I’ve been to Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai several times already — on both weekdays and weekends — thanks to my Season Pass.
In this article, I’ll share everything based on my real experience:
how to get to the Expo site, how long it actually took to enter, what it was like inside, my personal ranking of the most popular pavilions, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.
If it’s your first time going, you might find the system a bit confusing. I hope this guide helps you understand how it works — and enjoy the Expo to the fullest!
Essential Items & Apps for Expo 2025 – Beginner-Friendly Tips
After visiting Expo 2025 Osaka multiple times, I’ve learned firsthand which items and apps are truly essential.
Let’s start with the must-have items you should bring with you to make your Expo experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Must-Have Items for Expo 2025 Osaka
You might already know some of these essential items, but just in case — let me walk you through them properly!
Smartphone
Naturally, a smartphone is a must-have at Expo 2025.
Since cash isn’t accepted on-site, you’ll need your phone for mobile payments. It’s also essential for checking the map, showing your ticket, making reservations, and more.
There were some connectivity issues in the early days, but now the mobile network is stable and works smoothly in most areas.
Screenshot Your Entry Ticket
At the Expo, you’ll often need to show your QR code — not just when entering, but also when confirming reservations inside the venue.
If you haven’t taken a screenshot, you’ll have to log in to the website or app, sometimes going through two-factor authentication, which can be time-consuming. To save time and hassle, take a screenshot in advance and use that whenever needed.
Printing your ticket on paper is also a good backup!
Portable Charger (Power Bank)
As mentioned above, your smartphone is essential and you’ll use it a lot during your visit. That’s why bringing a portable charger (power bank) is highly recommended — just in case your battery runs out.
I personally used a 5,000mAh one and found it more than enough.
There are a few charging spots available inside the Expo grounds — currently three — but each only has space for 2 to 3 devices at a time, and they’re not easy to find. So it’s best not to rely on them.
- Bench in front of the Pasona Pavilion – standard power outlets
- In front of the Future City Pavilion – wireless charging available
- Bench in front of the Denryoku Pavilion (Electric Power Pavilion) – wireless charging available
As a last resort, you can also use ChargeSPOT, a mobile battery rental service.
Inside the Expo, there are several ChargeSPOT stations where you can rent a portable charger. Here are the current locations:
- Vision Booth near the East Gate Plaza
- Vision Booth near the West Gate Plaza
If it’s your first time using ChargeSPOT, you can get ¥330 off by entering the following referral code when you sign up:
Official Apps
These two are the official apps for Expo 2025.
For detailed instructions on how to use them, please refer to the official website. That said, you’ll be opening these apps again and again throughout your visit — they’re essential tools for navigating the Expo.
- EXPO 2025 Visitors・・・You can use this app to check the venue map, manage your tickets, and apply for lottery-based reservations.
- EXPO2025 Personal Agent・・・This app shows you personalized recommendations and visualizes crowd levels, helping you plan your visit more efficiently.
Items You May Need Depending on the Weather or Situation
Sun Umbrella (Parasol)
There’s very little shade throughout the Expo site — even when waiting in line — so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun, especially during summer.
Bringing a sun umbrella is highly recommended to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion. For children, a hat is essential.
Poncho – For Rainy Days at the Expo
If there’s rain in the forecast, be sure to bring a poncho! Raincoats can be a hassle to put on and take off, so a poncho-style cover is much more convenient.
Umbrellas are another option, but keep in mind that the Expo site is right by the sea — strong winds can break your umbrella or blow rain in from the side, making it harder to stay dry and move around.
Tumbler or Water Bottle
Bringing a tumbler or water bottle packed with ice is a great idea, especially in hot weather.
Fortunately, vending machines are available throughout the venue and offer drinks at regular prices (for example, a 500ml bottle of water costs ¥120), so you don’t need to carry too much from home.
There are also free water refill stations, but they’re limited in number and may be hard to find — especially if it’s your first time visiting.
The water at the refill stations is safe and cold, so feel free to use it.
具体的な給水スポットの場所は以下の地図の通りです。
My Experience at Expo 2025 Osaka – Event Report!
Most recently, I visited Expo 2025 Osaka on Sunday, April 27.
It was a perfect day for the Expo — cloudy with temperatures around 20°C (68°F), making it very comfortable to walk around.
That time, I entered through the East Gate. I arrived a little after 9:00 a.m., and it took about 25 minutes to get inside.
Even though I came during one of the busier time slots, the process was surprisingly smooth — a big improvement compared to earlier days.
On weekdays, there’s usually no wait time at all to enter the Expo.
As for closing time, the crowds start to peak around 9:00 p.m., and it can get quite congested.
This is true on both weekdays and weekends.
That said, it doesn’t take a long time to reach the station — instead, you’re guided along a longer route, which still allows you to board the train fairly smoothly.
When visiting the Expo, you’ll need to choose between entering from the East Gate or the West Gate.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the features of each gate:
East Gate
The East Gate is the most accessible for visitors arriving by train, which is why the majority of people use this entrance.
As a result, it tends to be especially crowded on weekends.
West Gate
The West Gate is mainly for visitors arriving by car or bus.
Since buses require advance reservations, this option may feel a bit complicated for first-time visitors.
That said, crowds at the West Gate are generally lighter than at the East Gate, especially during entry and exit times.
万博へ行く際のおすすめのゲート攻略は？
Although the East Gate tends to be more crowded, it’s much easier to access and very straightforward to navigate.
For that reason, I recommend entering through the East Gate.
If you’re visiting Japan from overseas, getting to the West Gate can take more time and may be confusing, so the East Gate is likely the better option.
My Top Pavilion Picks – Based on Visiting Nearly 100!
So far, I’ve visited nearly 100 pavilions at Expo 2025 — and in this section, I’d like to share the ones that stood out the most and those I personally recommend. Just for context: I love traveling abroad, but I’m honestly not that knowledgeable about the history or culture of other countries.
So I tend to find pavilions that focus only on those topics a bit overwhelming. 😅 That said, there are plenty of pavilions that offer fun, interactive, or visually impressive experiences — and those are the ones I truly enjoyed!
Uzbekistan Pavilion ★★★★☆
The experience starts in a large room where you watch a 360-degree video.
While you’re watching, the entire room quietly starts moving, and before you know it, you’re lifted up to the rooftop— it’s just like the Haunted Mansion ride at Tokyo Disneyland!
Once you reach the rooftop, you’ll find yourself surrounded by large wooden trees, where you can actually feel the warmth and smell of the wood. It’s a surprisingly immersive and calming experience.
At the end, there’s a small souvenir shop, but to be honest, it didn’t leave much of an impression — not many items and nothing particularly exciting.
USA Pavilion ★★★★★
The USA Pavilion is located fairly close to the East Gate, so you’ll come across it soon after entering.
It’s one of the most popular pavilions, especially on weekends — expect to wait over an hour. There’s no reservation system, so you’ll need to line up the old-fashioned way.
Inside, you’ll watch a video showcasing current trends in the United States. As a Japanese visitor, I was moved to see a brief clip of Shohei Ohtani, which felt very special.
After that, the experience shifts to a space launch simulation, giving you the feeling of heading into outer space — a fun and exciting moment for both kids and adults.
You do get to see an actual moon rock, but only for a split second.
While queuing, there are separate lines for Japanese and English speakers, so be sure to join the appropriate one.
Osaka Healthcare Pavilion ★★★★★
At this pavilion, you get a glimpse into your health 20 years into the future, along with a surprisingly detailed analysis of your current condition. It even somehow knew my height and weight — I honestly wondered when they collected that info!
Your health is evaluated across various categories such as the brain, blood vessels, skin, hair, and teeth, and you’re given a personalized “health age” based on the results. The assessments are ranked using an easy-to-understand A–C grading system.
Even after the main analysis, there are several interactive booths where you can try different health-related experiences.
All in all, I recommend setting aside 90 to 120 minutes to fully enjoy everything the pavilion has to offer.
Serbia Pavilion ★★★★☆（Recommended for Families with Kids）
Serbia is set to host the next World Expo in 2027, so this pavilion gives you a fun preview of what’s to come.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits that feel like Rube Goldberg machines (also known as Heath Robinson contraptions), where you can drop marbles and watch them move through elaborate mechanisms.
It’s an especially fun experience for families with children.
Right next to the pavilion, there’s also a casual restaurant where you can enjoy light meals and snacks — a nice place to take a break.
Japan Pavilion ★★★☆☆
The Japan Pavilion features three main exhibition areas, with a focus on learning about the importance of algae and its role in the future.
What makes it more fun — especially for fans of Japanese pop culture — is the appearance of characters like Doraemonand Hello Kitty.
If you like these icons, you’ll probably enjoy this pavilion even more!
There’s also a Mars rock on display, though it didn’t seem to get much attention from visitors.
There was also a Mars rock on display!
Blue Ocean Dome ★★★☆☆
This pavilion features stunning water-based visuals that are both artistic and relaxing. Although it’s just flowing water, each droplet is separated and made to roll in a mesmerizing way — it’s simple, yet incredibly beautiful.
After that, you’re guided into a dark dome where you can sit down and watch a breathtaking video projection.
Yes — you actually get to sit and rest for a bit! 😄
Since most pavilions require you to stand the whole time, being able to sit and enjoy the show made this a surprisingly valuable and refreshing experience.
Italy Pavilion ★★★★☆
The Italy Pavilion is extremely popular — expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour. Lines get shorter toward closing time, but on weekends you’ll still wait about 30 minutes, and entry is often cut off early. If you want to make sure you get in, it’s best to join the line before 8:00 p.m..
Inside, you can see impressive exhibits such as a statue of Atlas carrying the globe (a replica of the Farnese Atlas) and pages from Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts.
There’s also a restaurant and a take-out stand where you can enjoy Italian food and drinks.
Pavilions That Didn’t Quite Impress Me (But It’s Just My Opinion!)
I know it might sound a bit rude — and I truly mean no offense — but honestly, these pavilions didn’t quite feel worth the wait in my experience. To be fair, the countries themselves are amazing, and I’m sure if I had more background knowledge, I would have appreciated them more.
In my case, I tend to lose interest in purely exhibition-style displays, so I just didn’t enjoy these as much on a personal level:
- Nordic Pavilion
- Egypt Pavilion
- Chile Pavilion
- Portugal Pavilion
- UAE Pavilion
- Commons Pavilions
Again, this is just my own preference — if you’re someone who enjoys cultural exhibits and informative displays, you might love them!
7 Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai
When I first visited the Expo, I noticed a few things that might catch newcomers off guard — like the plenty of vending machines, but very few trash bins, or the abundance of gender-neutral restrooms, which might leave some people wondering which one to use.
But don’t worry — once you get the hang of the layout and know a few simple tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy the Expo much more and even visit more pavilions than you might expect.
Here are my 8 personal tips to help you navigate and enjoy Expo 2025 to the fullest!
Tip #1: Buy Your Ticket as Early as Possible!
Getting your ticket early is key to a successful Expo visit.
Once you buy a ticket, you’ll be able to reserve your visit date and time slot for entry — and the earlier you do this, the earlier you can get in on the day!
Buying early also increases your chances of getting into pavilion lotteries, which we’ll cover in the next tip.
So don’t wait — purchase your ticket and lock in your visit date as soon as you can!
Tip #2: Don’t Miss Your 4 Chances to Book Pavilions!
Expo 2025 Osaka is aiming to be a “no waiting in line” experience — and that’s why there are four different ways to reserve pavilion access in advance or on the day of your visit.
Here are the 4 booking opportunities:
- 2-Month Advance Lottery
- 7-Day Advance Lottery
- Available slot reservation
- On site registration
For the first two, you’ll need some luck — it’s all lottery-based. The third is based on speed — so be ready to grab a spot. And the fourth? That’s where you need to act fast right after entering the Expo.
⏰ Pro tip: Try to book an early time slot for your same-day reservation. Once that booking is used, you can make another reservation for later in the day!
Also, same-day slots are constantly updated due to cancellations and last-minute releases.
Even if it looks fully booked, keep refreshing — you might just get lucky.
I actually managed to snag a spot at the Blue Ocean Dome after refreshing for about 15 minutes straight. Don’t give up!
Tip #3: Stay Until Closing Time — It’s Totally Worth It!
As the day goes on, the crowds at Expo 2025 start to thin out — and by the evening, things are much quieter. Even popular pavilions like the USA and Italy pavilions sometimes have wait times under 30 minutes late in the day.
That said, for the most popular pavilions, entry often closes around 8:00 p.m., so be sure to line up before 8:00 if you really want to get in. For most other pavilions, you’ll be able to walk right in with little to no wait.
However, there’s a trade-off: you might miss the nighttime shows, like the fountain or drone displays. So before your visit, it’s a good idea to decide whether you want to focus on evening shows or pavilion hopping after dark.
📍 Pro tip: If you want to enjoy the shows, head up to the Grand Roof Ring — the view from there is fantastic and usually satisfying enough on its own!
Tip #4: Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Everyone has the same idea — you get hungry and want to try food from the country you’re visiting at the pavilion. But here’s the thing: pavilion restaurants are extremely popular, and it’s not unusual to wait 1 to 2 hours for a table.
And the prices? Be ready to spend around ¥5,000 per person at most full-service restaurants.
💡 Pro tip: If you want to avoid long waits, line up before the restaurant opens. For example, the UAE restaurant opens at 11:00 a.m., so getting in line 10 minutes early is a smart move.
If you’re okay skipping international cuisine, Japanese restaurants inside the Expo tend to have shorter lines — probably because most visitors are Japanese and prefer to try something different.
The food court is also a reliable option with shorter wait times throughout the day.
There are even convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart within the Expo grounds — a quick and affordable way to grab something to eat.
And yes, there’s a Kura Sushi (conveyor belt sushi)!
It’s very popular, so if you want to eat there, be sure to reserve in advance using the Kura Sushi app — reservations open 15 days in advance.
Alternatively, you can use a reservation support service (more on that below).
Tip #5: The Expo Might “Close” at 10 PM, But Most Pavilions Don’t
While the official closing time for Expo 2025 is 10:00 p.m., the reality is that almost all pavilions close by 9:00 p.m. — about an hour earlier.
In fact, it’s safe to say that 99% of pavilions shut their doors at 9:00, so don’t expect to be exploring exhibitions until the very last minute.
Keep this in mind when planning your evening — and try to finish your pavilion visits by 9:00 p.m., not 10.
Tip #6: Know Which Pavilions Might Not Be Worth the Wait
The Expo is filled with stunning pavilions from around the world — many of them have beautiful architecture that grabs your attention.
But here’s the catch: almost none of them give any clear explanation outside about what kind of experience you’ll actually get inside.
That means you might spend 30 minutes in line, only to walk out thinking, “Wait… that’s it?” 😅
To avoid that, it’s helpful to know in advance which pavilions have received mixed reviews or are often described as less exciting. That way, you can save time and focus on the ones that truly deliver a memorable experience.
Tip #7: Use Google Maps to Navigate and Check Reviews
The Expo site is massive, and even if you know where you want to go, it’s often easy to get lost or confused.
That’s where Google Maps comes in handy — it does a surprisingly good job of guiding you through the venue.
Plus, you can also check pavilion reviews on Google Maps. So if you’re unsure whether it’s worth waiting in a long line, take a quick look at what other visitors are saying. It might help you decide!
Final Thoughts – My Experience at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai
Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is honestly incredibly fun.
Yes, there’s a lot of walking, and you’ll probably wait in some long lines — but it’s absolutely worth it to see the pavilions from so many different countries all in one place.
Even just admiring the unique architecture of each pavilion is a treat.
Walking along the famous Grand Roof Ring, you’ll be able to enjoy views of all the national pavilions — it’s such a cool experience.
The Korea Pavilion has a massive display screen, Thailand features a statue of an elephant, and Spain has a striking staircase.
No two buildings are the same — and that’s part of what makes it all so amazing.
In a way, visiting the Expo feels like traveling the world without leaving Japan.
I’m definitely planning to go back again and again — and I’ll keep updating this guide with new tips as I discover more!
If it’s your first time, it’s totally normal to feel a bit unsure. But don’t worry — just take a look at the Expo map ahead of time, learn the layout, and let the excitement build!
Looking for Travel Help?
If you’d like support with your Expo visit, or even a custom private tour in Tokyo or Chiba, the company below offers helpful services at reasonable prices.
Feel free to check them out!
Comments