Expo 2025: Real Visitors Review

When I visited Expo 2005 in Aichi as a tour guide — dozens of times, actually — I didn’t expect much. But it turned out to be an unforgettable experience filled with culture, creativity, and fun. That’s why, even if I wasn’t initially excited about Expo 2025 Osaka, I couldn’t help but stay curious.

So, what exactly is a World Expo?
Expo 2025 Osaka, officially a World Expo (short for “Exposition”), is a large-scale international event where countries from all over the world come together to showcase their innovations, cultures, food, and ideas for the future. Think of it as a mix between a global science fair, a cultural celebration, and a futuristic theme park — all in one.

My mom was lucky enough to score a ticket for one of the early days. The big smile she brought home, despite the long walks and crowded lines, was enough to get me excited about visiting Expo 2025 myself.

In this article, I’ll share her honest impressions, practical tips, and real photos from the ground. If you’re wondering what to expect or planning a visit to Expo Osaka 2025, this guide will help you get ready.

Expo 2025 Osaka Access Guide: Trains, Buses

Expo 2025 is held on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. The venue is large, open-air, and surprisingly breezy thanks to its seaside location.

However, getting there requires some planning. Here’s what you need to know:

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Best Option: Osaka Metro Chuo Line

• The most convenient way is by the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.
• Get off at the new Yumeshima Station, just 2 minutes from the East Gate.
• Easy, direct, and no transfers once you’re on the Chuo Line.

Other Shuttle Bus Options (All Arrive at the West Gate)

• JR Sakurajima Station → Shuttle Bus (Reservation recommended)
  • Cheapest option: ¥350
  • Best for those who want to use JR lines
  • Prepaid passengers are given boarding priority, so booking in advance is advised.
• Shuttle Buses from 10 Major Locations　（Reservation required）
  • From: Shin-Osaka, Umeda (North/South), Namba, Tennoji, Amagasaki, etc.
  • Cost: around ¥1,000–¥2,000 depending on distance
  • Useful if you’re staying outside the Osaka Bay area

By Car (Park & Ride Required)

• Private vehicles are not allowed at the Expo venue.
• Use Park & Ride (P&R) lots in Maishima, Amagasaki, or Sakai, and take a shuttle bus to the West Gate.
  • Advance reservation required (shuttle bus fee is included in the parking) for all P&R parking spots.
  • Visitors with mobility needs may reserve a space at the accessibility parking lot near the East Gate (also advance booking required).

Gate Selection Warning

When buying your Expo ticket, you’ll need to choose East Gate or West Gate entry.
Be careful:

• Osaka Metro → East Gate
• All Shuttle Buses (JR and major city hubs) → West Gate

Pick your transportation first, then match your gate accordingly when buying your ticket.

Important:
You cannot move between the East and West Gates from outside the venue.
If you need to change your entry gate, you can do so in advance via the EXPO 2025 Digital Ticket site.
This gate change does not count toward your ticket date-change limit.

Also note: Gate access may change without notice. Check here for details: For Visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai

Klook.com

About Luggage

• Large luggage (like suitcases with wheels) is not allowed inside the Expo.
• Items over 600mm x 400mm x 900mm must be stored elsewhere.
• Use official luggage storage points at Bentencho or Sakurajima Station (¥1,000/item).
  • Delivery to your hotel is available from ¥1,500/item.
• Only small coin lockers are available inside the venue.
• There are very limited large storage spots at the gates (¥10,000/item!), first come, first served. (up to 100 spots)

Before You Arrive

• Download the official “Expo 2025 Visitors” app.
• It shows maps, live updates, pavilion info, food stalls, and reservation details — super helpful once you’re inside.

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Reservation is the key to enjoying the Expo

If there’s one thing you need to know before going to Expo 2025, it’s this:
Having a ticket alone is not enough. You’ll also need to create an account called an Expo ID, reserve your visit date and time, and understand how the pavilion booking system works.

Step-by-step: What you need to enter

1. Create your Expo ID (万博ID)
   You must have an Expo ID to use your ticket. This account is required to make a date reservation, enter the venue, and reserve pavilions or events.
2. Register your ticket under your Expo ID
   Once you purchase or receive a ticket, you’ll link it to your own Expo ID.
   If you are reserving visit dates for others (such as family or friends), they must also have Expo IDs, and each person needs to reserve their ticket separately.
3. Make a date and time reservation
   Even if you already have a ticket, you still need to reserve the date and entry time for your visit using your Expo ID.
   You can change or cancel your reservation later if needed.
4. Display your QR code at the gate
   You can show your QR code on your smartphone or print it out.
   If you’re in a group, each person needs their own unique QR code.

Note: If you registered multiple tickets under your own Expo ID, you can reserve or cancel each one individually. However, tickets registered under another person’s Expo ID must be managed by that person. You won’t be able to see or modify their ticket in your account.

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Changing your reservation

• You can change your visit date up to three times per ticket.
• Changing the date will cancel any pavilion or event reservations that were already made.
• You can also change your entry gate without using up one of your date-change limits.
• All changes must be made by logging in with your own Expo ID.

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Types of pavilion and event reservations

Once your date is reserved, you can enter different rounds of reservations for pavilions and special events. These are the four main ways to reserve:

1. Two-month lottery
   You can apply for pavilion/event lottery entries from three months to two months before your visit.
2. Seven-day lottery
   You can enter a second round of lottery reservations from one month to 8 days before your visit.
3. Last-minute booking (first-come, first-served)
   From 3 days before your visit until 9:00 a.m. the day before, you can apply for available pavilion slots.
4. Same-day registration
   After entering the venue, you can register for pavilion entry 10 minutes after arrival. This is done via special terminals inside the Expo site.
   Even if you don’t have a smartphone, you can still use your printed ticket with QR code to reserve on-site.

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Walking, waiting… and still worth it

Let’s be honest: a visit to Expo 2025 involves a lot of walking, a lot of waiting, and sometimes not getting into the places you hoped to see. But somehow, it’s still absolutely worth it.

My mom walked more than 30,000 steps in one day, even without visiting every pavilion. The venue is enormous — like an entire city built for walking. If you’re not used to being on your feet all day, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself.

She had a few reservations, but even then, there was still some waiting time. And for the pavilions without a reservation? Lines stretched for up to two hours in some cases. Still, she said that just walking around and seeing the architecture, designs, and crowds from around the world was part of the fun.

One thing that surprised her: the Grand Roof Ring — a large shaded structure near the center of the site — provided a nice break from the sun, but it also came with a swarm of insects. So if you’re planning to rest there, maybe bring some bug spray or choose a different rest spot.

Even when she couldn’t go inside certain pavilions, just standing outside and enjoying the vibe — seeing visitors in traditional clothing, watching light displays, and hearing different languages — made it feel like a global celebration.

Expo Osaka tip: Eat, Drink, and Rest

Food is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of the Expo 2025 experience. There are hundreds of options — from Osaka street food to futuristic AI-cooked meals — but if you’re not prepared, you might end up standing in line or wandering in circles just trying to find a place to sit.

Biggest food court in Expo Osaka 2025: “Noren Meguri – Shoku to Matsuri EXPO”

The Osaka Noren Meguri food court is located in the West Gate Zone (outside the Grand Roof Ring) and features about 1,000 seats. However, around half of those seats are paid, reserved seating. The rest are free to use, but in many cases, standing space only — so if you’re hoping to sit down and relax while eating, the ¥550 paid option (50 minutes) per person might be worth considering.

The reservation includes a bottle of water and a small souvenir. Reservations open one month before your visit and are available online.

That said, unless you’re particularly excited to try Expo-exclusive items, you might get better food for a better price in central Osaka. From takoyaki stalls in Namba to ramen joints in Umeda, the city has countless local spots without the long lines or premium pricing.

Curious about Osaka’s food scene? Don’t miss our guide to local specialties: What to Eat in Osaka: 15 Delicious Foods You’ll Love

Other dining areas and options

Not all food areas require reservations:

• The “Future Food & Culture Zone” inside the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion offers walk-up food stands with creative, healthy, and tech-driven menu items — no reservations needed.
• Kura Sushi’s special Expo store is extremely popular and also uses an advance booking system (via website, app, or LINE), with reservations open from 2 weeks before. If you miss it, same-day slots may be available, but expect long lines.
• Over 40 international pavilions have restaurants or takeout counters featuring national dishes — from Malaysian curry and German sausages to Turkish kebabs and Swiss cheese dishes.
• Many of these pavilion restaurants are less crowded than food courts and sometimes even offer rooftop seating or great views.

Money, meals & making it work

• Cash is not accepted at most venues, so be sure to bring a credit card or load a QR/pay app in advance.
• You’re allowed to bring in your own food and snacks, which can be a great way to avoid lines and stay within budget.
• Consider packing something light, along with a picnic cloth or a small folding stool (just be mindful of size restrictions), in case seating is hard to find.
• Try to plan your meals outside of peak lunch hours, and take a few minutes beforehand to check the venue map so you know where to go.
• The EXPO 2025 Visitors app is useful for finding things like “Noren,” “restaurants,” or “rest spots.”
• Even with good planning, you’ll likely run into a few lines — but you’ll also get to taste flavours from all over the world in one unforgettable setting.

Even with careful planning, be prepared for some waiting — but the upside is that you’ll get to try flavours from around the world in one unforgettable setting.

Getting Around Expo 2025 – Be Ready to Walk

My 67-year-old retired mom logged over 30,000 steps in a single day — and that was without staying for the evening shows.

The Expo site covers a massive 155 hectares and is built on Yumeshima, an artificial island. While the sea breeze feels nice, the area is wide open with very little shade and a whole lot of ground to cover. The iconic Grand Roof Ring alone has a circumference of about 1.25 miles (2 kilometres).

Things to expect when getting around:

• Some pavilions are far from each other — walking from one side of the ring to the other can take 15–20 minutes
• Crowds are heavy, especially right after the gates open and around lunchtime
• Maps and signage can be a little confusing, especially when it’s crowded
• Seating is limited across the venue — take breaks whenever you can

Tip: Paid Shuttle Bus Inside the Venue
A hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus runs around the outer ring of the Expo site.
You can ride it unlimited times for ¥1,000 per day, or pay ¥400 per ride.

What to Bring – Essentials for a Smooth Day at Expo 2025

A trip to Expo 2025 isn’t your average day out — it’s a full-day adventure with long walks, outdoor heat, crowds, and lots of tech-based access. Packing the right items can seriously improve your experience.

Here’s what experienced visitors recommend bringing:

Essentials:

• Expo entry QR code
  Save it on your phone and bring a printed copy, just in case your battery dies or the signal is weak.
• Mobile battery pack (power bank)
  You’ll use your phone a lot — for maps, reservations, photos, and payments. Power will drain faster than usual.
• Credit card or mobile payment
  Most food stalls and shops are cashless. Bring a backup option just in case one method fails.
• Refillable water bottle
  There are free water stations throughout the venue. Staying hydrated is key, especially on hot days.

Comfort:

• Comfortable walking shoes
  Expect to walk 15,000–30,000 steps or more. Your feet will thank you.
• Foldable umbrella or hat
  There’s very little shade, and sun exposure can be intense. Bring something lightweight and easy to carry.
• Lightweight Raincoat
  In case of unpredictable weather, a lightweight raincoat can be really useful, especially since there aren’t many places to take shelter from the rain inside the venue.
• Light jacket or layers
  The sea breeze on Yumeshima may feel chilly sometimes, so let’s be prepared
• Sunscreen and bug spray
  Especially if you’re planning to sit or rest under the Grand Roof Ring, where bugs might gather.
• Foldable picnic mat or stool
  Great for breaks in grassy areas or when seating is full. Just avoid bulky or wheeled luggage — they’re not allowed inside.
• Cool wipe sheets and spray
  Items like cooling body wipes or spray can help you stay refreshed and comfortable during hot summer days.

Food & extras:

• Printed map or paper guide
  In case of mobile signal issues or a dead battery, having a physical map can help you stay oriented.
• Light snacks or lunch
  Food is allowed inside. Many visitors recommend bringing simple snacks or sandwiches — just be mindful of spoilage during hot days (Osaka summers can get very hot).
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
  Useful before eating, after using restrooms, or during long lines.

Updates & New Tips (Last updated: May 6, 2025)

This section will be updated regularly as I learn more during the Expo period.

USJ Discount Tickets
If you buy your Universal Studios Japan ticket from the official website before October 5, 2025, you’ll be eligible for 10% off Expo 2025 tickets! Detail here

Official Crowd Forecast Updated Daily — Check Here
The official Expo 2025 crowd forecast is updated every day.
Check the latest predictions here before you go!

Mobile Charging Options
Paid mobile battery rental services are available inside the venue. Additionally, wireless charging stations are installed in select rest areas. However, the availability is limited, so don’t rely on them alone.

Cashless
The entire venue is 100% cashless. Be sure to bring a credit card or use a supported mobile payment app like PayPay. Even the vending machines do not accept cash.

Print the Map Before You Go.
As of April 19, 2025, there have been reports of long lines to buy the paper map at Expo 2025. It costs 200 yen. To avoid the hassle, especially if your phone dies or you lose signal, print the map in advance or purchase the paper version early! Map

Flexible Entry Hours.
When purchasing a ticket for the Expo, you need to reserve an entry time. However, even if you choose 9:00 as your entry time, you can enter at any time after that. Just be aware that the entry gates are most crowded between 10:00 and 11:00. After 12:00, it tends to be relatively less crowded.

Best Time After 5 PM
After 5:00 PM is a great time to go, as the pavilions are less crowded. If you couldn’t get a reservation for popular ones like the USA or France pavilions, they’re usually easier to access after 5:00 PM—especially on weekdays. Just keep in mind that while the Expo is open until 10:00 PM, the pavilions close at 9:00 PM.

New rule!
Starting May 7, you can now enter Expo Osaka with a discounted Twilight Ticket from 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM! (Yep — even if your ticket still says 5 PM!)

Expo stays open until 10:00 PM, so if you’ve got some energy left in the evening, it’s the perfect time to swing by. Enjoy:

• Fewer crowds
• Cooler weather
• Epic night shows like drones & fountains
• All at an affordable price!

Expo 2025 Osaka in Photos

Get a visual preview of Expo 2025 — its impressive architecture, unique installations, and exciting atmosphere, all captured in real-world snapshots.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Chance You Might Regret Missing

To be honest, all I had heard about Expo 2025 before it opened were the negatives — construction delays, long lines, and expensive food. I wasn’t really planning to go.

But after looking into it more and seeing real experiences from visitors, I changed my mind. It actually doesn’t seem bad at all — in fact, it looks kind of fun.

There’s something exciting about walking through global pavilions, discovering your next dream travel destination, trying food you’ve never heard of, or finding handmade accessories you wouldn’t see anywhere else. It’s not just about the big pavilions — it’s about all the little surprises along the way.

Since the Expo is a limited-time event running only until October 13, 2025, I’d definitely recommend going if you’ll be in the Osaka area. Even if you don’t stay the whole day, just dropping by in the afternoon could be worth it.

Expo Osaka runs until 10:00 PM, and there’s even a discounted ticket if you enter after 5:00 PM 4:00PM.

Starting May 7, you can now enter Expo Osaka with a discounted Twilight Ticket from 4:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM! (Yep — even if your ticket still says 5 PM!)

So if you still have energy in the evening, why not swing by and explore a bit?

If you found this guide helpful, I’d love to hear about your trip.
You can message me on Instagram or leave a comment below!

Happy travels from MochiNotes.