Osaka Expo 2025: Tickets, Info & Nearby Attractions

The Osaka Expo 2025 — technically called Expo 2025 Osaka — is an upcoming World Exposition set to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This six-month event will be hosted on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, and is expected to attract millions of visitors from around the globe.

With a theme of saving, empowering and connecting lives, there’s sure to be countless new innovations and exhibitions worth seeing!

Here’s the latest on the Osaka Expo 2025, from what to expect and where to buy tickets to nearby attractions and restaurants.

World Expositions, commonly known as World Expos, are international events designed to showcase achievements and innovations from countries worldwide. They serve as platforms for cultural exchange, technological advancement and collaborative solutions to global challenges. 

Expo 2025 Osaka will be held under the central theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," with sub-themes focusing on:

• Saving lives

• Empowering lives

• Connecting lives

These themes aim to explore and address critical issues facing humanity, fostering discussions and innovations that can lead to a sustainable and inclusive future.

A variety of tickets for Expo 2025 are available, accommodating different visitors’ needs:

One-day ticket (advance purchase): Priced at ¥4,800 for adults, ¥2,400 for children aged 4-12, and free for children under four.

Multiple-entry pass: Allows unlimited visits during a specified period. Prices start at ¥19,000 for adults, allowing you to enter and exit the Expo as you please.

Special tickets: Including options like evening tickets (valid after 4 pm) and group tickets for parties of 20 or more, with varying prices.

Note: Prices are subject to change, so we’d recommend checking the official Osaka Expo 2025 website for the most current information before your trip to Japan.

Tickets can be purchased through the official Expo 2025 website. The process involves registering for an ExpoID, which is required to manage your ticket purchases and reservations. Once registered, you can select and purchase the desired ticket type. 

This also includes tickets via travel agencies and convenience stores in Japan.

Get your tickets to the Osaka Expo 2025.

Expo 2025 Osaka is held in Kansai, Japan — more specifically on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. This location has been specially prepared to accommodate the large-scale event, featuring pavilions, event spaces and cultural attractions.

Address: Yumeshima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan. Directions to Yumeshima Station.

There are multiple ways to reach Yumeshima Island, including public transportation and private options:

By train: 

Osaka Metro Chuo Line: Take the train to Yumeshima Station, which will directly serve the Expo site.

By bus: Official shuttle buses will operate from major stations, such as Osaka Station and Kansai International Airport.

By car: Parking facilities will be available near the Expo site, though visitors are encouraged to use public transport due to expected high traffic.

By ferry: Water transport services may be available from Osaka Bay areas, offering a scenic route to the Expo.

For more information on getting to Osaka Expo 2025, check the official website’s Access page.

If you're traveling from Tokyo to Osaka for Expo 2025, there are several transportation options available, each varying in travel time and cost:

The Shinkansen is the most popular and efficient way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka.

Route:

• Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Shin-Osaka Station.

• Transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Honmachi Station, then switch to the Chuo Line and ride to Yumeshima Station (Expo 2025 site).

Depending on the bullet train you take, travel time and cost varies:

Nozomi Shinkansen: 2 hours, 30 minutes (approx.)

Hikari Shinkansen: 3 hours (approx.)

Kodama Shinkansen: 4 hours (approx.)

A one-way ticket costs around ¥14,000 for a reserved seat on the Nozomi.

Pro tip: Japan Rail Pass holders can use the Hikari or Kodama trains for free!

Flying from Tokyo to Osaka is an option if you prefer air travel.

Airports:

Departure: Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT).

Arrival: Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Flight duration: Around 1 hour, 15 minutes — plus around 1-1.5 hours transfer time from the airport to the Osaka Expo site.

Cost: Flights start at ¥6,000-¥15,000 (depending on the airline and booking time).

From Itami Airport (ITM): Take the Osaka Monorail to Osaka Metro, then ride the Chuo Line to Yumeshima.

From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Take the JR Haruka Express or Nankai Airport Line to Osaka Metro, then transfer to Yumeshima Station.

For budget travelers, overnight highway buses are an affordable option!

Bus operators: Willer Express, JR Bus, and Kintetsu Bus offer overnight and daytime services.

Route:

• Depart from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Shibuya and arrive at Osaka Station or Namba.

• Transfer to Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station.

Travel time: 8-9 hours.

Cost: ¥3,500-¥9,000 (price varies by season and seat variety).

Driving from Tokyo to Osaka is possible, but takes a long time!

Route: Take the Tomei Expressway to the Meishin Expressway into Osaka.

Travel time: 6-7 hours (without traffic).

Cost (tolls and gas): You’ll spend around ¥12,000 in tolls and potentially around ¥8,000 in gas.

Parking: Since there’s limited parking near the Expo, it’s recommended to park elsewhere and get public transport to the actual Expo site.

Expo 2025 promises a rich and immersive experience, featuring:

Pavilions: Countries, international organizations and corporations will showcase their innovations and cultural exhibits in uniquely designed pavilions.

Themed exhibitions: Focused on the central theme and sub-themes, these exhibitions will present cutting-edge technologies and ideas addressing global challenges.

Cultural events: A diverse array of performances, workshops and demonstrations celebrating global cultures.

Future Society Showcase: Interactive exhibits and demonstrations highlighting advancements in areas like smart mobility, digital innovation and sustainable living.

Grand Ring: A central feature of the Expo site, offering various attractions and serving as a hub for events and gatherings.

Visitors to Osaka Expo 2025 can also explore several nearby attractions in Osaka:

A popular theme park offering thrilling rides and entertainment, including the famous Super Nintendo World area.

Find out more: Best Things to Do in Osaka

One of the largest aquariums in the world, showcasing diverse marine life (including a Whale Shark!).

Find out more: 3-Day Osaka Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

A vibrant district known for its neon lights, street food and shopping. A must-visit spot in Osaka, for sure!

Find out more: Best Things to Do in Dotonbori

One of Osaka's most historic landmarks, surrounded by beautiful gardens and worth a visit at any time of the year.

Find out more: Best Food Near Osaka Castle

These attractions provide additional opportunities to experience the rich culture and entertainment options that Osaka has to offer.

Osaka Expo 2025 will have a wide selection of vendors and food stalls — many of which will be offering tastes of the future, from sustainable ingredients to innovative dishes — but for a taste of traditional Japanese foods, here are our recommendations.

Itamae Yakiniku Ichigyu is a must-visit for wagyu lovers, famed for live meat slicing at the counter. With multiple Osaka locations, its Dotonbori branch blends seamlessly into the area's gourmet scene. 

The restaurant sources whole cows from top regions like Kobe, Kumamoto, Miyagi and Kagoshima, selecting only female cows for their tender, silky texture. Diners can indulge in an 18-course degustation featuring A5 wagyu cuts, balanced with fresh vegetables.  

The 36-seat space offers counter seats, semi-private rooms and horigotatsu seating. Conveniently located near Namba Station, it’s the perfect place to savor premium wagyu in an elegant setting after the Expo.

Tucked just behind Dotonbori’s iconic Glico Man (you know the one!), Harijyu is a historic wagyu sukiyaki restaurant with over a century of tradition. Founded in 1919, it moved to its current location in 1948, where it continues serving premium kuroge wagyu in both Japanese and Western styles. 

Specializing in female Japanese Black cows, Harijyu prioritizes tender, finely grained cuts dunked into refined warishita sukiyaki broth and demi-glace sauces.

The traditional interior, with shoji doors, tatami mats and kimono-clad staff, transports diners to the past — even after all the future-focused exhibitions of the Osaka Expo!

Okonomiyaki is synonymous with Osaka, alongside takoyaki octopus balls and kushikatsu skewers. Few do it better than Botejyu, founded in 1946 in Dotonbori. It played a key role in popularizing okonomiyaki during Japan’s postwar rice shortages and pioneered key innovations, including adding mayonnaise and inventing modanyaki with its signature triple-sauce blend. 

Nearly 80 years later, its flagship store remains a pilgrimage site. Unlike typical izakaya, Botejyu offers an upscale experience with minimalist interiors and premium Takamori wagyu. 

Dining here isn’t just a meal — it’s a journey through the history of Osaka’s iconic dish.

Sushi Mahoroba is a cozy late-night gem, serving expertly crafted sushi until 3 am. Its warm, wood-accented space seats 12 at a curved counter, where skilled chefs mold shari sushi rice by hand and top it with market-fresh seafood. 

Beyond its late hours, the restaurant blends tradition with modern flair — offering delicate nigiri like vinegared mackerel and otoro tuna. From temakizushi to grilled scallops, the menu suits both casual bites and refined dining, making it a must-visit after-hours spot. 

In the mood for more Japan events? Head to AnimeJapan! Or, for Osaka's best eats, explore our recommendation for restaurants with the best omakase sushi, affordable omakase sushi or wagyu beef.