, and dignitaries, various measures are being considered for crowd avoidance and enhanced visitor services through digital technology utilization and electronic ticketing. Cutting-edge robot technology and contingency plans for emergencies such as disasters and infectious diseases are also being taken into account.
Additionally, the expo aims to manage its impact on SDGs, the environment, and society appropriately, striving for a sustainable operation throughout the event.
Tickets for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan are primarily electronic, available through the official sales website on smartphones or PCs.
For those new to electronic tickets, alternative purchasing options are available via travel agencies or other sales businesses.
To buy tickets, you'll need to register for an "Expo ID," a universal login for various services at the Expo. This ID is essential for ticket purchases, reservations, and accessing future services and contents.
Venue Perspective (Ring Exterior) (Provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
The Osaka-Kansai Expo's theme of Designing Future Society For Our Lives encompasses eight thematic projects: Understanding Life, Nurturing Life, Protecting Life, Weaving Life, Expanding Life, Enhancing Life, Polishing Life, and Harmonizing Life.
The central and highly anticipated pavilions, known as "Signature Projects," will creatively combine various techniques, including architecture, exhibits, events, videos, and virtual experiences. Eight expert producers, representing Japan's forefront in each thematic project, will collaborate to design pavilions and events that foster innovation and co-creation.
The venue's interior is carefully designed to ensure aesthetics, functionality, universal design, and environmental considerations, including heat countermeasures. The aim is to provide visitors with a safe and comfortable expo experience. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technologies contributing to SDGs' achievements is under consideration.
Venue layout plan (as of January 2023) (Courtesy of Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
The central area of the venue consists of pavilions and other facilities centered around eight thematic programs, creating a bustling space. The pavilions of the participating countries are divided into three zones, which also serve as sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. A large canopy (ring) with aerial walkways is installed above the main corridor. Depending on the location, there are sloped and stepped walkways, as well as walkways that offer views of the sea, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery.
The venue's southern area is a relaxing space that makes use of water features. Dining establishments face the waterside and the area is also used as a stage for water shows.
The western area of the venue features outdoor event plazas and offers a spacious environment where many people can linger. With restaurants and merchandise facilities, visitors can fully enjoy the Expo site situated over the sea.
Venue layout plan (as of January 2023) (Courtesy of: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
In the private pavilions, each exhibitor has crafted their displays in line with the Expo's theme, Designing Future Society For Our Lives. The aim is to provide visitors with an experience of the future society, evoking both emotion and empathy. Pavilions from leading Japanese companies will be featured, including ones like the tentatively named Gundam Pavilion, themed around Mobile Suit Gundam, and The New Culinary Center of the World - Food Expo Osaka 2025 (also tentatively named). These are expected to attract significant attention from international visitors to Japan.
While walking will be the primary means of getting around within the venue, advanced mobility solutions such as EV buses running around the perimeter and flying cars are being considered. This ensures that various attendees, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and families with children, can move around comfortably.
An integrated information service will also be available, ensuring a convenient environment for tourists visiting Japan.
Image of the outdoor event plaza (courtesy of Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition)
The officially announced events for the Expo are as follows:
Additionally, throughout the venue, such as in outdoor event squares and smaller stages, a variety of entertainment genres will be showcased. This includes music, theater, performing arts, anime, and games, as well as futuristic entertainment utilizing digital technologies and thematic forums. These will rotate throughout the Expo period.
Events using large display equipment set up in the square, such as screenings of visual content and interactive events, are also planned. There are also plans for parades, which will not only feature traditional floats but will incorporate a free range of ideas, integrating various regional festivals and traditional performances.
Environmental productions utilizing the water surfaces and facilities within the venue, which harness light and visuals, are also being planned. There will be opportunities for a diverse array of artists and creators to participate in grand shows featuring lights and music, making for splendid events.
The image for the "Best Practices Area" (a corner introducing particularly excellent initiatives) is provided by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.
Embracing its role in shaping future societies, the expo plans to delve deep into virtual technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) for a comprehensive "Virtual Expo." This platform might offer visitors experiences like virtual events, theme halls, AR-enhanced pavilions, and engagement through avatars, ensuring global participation irrespective of geographical boundaries.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo isn't just a passive viewing experience; it's an interactive journey. Through the TEAM EXPO 2025 initiative, which aligns with the theme of Designing a Future Society for Our Lives and supports the SDGs, participants from various backgrounds are encouraged to collaborate in sculpting their vision of the future. This program actively welcomes involvement from international participants and foreign residents in Japan.
TEAM EXPO 2025 Program Official Website (in English)
Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition（Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan）
Osaka, set to host the Osaka-Kansai Expo, is second only to Tokyo in attracting international visitors to Japan. The city's allure lies not just in its wealth of sightseeing destinations, but also in the metropolitan delights of dining and shopping. Moreover, with historic cities like Kyoto and Nara just a short train ride away, it's no wonder Osaka draws such a global crowd. Here are some of the top attractions near the Expo site in Osaka to consider visiting.
Photo: KLOOK
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Minions, and other worlds from Hollywood movies come to life in this theme park, enjoyable for both adults and children alike. The Super Nintendo World™ is also part of the attractions. The distance between the theme park and the Osaka Expo venue in Maishima is approximately 5km. It's around an 11-minute train ride from Osaka Station.
One of the most expansive hot spring amusement parks in the Kansai region, this destination offers guests the opportunity to indulge in thermal baths, explore a traditional Japanese garden, savor culinary delights, and partake in shopping while dressed in yukata attire. Situated approximately 5 km away from Maishima, the venue for World Expo 2025 Osaka, it is conveniently reachable in just 10 minutes via a direct train ride from Osaka Station.
An epicurean paradise that celebrates Osaka's culinary heritage, this gastronomic theme park proudly presents renowned delicacies such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, collectively known as "Naniwa Gourmet." The allure of the Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, a space encompassing restaurants and food courts, captivates countless visitors. Situated approximately 6km from the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue in Maishima, it's about a 12-minute train ride from Osaka Station. With attractions like the giant Ferris wheel and the Kaiyukan aquarium, it's a destination where you can enjoy a full day.
Photo: PIXTA
You can enjoy a cruising experience aboard the sailboat-style sightseeing ship "Santa Maria" that offers picturesque views of the landmarks in the Osaka Bay area from the sea. The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, while the Twilight Cruise, perfect for admiring the sunset, takes about 60 minutes. The ship is designed in the image of the vessel Columbus sailed on when he reached the Americas. Maishima, the venue for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, is approximately 6 km away. The boarding point is conveniently located near the Kaiyukan aquarium, a popular spot that's just about a 12-minute train ride from Osaka Station.
This expansive seaside outlet mall stands as one of the largest in western Japan, boasting around 250 stores showcasing renowned domestic and international brands. Alongside indulging in delectable cuisine, visitors can relish a complete shopping experience. Situated roughly 45 km from Maishima, the designated location for World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, the mall is also conveniently accessible from Kansai International Airport. A mere 6-minute train ride allows for seamless shopping excursions before or after your flight.
Introducing the perfect accommodations for enjoying World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. As the anticipation of Expo demand grows, the hotel landscape in Osaka is constantly evolving through construction and revitalization. Allow us to introduce a selection of these accommodations.
Photo：Booking.com
Boasting a prime location just 5 minutes away from Osaka Station via a complimentary shuttle service. In celebration of its 30th anniversary in June 2023, the hotel has embarked on a comprehensive renovation project, the largest in around 7 years, investing approximately 1.5 billion yen to progressively revitalize all 300 rooms. At the on-site Japanese restaurant, guests can savor teppanyaki and tempura dishes. The staff is proficient in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean languages for seamless communication.
26,350from JPY 1room, 2adults
Photo: Booking.com
Nestled within the bustling commercial and shopping district around Grand Front Osaka and the redeveloped Umeda Station area, this location enjoys a vibrant atmosphere. Alongside amenities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and five dining establishments, guests can experience top-quality service provided by multilingual staff proficient in languages including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, and French.
29,127from JPY 1room, 2adults
Photo：Booking.com
A hotel often referred to as "Osaka's Guesthouse," conveniently reachable in around 10 minutes via a complimentary shuttle service from Osaka Station. In March 2025, Prior to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the hotel will undergo a comprehensive renovation. It features an array of dining options including French cuisine and traditional Japanese fare, with a total of 20 dining establishments. The staff is proficient in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean languages for seamless communication.
10,800from JPY 1room, 2adults
Photo: Booking.com
Situated in a prime location within the Osaka Bay area, this establishment is just a short 4-minute walk away from Universal Studios Japan. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the bay area's attractions. The staff is proficient in both Japanese and English languages for seamless communication.
18,000from JPY 1room, 2adults
Photo: Booking.com
Reopened on July 1, 2023, as an urban resort in the bay area, this hotel offers a diverse range of facilities including various dining options and a pool, allowing guests to indulge in a resort-like experience. From the guest rooms, you can relish spectacular views unique to the bay area, such as the sunset over Osaka Bay and the nighttime cityscape of central Osaka. The staff is proficient in Japanese, English, and Chinese languages for seamless communication.
25,899from JPY 1room, 2adults
Anticipation for the Osaka-Kansai Expo goes beyond just the exhibition grounds. There are also new areas and noteworthy attractions garnering attention. Let's introduce a few of them.
photo：グラングリーン大阪開発事業者
A new urban area is taking shape in front of Osaka Station, featuring a 45,000-square-meter city park. This lively space, integrated with greenery, will serve as an innovation hub and a platform for various activities. It aims to create a dynamic and creative lifestyle known as "Osaka MIDORI LIFE," attracting attention both locally and internationally.The facility will offer opportunities to engage with new products, technologies, services, art, and diverse events. The town's phased opening will begin around the summer of 2024, with the full opening anticipated in 2027.
Gaining prominence after Osaka's bustling Kita (North) and Minami (South) districts, "Nishi" (West) is now in the spotlight. Leveraging its strategic position at the bay's entrance, it saw the inauguration of the Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower and Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower, a hot spring-centric park, in 2019. To amplify its allure, substantial renovations and the addition of fresh commercial zones have been undertaken, culminating in a phased rejuvenation that lasted until April 2022.
Adjacent to Kobe's renowned tourist spots like Meriken Park and Harborland in Hyogo Prefecture, a unique waterside arena will soon emerge as Japan's first 270° arena surrounded by the sea. With a seating capacity of 10,000, this cutting-edge arena will serve as the home base for Kobe's professional basketball team and host a wide range of events including sports, music concerts, e-Sports, and MICE activities. The anticipated opening date is April 2025.
Next to Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture is using the opportunity of the Osaka-Kansai Expo to treat its entire region as a showcase pavilion. They're actively promoting sustainable initiatives in line with SDGs to enrich their local communities. With a range of interactive programs designed for international visitors, it's definitely a highlight worth checking out. https://web.pref.hyogo.lg.jp/kk53/fieldpavilion-top.html#english Official Website
Preparations are in full swing in the Kansai region for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Even though we currently have just a broad overview, the excitement is building as more details emerge. The expo offers a glimpse into the future, and it will be intriguing to observe its impact on foreign visitors. There's hope that they will value it in tandem with Japan's rich traditions and culture.
Text by Hifumi Isokazu
The information in this article is current as of July 2023. Please check the official websites for the latest information.
