Osaka Expo 2025: Tickets, Hotels, Restaurants, and How to Make the Most of Your Visit

What is Osaka Expo 2025?

The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 is a major international event that will bring together visitors from around the world. Osaka previously hosted Asia’s first-ever Expo in 1970, attracting over 60 million attendees.

This year's theme, "Designing a Future Society for Our Lives," envisions a space where global technologies, cultures, and ideas converge to shape the future.

1. Dates: April 13 – October 13, 2025 (approximately six months)
2. Venue: Yumeshima, a specially developed artificial island designed for the Expo
3. Access:
4. From Kansai International Airport: About 40 minutes by train
5. From Shin-Osaka Station: About 30 minutes by shuttle bus or train
6. Getting around Osaka: Subway and limousine bus services are available

Although the venue is located slightly outside central Osaka, visitors arriving by plane or Shinkansen (bullet train) should allow an additional 30–40 minutes to reach the Expo site.

Ticket Information

Advance Tickets

Pre-sale tickets allow one-time entry on any chosen day within the event period.

Pre-Purchase Ticket Options:

1. Opening Ticket (April 13 – April 26): 4,000 yen
2. Early Period Ticket (April 13 – July 18): 5,000 yen
3. Super Early Bird One-Day Ticket (Any date): 6,000 yen
4. Early Bird One-Day Ticket (Any date): 6,700 yen
5. Multiple Entry Pass (April 13 – October 3): 30,000 yen

Regular Tickets (Available During the Expo)

Tickets purchased during the event allow one-time entry on any selected day.

1. One-Day Ticket: 7,500 yen
2. Weekday Ticket: 6,000 yen (Valid for entry after 11:00 AM on weekdays)
3. Evening Ticket: 3,700 yen (Valid for entry after 5:00 PM)

Group tickets and other special options are also available.

How to Purchase Tickets

1) Purchase via the Official Website

1. Register for an Expo 2025 ID on the official Expo website.
2. Once registered, tickets can be purchased online.

2) Purchase Through Travel Agencies

1. Various early bird discounts and special ticket options are available.

After purchasing an e-ticket, simply scan the QR code at the entrance for hassle-free entry.

For ticket purchases, visit the official site:

https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/

How to Make a Reservation

Entry Reservation

1. Download the EXPO 2025 smartphone app and log in with your Expo ID.
2. Use the Reservation & Lottery button to select your visit date.

Pavilion Reservations

1. Using the same app, you can enter a lottery for pavilion reservations:
2. Up to 2 months in advance for certain pavilions
3. Up to 7 days in advance for certain pavilions

For entry and reservation details, visit the official site:

https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/reservation/

How to Make the Most of Expo 2025 Osaka

1. Themed Pavilions: Experience cutting-edge technology through immersive exhibits.
2. International Pavilions: Explore the cultures and innovations of over 70 participating countries.
3. Sustainability Focus: A forward-thinking venue embracing carbon neutrality and renewable energy.
4. Multilingual Support: Enjoy seamless navigation with guides and interpretation services in multiple languages.
5. Japanese Cultural Experiences: Take part in tea ceremonies, make traditional Japanese sweets, and try on a kimono.
6. Gourmet Delights: Savor iconic regional dishes from all over Japan at the food court.
7. Nighttime Attractions: Enjoy live music, stunning light displays, and captivating traditional performances.

Dining at Expo 2025 Osaka (As of January 2025)

Expo 2025 Osaka will offer a diverse selection of food courts, restaurants, fast food outlets, and cafés. In addition to dining options, visitors will find shops selling regional specialties, souvenirs, and convenience stores throughout the venue.

Food Highlights at the Expo:

1. The Expo’s dining areas offer a variety of specialty dishes from across Japan, along with a diverse international menu.
2. So far, three phases have been announced, featuring curated menus by renowned chefs and booths showcasing the flavors of Osaka.
3. The food area also provides a wide range of options catering to dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free choices.

The Expo will provide a rich culinary experience, featuring everything from international gourmet fare to classic Japanese dishes. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

Japanese Cuisine

1. Sanuki Udon – Traditional udon noodles
2. Nori Musubi – Handmade rice balls
3. Gyu-Katsu Kyoto Katsugyu – Crispy beef cutlet, a Kyoto specialty

Global Flavors

1. SOFRA by Mrs. Istanbul – Authentic Turkish cuisine
2. MARE by Mrs. Istanbul – A taste of Turkey’s flavors
3. Ethnic Fusion Restaurant – A mix of diverse international cuisines

Fusion Cuisine & Sweets

1. THEO’S CAFÉ – A stylish café serving desserts and beverages
2. souvenir JAPAN WEST – Sweets and souvenirs with a regional touch
3. People, Earth, and Shortcake – FUJIYA EXPO 2025 STORE – Specialty desserts from FUJIYA

Casual Dining & Convenience Stores

1. Lawson Osaka/Kansai Expo Branch – Convenient food and drink options
2. Family Mart Osaka/Kansai Expo Branch – Convenient food and drink options
3. 7-Eleven West Gate Branch – Convenient food and drink options

Sustainable Dining

1. Sustainable Food Court "Osaka Noren Meguri – Food & Festival EXPO" – A multicultural food court with eco-friendly dining options
2. Hasshoku Fermented Food Diner – Showcasing Japan’s rich tradition of fermented foods
3. GF RAMEN LAB – Specializing in gluten-free ramen

With an inclusive selection of meals, including vegan and gluten-free options, Expo 2025 Osaka promises a memorable and accessible culinary adventure for all visitors.

Dining Near Expo 2025 Osaka

1. Surrounding Area: There are limited dining options around Yumeshima, so it’s recommended to plan meals at nearby hotels or along the transportation routes to and from the Expo.
2. Convenient Dining Spots: Areas such as Umeda, Fukushima, and Kita-Shinchi, known for their vibrant hotels and entertainment districts, offer some of Osaka’s finest dining experiences.

Osaka’s Culinary Scene: Osaka ranks third in Japan, after Tokyo and Kyoto, for the number of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants, making it a great place to enjoy exceptional meals that will be the highlight of your trip. It’s best to book your reservations 1 week to 1 month in advance.

Sightseeing Alongside the Expo

  Top Attractions in Osaka

1. Dotonbori: A vibrant entertainment district filled with great food and shopping.
2. Osaka Castle: A historic landmark offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and architecture.
3. Universal Studios Japan (USJ): A favorite theme park for families and thrill-seekers.

· Nearby Kansai Destinations

1. Kyoto: Discover traditional temples and shrines, rich in cultural heritage.
2. Nara: Explore parks where you can interact with friendly deer and see iconic Buddhist statues.
3. Kobe: A picturesque port city with a unique blend of international and local culture.

These must-see destinations in Kansai are easily accessible from Osaka Station, just 30 minutes to 1 hour by train. For the best experience, consider combining a visit to the Expo with a day in Osaka and another day exploring historical sites like Kyoto and Nara during your trip.

Accommodation Information & Osaka Areas

1. Luxury Hotels: Osaka boasts high-end accommodations like The Ritz-Carlton Osaka and InterContinental Osaka.
2. Mid-Range Hotels: There are plenty of hotels offering comfortable stays at affordable prices.

The Expo 2025 Osaka venue is located along the waterfront, a bit farther from the city center, so accommodations will likely be in the downtown Osaka area.

Umeda/Osaka Station (Kita Area)

Located just one station away from Shin-Osaka Station (a major Shinkansen hub), Umeda is a bustling commercial district. With direct train access to Kyoto and Kobe, both just around 30 minutes away, this northern part of Osaka—also known as Kita—features business districts, massive shopping malls, and a wide variety of dining options. Luxury hotels like Hilton Osaka and The Ritz-Carlton Osaka are also located here.

Discover Top Restaurants in Umeda

Namba (Minami Area)

This vibrant entertainment district offers direct access to Kansai International Airport and is full of quintessential Osaka experiences. Known as the southern part of the city, or Minami, Namba is home to famous landmarks like takoyaki (octopus balls) stalls and the iconic Glico sign. While it’s more casual and local, it also has many hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Discover Top Restaurants in Namba

Shin-Osaka

As a key stop for the Shinkansen, the Shin-Osaka area is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and features a high concentration of business hotels near the station.

Discover Top Restaurants in Shin Osaka

Universal City Area

Located near both the Expo site and Universal Studios Japan (USJ), this area is ideal for visitors planning to go to the theme park. You’ll find official USJ hotels here, as well as convenient access to both attractions.

Osaka Onsen Areas

For relaxation, explore the onsen (hot spring) areas like Minoh and Inunakisan, located about 30 minutes from Umeda or Kansai International Airport.

Summary

Expo 2025 Osaka offers an incredible chance to experience the future, and by combining your visit with Osaka’s distinct attractions and the broader Kansai region, your trip will be even more memorable. Don’t miss the special experiences awaiting you in Yumeshima!