The essential guide to the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025
Japan is preparing to host the prestigious World Expo for the first time in 20 years, with the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 set to open its doors on Saturday, April 13th 2025.
This international event, also known as a ‘World’s Fair’ or ‘International Exposition’, will take place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka City and is expected to draw participants and visitors from across the globe until its closing on Monday, October 13th 2025.
History of the Expo
The concept of the World Expo dates back to 1851 when the “Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations”, also known the Great Exhibition or the Crystal Palace Exhibition, was held in London, England.
This was followed by a series of expositions held alternately in Paris and London before expanding to other cities such as Vienna and Philadelphia from 1873 onwards.
Historically, these expositions served various purposes, including showcasing national power and treasures, however, following World War I, the focus shifted towards international cooperation and peace, with participating nations gathering to present advancements and address global challenges under unifying themes.
According to the “International Exhibitions Convention” a World Expo is defined as a public education-focused event involving multiple countries, illustrating humanity’s progress and future prospects in various fields of endeavor.
Previous Japanese Expos
Japan has a history of hosting World Expos. In 1970, it became the first Asian nation to host the event with the Osaka Expo, held in the Senri Hills area of Osaka Prefecture.
That exposition, themed “Progress and Harmony for Mankind”, saw the participation of 76 countries and numerous domestic organizations.
A lasting symbol of the 1970 Osaka Expo is the iconic 65-meter-tall Tower of the Sun, which still stands in the Expo Memorial Park.
At the time, admission to the 1970 Osaka Expo cost 800 yen for adults (over 23 years old) and 400 yen for children (ages 4-14), compared to an average monthly income of approximately 50,000 yen.
More recently, Japan hosted Expo 2005 in Aichi Prefecture, themed “Nature’s Wisdom”.
This was the first World Expo of the 21st century, attracting participation from 121 countries.
A unique feature of the Aichi Expo was its emphasis on utilizing the existing natural terrain of the area for the exhibition sites, a departure from the creation of entirely new, expansive areas seen in previous Expos.
The site of Expo 2005 has since been redeveloped into Expo 2005 Memorial Park (Moricoro Park), which now includes the popular Ghibli Park which opened in 2022.
Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 Attractions
The upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 carries the overarching theme of “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives”.
The event aims to explore solutions to global issues and showcase innovative technologies and ideas from participating nations and organizations.
As of December 2024, 58 countries and regions, along with 9 international organizations, had officially announced their participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
In addition to the official Japan Pavilion, numerous prominent Japanese companies, including Bandai Namco, Yoshimoto Kogyo, and Panasonic Holdings, are scheduled to have their own pavilions, highlighting Japan’s technological prowess and cultural diversity.
Bandai Namco will be hosting the ‘GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE Pavilion’ which will celebrate the series 45th anniversary and has a new life-size Gundam statue located outside it.
The Netherlands have announced that their pavilion will include the popular cartoon rabbit Miffy as an ambassador.
JR West will be hosting a store at the Expo packed with exclusive merchandise as well as operating Parade Trains between Shin-Osaka Station and Sakurajima Station.
Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 Admission
Admission fees for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 vary based on the day of the week and the age of the visitor:
- Weekday Admission (valid for single entry on a specific weekday):
- Adults (18 and over): 6,000 yen (approx. $41.12 USD / £31.80 GBP)
- Teens (ages 12-17): 3,500 yen (approx. $23.98 USD / £18.55 GBP)
- Children (ages 4-11): 1,500 yen (approx. $10.28 USD / £7.95 GBP)
- Any-Day Admission (valid for single entry on any day during the Expo period):
- Adults: 7,500 yen (approx. $51.40 USD / £39.76 GBP)
- Teens: 4,200 yen (approx. $28.78 USD / £22.26 GBP)
- Children: 1,800 yen (approx. $12.33 USD / £9.54 GBP)
Children under 3 years of age will be granted free admission to the event but a “free ticket” may be required for access to pavilions that necessitate seating.
For visitors planning multiple visits throughout the Expo’s duration, a full-year pass offers a more economical option and are priced at:
- Adults: 30,000 yen (approx. $205 USD / £159 GBP)
- Teens: 17,000 yen (approx. $116 USD / £90 GBP)
- Children: 7,000 yen (approx. $47.97 USD / £37.12 GBP)
Tickets for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 can be purchased through the official ticket website, at convenience stores across Japan, and via participating travel agencies.
Visitors to the Osaka-Kansai Expo have been advised to only use the official ticket website if purchasing tickets online following the discovery of fake websites claiming to offer tickets.
Purchasers can choose between date-and-time specific tickets, which guarantee entry at a designated time, or any-day tickets, which offer flexibility for visits on any day except those anticipated to be particularly crowded.
Advance purchase is recommended, but tickets can also be bought a few days prior to or even on the day of a visit.
Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 Access
The Yumeshima venue is directly accessible via the Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line.
For visitors arriving at Shin-Osaka Station or Umeda Station, access involves taking the Midosuji Line and transferring to the Chuo Line at Hommachi Station.
Notably, private vehicles and motorcycles will not be permitted to enter the Expo site directly. Park-and-ride facilities and shuttle bus services will instead be available for attendees.
Shuttle Bus services will operate from Sakurajima Station which can be reached via direct trains from Shin-Osaka Station in northern Osaka.