A Day at Expo 2025 Osaka: My Honest Review and Tips for Visitors

Hello, fellow travelers! I recently spent a day at Expo 2025 in Osaka, and while I didn't go in with a detailed plan, I left genuinely surprised by how much fun I had, far exceeding my initial expectations.

A Spontaneous Visit That Turned Out Pretty Good!

I decided to visit the Expo pretty last minute and bought my ticket the night before. That meant I didn't have any advance pavilion reservations, which I'd heard were highly recommended. Still, I was able to enter several pavilions just by lining up on the spot. Even without advance bookings, the wait times were surprisingly reasonable. I never queued for more than 20 minutes for any pavilion I visited!

Here's where I went: Vietnam, China, Portugal, UAE, Indonesia, Poland, Austria, and Commons A.

Of those, China, Indonesia, and Poland stood out the most to me. Each pavilion boasted thoughtfully curated exhibitions and stunning designs that truly left a lasting impression.

Highlights of the Expo

One of my favorite features of the Expo site was the Grand Roof Ring, a massive circular structure spanning much of the venue. Its design is incredible, and the best part is that you can actually walk to the very top! I highly recommend timing your visit to be there around sunset. Watching the sunset from up there is truly exceptional.

I also loved the architectural designs of the pavilions themselves. Each one beautifully reflects the culture and creativity of the country it represents. And although I've heard this Expo is smaller in scale compared to past World Expos, I personally found the size perfect, not too overwhelming, not too compact. Anything larger would've been exhausting to explore in a single day.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

While I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, there were a couple of areas that I hope to see improved for future visitors.

To be honest, the ticketing website was a bit confusing, and it took me a while to figure out how to buy my ticket. The pavilion reservation system was also tricky to navigate. Apparently, the same-day booking slots fill up very quickly, and by around 11:00 AM most are already gone. I'm hopeful this will be improved as the Expo continues, perhaps with more slots released or clearer instructions for visitors.

[Watch a video tutorial on buying Expo 2025 Osaka tickets here!]

Another concern: while I was lucky to visit on a sunny day, I noticed there's very little covered space aside from the Grand Roof. If it rains while you're waiting in line for a pavilion, there aren't many places to take shelter. And with Japan's notoriously hot summers, there's not much shade to escape the heat either. I'd strongly advise checking the weather forecast and bringing a sun umbrella or rain gear as needed.

Pack Smart! What to Bring (and Definitely Leave Behind)

Before you go, it’s good to know that bags are checked at the entrance, so make sure you’re not carrying anything that’s prohibited. You can bring your own food and drinks, but be careful about the type of container. Plastic bottles are allowed, but cans and glass bottles are not. I learned this the hard way. My complimentary bottled water from the hotel came in a sleek aluminum can, and it was taken away at the gate! According to the official guidelines, alcohol, cans, and glass bottles are not permitted, but PET bottles are fine.

Large luggage (anything over 60cm x 90cm x 40cm) is also not allowed inside. So if you’re coming straight from the airport or train station, I recommend storing your suitcase at your hotel or in a coin locker before heading to the Expo site.

Also, be aware that tripods and selfie sticks larger than palm-size are not allowed either, so leave those at your hotel to avoid any hassle at the gate.

Tips for Future Visitors

If you're thinking of visiting, I'd say go for it! Even without a set schedule or reservations, I had a great time. Of course, if you have specific pavilions you must see, then it's best to plan ahead and try to book early. Getting to the gates right when they open at 9:00 AM could also help increase your chances. Otherwise, a more relaxed, spontaneous visit can still be very enjoyable.

With temperatures already soaring in Japan, I'd suggest bringing a sun umbrella, staying hydrated, and being mindful of heat stroke risks. For more in-depth advice on beating the summer heat in Japan, check out our dedicated post: [Tips for Surviving Summer in Japan] Alternatively, a late afternoon or evening visit is a smart move to beat the worst of the heat and enjoy the beautifully lit-up pavilions after dark.

Getting to the Expo & My Hotel Pick

The Expo site is easily accessible via the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, with the final stop at Yumeshima Station. It takes about 30 minutes from central Osaka, so it’s quite convenient.

If you’re planning to base yourself in Osaka for the Expo, I recommend staying in the Honmachi area on the Chuo Line. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Osaka Honmachi, just a short walk from Sakaisuji-Hommachi Station. The location was perfect, the rooms were spotless, and the hotel overall was very comfortable. It’s also within walking distance to Hommachi Station on the Midosuji Line, which makes it easy to reach Osaka-Umeda (main area of Osaka city) and Shin-Osaka Station for the bullet train.

Final Thoughts

While I didn't get to see every pavilion on my wish list, for a last-minute, afternoon visit with no reservations, I was genuinely satisfied with everything I managed to experience. While I do recommend planning ahead where possible, especially if you're aiming to see popular pavilions, a spontaneous trip can still be well worth it.

If you're heading to the Kansai area anytime before October 13, I highly recommend dedicating a day to explore Expo 2025 Osaka! It's a unique and fun experience not to be missed!

[For the latest updates and to purchase your tickets for Expo 2025 Osaka, click here!]

Sunset from the Grand Roof Ring, with Awaji Island and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge visible on the left✨