Osaka World Expo 2025 visitor guide: Everything you need to know

The World Expo: A brief history

The World Expo is all about what’s in store for the future — but first, let’s rewind time to explain what the event actually is. Also known as the World’s Fair, it all started back in 1851 with the Grand Exhibition in London, which showcased architectural feats, scientific innovations, and cultural displays from 25 countries. It quickly became a global stage where nations could show off their latest-and-greatest achievements. In fact, the Eiffel Tower famously debuted at the 1889 World’s Fair. Not bad for a “temporary” structure!

These days, you can think of the World Expo as a cross between a science fair and Disney’s Epcot, but with more elaborate pavilions filled with sci-fi-esque technology straight out of Ex Machina. The international event has evolved a lot over time, and in 1928, the Bureau International des Expositions formally established the core principle of the World Expo — to find solutions to pressing challenges of our time and to showcase cultures from around the world, all in one place. 

World Expos typically span multiple months (up to six) and invite countries and corporations to build pavilions in a designated area to host events, art and science installations, panel discussions, and cultural performances. You’ll get a sneak peek of the scientific, technological, and economic breakthroughs soon to be at our doorsteps in the coming years, all while celebrating centuries-old cultural heritage. The best of both worlds!  

Did you know? The telephone, x-ray machine, Ferris wheel, color television, and ice cream cone were all first introduced at a World Expo. 

So, what’s in store for the 2025 World Expo? Read on to find out where it’s taking place, important details about navigating the event, and what’s worth checking out.

The 2025 World Expo will be held in Osaka, Japan

This year’s World Expo will be held in Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka, Japan. The expo is already in full swing — it’ll span over 184 days total, from April 13, 2025, to October 13, 2025. 

The expo site is encircled by the largest wooden structure in the world — an impressive pedestrian walkway called the “Grand Ring” or the “Grand Roof,” allowing visitors to walk the perimeter of the 1.5 square kilometer grounds. 

Expo attendees can browse 160 pavilions hosted by various countries and international corporations, where they can discover the food, culture, history, and latest (or upcoming) scientific and technological innovations. 

The venue is divided into eight major zones. Inside the Grand Ring, you’ll find the Connecting Lives Zone, Forest of Tranquility Zone, Saving Lives Zone, Empowering Lives Zone, and Signature Zone. Outside the Grand Ring — the Future Life Zone, East Gate Zone, and West Gate Zone. For a detailed directory of each zone, check out the map on the official 2025 World Expo website. 

Did you know? This is not Osaka’s first World Expo on its soil. Back in 1970, the city hosted the very first World Expo in Asia, attracting a staggering 64 million visitors (more than half of Japan’s population at the time!). 

Organizers have reported to expect around 28 million visitors over its six-month run — around 150,000 people per day. In other words, it’s a huge, global get-together that you won’t want to miss!

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What is the theme of the World Expo 2025?

The official theme of the 2025 Osaka World Expo is “Designing future society for our lives,” with three subthemes — “saving lives,” “empowering lives,” and “connecting lives.”

If you’ve seen a blue and red amorphous being in the marketing of this year’s World Expo, that would be the event’s (so-called) cute mascot, “MYAKU-MYAKU.” The puzzling being has been officially described as “a mysterious creature born from the fusion of cells and water [whose] origins remain unknown.” MYAKU-MYAKU may look like a deformed flower that fell into a mad scientist’s chemical concoction, but as to what the mascot actually is, your guess is as good as anyone’s. Let’s at least agree that deciphering the creature’s enigmatic identity is part of the World Expo fun!

Entry to pavilions

For many visitors, perusing pavilions is the main attraction at the World Expo. Many of them can be entered freely or by lining up for them, but you’ll need to make a reservation in advance for some of the more popular pavilions. 

To book tickets for a pavilion, you’ll have four options:

• The 2-month advance lottery. For extremely popular pavilions, you’ll need to enter your name in a lottery for a reservation two months before your visit. 

• The 7-day advance lottery. Other pavilions require you to enter your name in a lottery one week before your visit.

• Available slot reservation. These reservations are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, three days in advance of your visit. 

• On site registration. You’ll have the opportunity to book admission to some pavilions while you’re already at Yumeshima. 

We recommend browsing through the list of pavilions on the official 2025 World Expo website to see which ones require in-advance bookings. 

Tickets

Tickets for the Osaka 2025 World Expo can be purchased through its official website, as well as travel websites like Klook, Rakuten, and Japan Experience. Due to high demand, it’s better to buy tickets as far in advance as possible, but you’ll also have the option to purchase same-day tickets if needed. If you do plan on purchasing tickets on the day you visit the expo site, make sure to show up right at the opening hours and keep an eye on the crowd forecast. 

Ticket prices

• JPY 7500 (US$51.90) — 1-day pass for any day

• JPY 6000 (US$41.52) — 1-day pass for any weekday

• JPY 5000 (US$34.60) — 1-day pass for any day before July 19

• JPY 3700 (US$25.60) — any day after 4 pm

Domestic pavilions

When in Rome, do as the Romans do … and when in Japan, you’ve got to visit the Japanese pavilions, of course! As the host country, Japan boasts a few pavilions organized by various government ministries. Here’s a quick look at the four main pavilions, all of which can be found in the East Gate Zone. 

Japan pavilion

Organized by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the host country’s flagship pavilion will mostly feature presentations related to the expo’s central theme of “Designing a future society for our lives.” The only possible future is a sustainable one, and the Japan pavilion exhibits that marvelously with its initiative to turn food waste from the expo site into power via a biogas generator. 

Kansai pavilion

This pavilion is all about the stunning Kansai region of Japan, brought to you by the Union of Kansai Governments. Visitors will get to enjoy “the brilliance of Kansai’s rich history and its present day,” where nine prefectures of the region will be showcased — Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui, and Mie. 

Women’s pavilion

The women’s pavilion, in collaboration with Cartier, calls upon women from around the world to share their experiences and perspectives. Its slogan is “When women thrive, humanity thrives,” and its central focus is to bring citizens together to combat gender inequality. 

Osaka Healthcare pavilion

Also known as the “Nest for the Reborn,” the Osaka Healthcare pavilion was created in collaboration with several universities and industries across the city. The pavilion invites visitors of all ages to explore what everyday life might look like in the year 2050 — from food production to healthcare. 

Participating countries

Along with Japan, the 2025 World Expo will feature pavilions from 47 countries, as well as the European Union and the United Nations. Every continent is represented, except for Antarctica (maybe one day!). Here's a full list of participating countries, in alphabetical order:

Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, the UAE, the UK, the USA, Uzbekistan, and the Vatican.

International and Signature pavilions you won’t want to miss

Every pavilion at the expo has something unique to offer, so feel free to wander around the site and explore the ones that pique your interest. That said, we’re highlighting a few pavilions that have received some online buzz from recent 2025 World Expo attendees. 

Gundam Next Future

An impressively large display that is bound to catch your eye, the Gundam Next Future pavilion has received heaps of praise online. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Gundam is a highly influential Japanese media franchise centered on giant robots (called mobile suits), which first emerged in 1979. With this year’s World Expo focusing on the future, the Gundam franchise is a fitting subject, celebrated for its depictions of futuristic space travel, complex storytelling, and philosophical undertones. Inside the pavilion, visitors can experience a virtual space journey starting from a “space port” on Yumeshima to the futuristic “Star Jaburo” station, set within a newly imagined timeline of the Universal Century. Don’t miss the photo op on the outside of the pavilion, towered by a life-sized version of Gundam itself! 

EARTH MART

They say you shouldn’t ask how a sausage is made, but at the EARTH MART pavilion, that’s exactly the point. This pavilion is designed as an imaginary supermarket, pulling back the curtains of food production and removing the disillusionment of how our meals get to our tables. EARTH MART is one of the 2025 World Expo’s “Signature” pavilions, organized by non-government entities from the host country of Japan. This pavilion offers a thought-provoking look at modern food production while celebrating the deep-rooted Japanese culinary value of quality, showcasing 25 ingredients and food items chosen for their nutritional value and sustainability. 

Singapore

Also called the “Dream sphere,” Singapore’s eye-catching pavilion is decked out in a mosaic of iridescent red tiles on its exterior. It’s advertised as a pavilion where “dreams are turned into reality” through immersive art installations, cultural performances, and food, embodying Singapore’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and diversity. No reservations are required to enter this pavilion, so feel free to walk right in!

Switzerland

Another country that strongly values sustainability, Switzerland’s pavilion helps visitors imagine what urban landscapes could look like if we interweaved them with nature. Its design consists of five white spheres — all made of recyclable materials — completely enveloped by plants and foliage. The exhibits inside have rotated from AI to health and life sciences and now focus on environmental issues and solutions. 

The Philippines 

The Philippines’ pavilion is a stunning tribute to the country’s rich tradition of indigenous craftsmanship, with a facade composed of over 200 handwoven panels made by artisans from 18 regions across the country. The panels come together to create a structure that looks entirely woven from afar — it’s “weave-ception,” if you will. The concept is all tied together by the pavilion’s clever slogan, “Nature, culture, and community — woven together for a better future.” 

The best things to do at the World Expo 2025

From hands-on installations to lovable mascots eager to greet you, the 2025 Osaka World Expo offers activities fit for the whole family — plus, plenty to eat, drink, and buy. And if waiting in long lines for pavilions isn't your thing, don’t worry — you’ll find more than enough to enjoy across the expo grounds. 

Explore interactive exhibits

If you or your little ones love to stay busy with hands-on activities, you’ve come to the right place! Across the expo grounds, a variety of pavilions offer engaging, interactive experiences for curious minds of all ages. Boredom is simply not an option when you’ve got arcade games, virtual reality adventures, and immersive theater showings at your disposal. Check out the Gundam Next Future, null², Future City, and Eggs of Possibilities pavilions to get your fill of futuristic family fun (try saying that three times…)! 

Enjoy performances, events, and panel discussions

Traditional Thai dances, indigenous Australian musical performances, and panel discussions about how home design can improve our health — the 2025 World Expo has plenty to offer for anyone looking to broaden their horizons. Each country’s pavilion has a designated day to showcase performances, so make sure to check the expo’s official website to choose the ones that spark your curiosity.

Indulge in cuisine from around the world

Ever tried tangy Malaysian nasi lemak? How about fragrant Azeri tea? The World Expo is the perfect opportunity to expand your palate and explore flavor profiles you’ve never experienced before. With 78 restaurants listed on the official website, you’ll find no shortage of cuisine to sample — you might even leave with a new favorite dish!

Strike up a conversation with international travelers

The World Expo presents a rare opportunity to connect with people from all corners of the globe in one place. Take the time to network, share stories, exchange perspectives, and expand your worldview — that’s what the World’s Fair is all about!

Collect stamps from each pavilion

Japan is a knick-knack collector’s paradise, and the Osaka World Expo is no exception! Pick up a stamp passport and fill it with unique stamps from each pavilion you visit. If you’re trying to go paperless, you can also scan a QR code at each pavilion for a digital version.  

Find MYAKU-MYAKU (and other mascots)

Whether you find MYAKU-MYAKU cute, creepy, or something in between, it’s become a crowd favorite — especially among kids! Be sure to snap a photo when you see the creature roaming the expo grounds. And of course, nobody does mascot merchandise quite like Japan — you’ll find keychains, cookies, plushies, and just about every other conceivable piece of MYAKU-MYAKU merch imaginable. Sanrio fans are also in luck — the iconic brand has teamed up with the World Expo to create its own line of MYAKU-MYAKU merch. And MYAKU-MYAKU’s got friends, too! The German and European Union pavilions also have their own lovable mascots ready to meet and greet visitors. 

Important things to know during the World Expo 2025

A few things worth noting about the 2025 Osaka World Expo will help you prepare for a smoother trip:

• The official website is a bit finicky when accessed on a mobile device. Avoid pressing your browser’s back button — instead, use the site’s built-in “return to previous page” button. Try to avoid closing the tab, too, as you’ll be forced to log in again and will need a one-time password sent to your email. You may also notice that the directory for pavilions does not detect keywords very well, so you’re better off searching for the pavilion through your browser’s search bar. 

• The 2025 World Expo will be fully cashless. For purchases and dining, you’ll only be able to use debit or credit cards, electronic payments, or 2D code payments.

• Same-day reservations are hard to secure for popular pavilions. If you’re counting on a same-day reservation, it’s best to book it bright and early. Otherwise, you’ll have to try your luck waiting in line. 

• Certain luggage items are not permitted at the expo site. Luggage 23 in x 35 in x 15 in (60 cm x 90 cm x 40 cm) or larger, as well as luggage with wheels, is not allowed at the expo site. 

• A stable public Wi-Fi network is hard to find. Some visitors have shared online that getting a stable Wi-Fi connection is difficult at the expo site in Yumeshima. And yet, you’ll need access to the official website to book reservations and view the pavilion directory. You’re better off buying a mobile data plan for Japan so you won’t lose connection when you need it most.

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How to get there

The cheapest way to get to Yumeshima is by taking the Chuo Subway Line, which runs from east to west — just hop off at Yumeshima Station. 

For a more direct route, you can book a shuttle bus that will take you right to the expo site from various locations around Osaka, including Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Namba, and Tennoji. Reservations for these direct shuttle buses can be made through the Kansai MaaS app. 

Travel checklists for your 2025 World Expo visit

Since the event runs from April to October, the weather really depends on when you go, and your packing list will vary accordingly. That said, summers in Osaka are generally hot and humid, accompanied by the almost deafening chirp of cicadas. Even in September, you can expect temperatures to fall around 77-84°F (25-29°C).

To combat Osaka’s sun and heat, make sure these essentials are on your checklist:

• Sunscreen 

• A hat

• A water bottle 

• Breathable clothing

Don’t forget to pack some digital essentials, too, including:

• An eSIM installed on your device, with your data plan activated.

• Digital copies of any pavilion reservations you've made.

• An offline map of the expo site downloaded onto your device.

• A credit or debit card on your digital wallet, since the event is cashless (though physical cards work, too).