{"id":6078,"date":"2025-05-05T08:30:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T06:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warmcheaptrips.com\/?p=6078"},"modified":"2025-05-05T05:04:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T03:04:10","slug":"visiting-expo-2025-osaka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/warmcheaptrips.com\/en\/visiting-expo-2025-osaka\/","title":{"rendered":"EXPO 2025 Osaka: tips and recommended pavilions"},"content":{"rendered":"

From April 13 to October 13, 2025, Osaka is hosting EXPO 2025<\/strong>, with the theme \u201cDesigning Future Society for Our Lives\u201d<\/em>. Having seen EXPO Milan in 2015<\/strong>, I didn\u2019t want to miss the chance to visit this one too.<\/p>\n

We had a hotel night in Osaka that we\u2019d won in our company\u2019s end-of-year lottery and needed to use it by the end of May, so we decided to visit the EXPO in late April. Though I admit, it wasn\u2019t the ideal time for me: some pavilions were still closed, and it was difficult to plan everything properly due to limited information available.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But since I visited in the first two weeks of the event, this article will hopefully help you plan your own visit better, avoid the mistakes I made (like missing the lottery deadlines or choosing the \u201cwrong\u201d pavilions), and know what to expect.<\/p>\n

This EXPO kicked off amid some controversy \u2014 several countries opted out due to the high participation and construction costs.<\/strong> Plus, Japan\u2019s typically rigid and complex organization <\/strong>can be frustrating for international visitors, leading to some dissatisfaction.
\nThe entry reservation system theoretically reduces wait times, but most pavilions are still overcrowded, making it hard to enjoy the experience fully. Also, not being able to get into some of the pavilions without a reservation is disheartening. Personally, I found EXPO Milan more enjoyable, with more interesting and engaging pavilions overall.<\/strong><\/p>\n

That said, architecture is a big focus here<\/strong>, with many pavilions designed by famous architects. But when it comes to actual content related to the theme, only a few really offered anything meaningful. Many countries used their space mostly for promotion and merchandising \u2014 something the Japanese audience clearly loves, considering the mania for buying themed goods (including those with the hideous virus-mascot\u2026).<\/p>\n

Plan the visit to Osaka EXPO 2025: tickets, lottery, and reservations<\/h2>\n

Buying tickets is fairly easy, but the process (selecting the day, entrance gate, pavilion reservations) can be a bit convoluted \u2014 very much in line with Japan\u2019s often-not-so-logical logic.
\n<\/strong>Everything is explained in English on the official website. A standard daily ticket costs 7,500 JPY<\/strong>,<\/span> but you can save money by opting for a weekday ticket at 6,000 JPY<\/strong><\/span> or an evening ticket after 5 PM for 3,500 JPY<\/strong><\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you plan to visit more than once, consider braving the summer heat between July 19 and August 31, when you can buy a Summer Pass for 12,000 JPY <\/span><\/strong>that includes multiple entries.<\/p>\n

Your ticket is a QR code<\/strong>, scanned at entry and every time you enter a reserved pavilion. I recommend taking a screenshot in case of internet issues.<\/p>\n

Entries are limited, so you must select your visit date and entrance gate in advance<\/strong>. East Gate is near the metro station; West Gate is where the shuttle buses arrive. There\u2019s a free shuttle between them, and I strongly suggest using the West Gate<\/strong>, which is much less crowded \u2014 I only waited 10 minutes there, compared to the 40 minutes I wasted entering from the East Gate at 9 AM.<\/p>\n

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Many pavilions require advance reservations, and queuing isn\u2019t allowed.<\/strong> Reservations are limited and must be made via the official website after buying your ticket and registering your visit date.
\nThere are three reservation methods:<\/strong><\/p>\n