Experience the World Through Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan – Part 3
A Practical Guide to Visiting the Expo 2025
Preparing for Your Visit to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Having had the chance to visit Expo 2025, I can say without hesitation that a little preparation makes all the difference. From purchasing your ticket to getting around the sprawling site, here is what I learned firsthand to help you get ready for your own journey.
Choosing Your Ticket
Expo 2025 offers a variety of ticket options, broadly divided based on the number of entries and the type of visitor. For visitors planning a short visit, the One-Day Ticket is the most straightforward choice. It can be used at any time during the Expo period and comes in three types. Depending on your schedule and how much time you want to spend at the Expo, selecting the right ticket will help you make the most of your day.
- One-Day Ticket: Allows admission on any day, including weekends.
- Weekday Ticket: Offers entry at a discounted price but can only be used on weekdays.
- Night Ticket: Grants admission from 5:00 p.m. onward—ideal for visitors who want to casually enjoy the Expo in the evening. If you're not particular about seeing specific pavilions, this is a great way to experience the site at a lower cost. Occasionally, even reservation-only venues may open up during evening hours, so it can be a lucky chance.
For visitors planning to visit for two or more days during the summer, the Summer Pass offers great value, providing unlimited access during the summer months at a discounted price. For more details and to find out about other types of tickets such as a multiple-entry pass and group tickets, visit: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/price/
Buying Your Ticket
Purchasing a ticket is straightforward, but you will first need to obtain an Expo ID. This ID is essential, not just for buying your ticket, but also for reserving your admission date and pavilion or event entries. Once you have your Expo ID, you can purchase your ticket, book your admission date if it is not already specified, reserve pavilion and event entries, and finally enter the Expo site with your ticket's QR code on your scheduled day.
For a step-by-step guide on how to purchase, please refer to the official website:
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/information/
Reserving Pavilions and Events
Once a ticket is secured, the next step is planning pavilion and event reservations. Some of the most popular pavilions require reservations, and slots can disappear quickly. A lottery system—very common in Japan—is used to give visitors a fair chance when demand exceeds capacity.
There are multiple opportunities for making reservations:
- 2-month advance lottery:Applications accepted from three months before the visit date until two months before the day prior to the visit.
- 7-day advance lottery: Applications accepted from one month before the visit date until eight days before.
- Last-minute first-come-first-serve: Available from three days before until 9:00 AM the day before the visit.
- On-Site (Same-day) registration: Available starting 10 minutes after entering the venue.
For the 2-month and 7-day lotteries, visitors apply for reservation slots and winners are selected randomly. If you are not selected, there are still chances to book remaining spots through first-come-first-serve reservations closer to your visit date or even on the same day after entering the venue.
You can reserve individually with your Expo ID or make group reservations if you're visiting with others whose tickets are tied to different Expo IDs.
For a step-by-step guide on how to apply for reservations, including cases where accompanying visitors have different Expo IDs, visit:
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/reservation/
It's important to note that popular pavilions may fill up during the lottery phase alone, so applying in the 2-month advance lottery gives you the best chance. For same-day reservations, you can only hold one reservation at a time and cannot reserve another slot until you have entered the pavilion or event you booked. Therefore, it’s better to aim for earlier time slots to move efficiently. If your preferred pavilion is only available later in the day, you can still enjoy non-reservation-required pavilions, explore attractions, stroll under the Large Roof Ring, or attend daily live performances and workshops.
Since the venue is very large and getting around can take time, it’s wise to allow sufficient time between your reservations. Also, consider visiting on a weekday, when crowds are generally lighter than on weekends.
Getting to Expo 2025
On the day of your visit, you will need to select which gate you will enter through when making your visit reservation. You can choose between the West Gate and the East Gate. If you're arriving via Yumeshima Subway Station, the East Gate will be more convenient, although it tends to be more crowded. For smoother entry, the West Gate is recommended, especially if you're arriving by airport bus or shuttle buses from major Kansai stations.
One of the most convenient ways I found to reach the venue was by using the "Expo Liner," a temporary rapid service that runs directly from Shin-Osaka Station (where the Shinkansen stops) to Sakurajima Station in about 30 minutes. From there, a quick shuttle bus ride (reservation required) takes you to the West Gate.
If you plan to take a taxi, note that only authorized taxis are allowed to enter the Expo site, so advance confirmation is necessary.
For detailed information on bus reservations and other transportation options, visit:
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/expo-map-index/access/
Getting Around the Venue
Expect to walk — a lot. The Expo site is vast, with the Grand Ring stretching about 2 km around the venue, and walking from the East Gate to the West Gate is around 1.5 km. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! On my visit, I toured several pavilions in one day and ended up walking at least 24,000 steps without realizing it. To make longer distances easier, an external shuttle bus called "e Mover" connects East and West Gates.
Here are some helpful tips to make a smooth visit:
- Large Luggage: Visitors are not allowed to bring large luggage into the venue. To check if your luggage exceeds the size limit, visit https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/Large-Size-Baggage.pdf. Visitors are strongly advised to leave their suitcases at their hotel or use coin lockers at nearby train stations before arriving to reduce congestion on public transport. Although the Expo venue has a luggage storage service, it’s limited to 100 pieces per day and costs 10,000 yen per item — very expensive. For smaller items, coin lockers are available right outside the East and West Gates.
- Expo App: Make sure to install the official app before entering the site. It will help you check your tickets, reservation status, and navigate the grounds. Visitor App Info
- Personal Agent: Use this handy tool for real-time information and route recommendations. Personal Agent Info
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue via "Osaka Free Wi-Fi OpenRoaming." Wi-Fi Info
What to Bring
Here are a few essentials you should pack:
- QR Code Screenshot: Always have a screenshot of your ticket QR code saved offline, just in case you lose internet connection.
- Cashless Payment: No cash is accepted inside the venue. Be sure to prepare a credit card or set up "Myaku-Pay," the Expo's official e-money system. Over 60 dedicated charge machines are installed throughout the site for charging with cash. Note: Myaku-Pay is only valid until January 13, 2026. After that date, any unused balance cannot be refunded, so plan accordingly. Myaku-Pay Info
- Mobile Battery: Your smartphone battery will drain quickly from frequent usage while inside the Expo, so bring at least one power bank (I had two when I visited, and I ended up using both!). If your phone battery runs out and you don't have a power bank, head to the East Gate. On the left side, you'll find a "Global Wi-Fi" shop that offers power bank rentals. You’ll need to install their app, but it’s convenient because their charging spots are available nationwide — useful even outside the Expo while traveling around Japan.
- Reusable Bottle: While there are vending machines across the site, bringing your own bottle — or buying one on-site and reusing it — can help save money. Free water refill stations and bottle washing stations are available throughout the venue.
- Weather Gear: Expo 2025 runs from spring to fall, and Japan’s summers are known for being hot and humid. Bring essentials like a parasol, UV-protection hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you’re visiting during summer, an insect repellent is also a must. Since the venue is located by the sea, it can get very windy. Be prepared for sudden rain showers by carrying a folding umbrella or, better yet, a lightweight raincoat. Make sure your gear is secure so you can move around the Expo worry-free!
Expo 2025 is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and sustainability, offering immersive cultural experiences and diverse culinary delights. With a little planning, your visit can be smooth, exciting, and filled with wonder. I hope my experience helps you prepare to enjoy every moment of this extraordinary event, ensuring your journey through the Expo is both inspiring and memorable.
