Find out the latest news from Japan's history-making World Expo 2025 currently taking place in Osaka, Japan. 

Intro
What is the World Expo 2025 Osaka?
Which Pavilions should I visit at the Osaka Expo 2025?
Guide to visiting the Expo: How to book tickets for Osaka World Expo 2025?
Dining at the Expo
What is the best way travel to the World Expo?
How can I combine the Expo with the JR Pass?
What can I see after the Expo?
Bonus Recommendations

Intro

Japan is proving that records are made to be broken. The World Expo 2025 in Osaka is currently underway on Yumeshima Island where it will run until October, and it has already attracted millions of visitors to Japan to experience this extraordinary global event. In fact, it’s broken two records in quick succession with a daily visitor count of more than 160,000 people to the Expo and has helped draw a truly staggering 3,908,900 visitors to Japan in April 2025 - the month the Expo launched. This figure of almost four million visitors is an all time record for the month of April in Japan.

 

It’s little wonder that so many people from around the world have journeyed to Japan for their chance to witness history in the making. For more than a century, World Expo events have unveiled some of the world's great innovations and most important structures, such as the reveal of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Expo in 1889, and the Statue of Liberty at the Philadelphia Expo in 1876. The Osaka World Expo 2025 is the opportunity for this generation to glimpse the future and clearly millions of people have decided this is an event not to be missed. Following on from the first of our blog articles about the launch of the World Expo 2025 back in April, this latest post features a new look at what to see and do in Osaka over the summer as this six-month long event continues. 

What is the World Expo 2025 Osaka?

Taking place every five years since 1851, the World Expo is a celebration of cultures, innovations, and bringing countries together to address global challenges and to create a better future for our world.  The theme this year is “Designing future society for our lives”, and the event centers around providing platforms for different nations to share ideas and inspire change.

This year marks a major milestone: Osaka becomes the first city to host the World Expo twice, the first being in 1970. As we mentioned earlier, the 2025 edition is already breaking records in attendance and scale, with more than 36 million visitors expected in total. The expo grounds are framed by the Grand Ring, a 2 km-long wooden structure designed by renowned architect Sousuke Fujimoto. Check out the photo below for an atmospheric image of this beautiful structure at sunset. Recognized by Guinness World Records, it surrounds the national pavilions and offers sweeping views of Osaka Bay.

Which Pavilions should I visit at the Osaka Expo 2025?

With nearly 180 pavilions at the event, it's important to research beforehand so you know which to visit during your expo trip. With nearly 180 pavilions, planning your visit is essential. On average, you’ll be able to visit 2-3 pavilions per day, so prioritisation is key. Here are some standouts:

• Japan Pavilion

A futuristic vision designed by Nikken Sekkei and Nendo, focusing on innovation and harmony.

• Earth Mart Pavilion

Spotlighting sustainability in the global food industry.

• Netherlands Pavilion

Emphasising renewable energy and green technology.

JRPass.com Expert Tip: Some popular pavilions require advance booking or lottery-based entry via the official Expo website. Check early and plan ahead.

Guide to visiting the Expo: How to book tickets for Osaka World Expo 2025?

Before visiting it’s important to plan ahead, buy your tickets, plan your transport and familiarise yourself with the venue map, as well as researching rules for the event, such as what you can take with you. Although most pavilions are free to enter, some of the more popular exhibits do require you to book in advance. Different ticket options for the event are available, including buying your ticket on the same day, however availability is sometimes an issue, so it’s best to book ahead. Read our previous blog post about the Osaka World Expo 2025 for more ticket information.

Dining at the Expo

Expo 2025 will be a haven for food lovers, offering a wide variety of dining options; from traditional Japanese dishes to international cuisine. Highlights include Kura Sushi, one of Japan’s most beloved conveyor belt sushi chains, as well as themed food courts showcasing regional flavors. Visitors can also explore sustainable and futuristic food concepts presented by various global pavilions.

What is the best way travel to the World Expo?

The Expo can be accessed quickly and conveniently from anywhere using the Shinkansen and the Japan Rail Pass. If you're coming from outside of the Kansai Area, then the first step from going anywhere in Japan to the Expo is using the Shinkansen bullet trains to Shin-Osaka station. There are direct connections from all major cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and more. All included in the JR Pass, with complementary seat reservations.

If you're coming from the wider Kansai Area - the region where Osaka is located - then you're already close. There are direct trains going into Osaka from all across Kansai. Whether it is Kyoto, Nara, Kobe or even Kansai Airport itself. The first step is to take a train to Osaka station .

Once you arrive at Osaka station, take the JR Loop line (inner loop) to JR Bentencho station. Here transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo line bound for Yume Shima Station. This is the final stop for the expo. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, the route is covered until Bentencho but a normal fare is required for the last part on the Osaka Metro. From Yume Shima station, it is less than five minutes walk to the Osaka Expo entrance.

The Osaka Metro introduced its specially themed Expo train cars. With the metro, access to the expo is easy and quick. If you're interested in spotting these cars yourself, look for them on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Tanimachi Line, both running through central Osaka. The station on the Osaka Metro for the Expo is called ‘Yume Shima’ - the artificial island on which the Expo is taking place - and can be directly accessed using the Osaka Metro Chuo line. Please do note that the Osaka Expo is not included in the JR Pass or any JR-West regional pass.

How can I combine the Expo with the JR Pass?

The best way to travel around Japan and access the Expo, especially if you're coming from Tokyo or other areas and need intercity travel. Use the world famous Shinkansen bullet trains, then connect to one of the countless local trains for access anywhere in Japan. The Japan Rail Pass covers travel between all JR lines nationwide and all for an unbeatable price and comes in periods of 7, 14 and 21 consecutive days. The pass also comes with a ton of handy perks, like complimentary seat reservations, free luggage and the flexibility to reschedule your travel as needed. We also offer a variety of regional options for those that stay local and the budget conscious traveler. You may also want to consider buying a regional pass. If you arrive at Kansai Airport or you are already in the Kansai Area, or JR-West area more broadly, then a regional JR Pass is another good choice. The Kansai Wide Pass is especially a good deal for those that want to visit the Expo and combine their stay with one of many beautiful places found around Kansai.

What can I see after the Expo?

Outside the wonders of the Expo itself, you'll find the vibrant city of Osaka to discover, known as Japan's kitchen for its famed cuisine and neon nightlife, and that's just the beginning.

There’s the Kansai region, where you’ll find other wonderful places like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and the sacred mountain of Koya-san. With a Japan Rail Pass in hand, you can explore the Expo and the rest of the entire country without limit, whether it is a visit to Nagasaki, Tokyo or even Hokkaido. For those that do prefer more local, there are plenty of regional passes that help you discover the Kansai Area in a budget friendly way.

Remember, if you're travelling to Japan for the 2025 Expo; it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the rest of this beautiful and unique country. From the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines of Kyoto, to the spectacular Mount Fuji, the beautiful and mountainous Southern Alps, and the coastal wonders of the Northern regions, Japan has a deserved reputation as one of the most spectacular and unforgettable countries in the world. The Osaka Expo 2025 will be an incredible experience, but with most places just only a few hours away on a high speed bullet train cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kobe are within easy reach.

Bonus Recommendations

For much more on the Osaka World Expo, check out our dedicated landing page for in-depth information about the event, ticket info, travel info, our recommendations for which rail pass to purchase, and much more. Meanwhile, for more on Osaka as a destination, be sure to read the articles below: 

• Did you know that the dazzling neon cityscape of Osaka was recently voted one of the world’s top 10 most trending cities to visit? Well, you do now. You can find out more by reading our guide to The Best Japanese Cities to Visit. 
• Read our quick guide to 48 Hours in Osaka for our exclusive recommendations for what to see and do in this vast and vibrant city. 
• As well as the Expo, Osaka is packed full of attractions from one of the world’s biggest and best aquariums, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, to landmarks like the Tsutenkaku Tower and amazing, super cool neighborhoods for shopping, food, and nightlife like Dotonbori and Shinsekai.    
• Looking to travel further afield? Check out our blog article about The Best Day Trips from Osaka for information on how to easily get to Kyoto, Nara, and many other destinations.