What is the Osaka World Expo 2025?
From April 13 to October 13, 2025, Osaka will host the prestigious World Expo, located on Yumeshima Island, under the theme:
“Designing the Society of the Future and Imagining Our Life of Tomorrow.”
After being selected by the Bureau International des Expositions in 2018, Osaka will welcome millions of visitors to explore cutting-edge innovations, global cultural experiences, and advanced technologies. This will be Japan’s second World Expo, after Osaka’s memorable event in 1970.
Expect three sub-themes, each explored through dedicated pavilions:
- Saving Lives: Health, well-being, and solutions to global challenges
- Empowering Lives: Innovation, AI ethics, and urban mobility
- Connecting Lives: Sustainability and intercultural exchange
What to expect?
The Osaka World Expo 2025 will take place on Yumeshima Island, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, spanning 155.6 hectares. The master plan, designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, organizes the Expo into three areas:
- Green World: Parking, open stages, shops, and relaxation areas.
- Pavilion World: National, thematic, and corporate pavilions, all connected by a large circular promenade.
- Water World: A space integrating water elements for relaxation and exploration.
In addition to these main areas, the Expo will feature a variety of events, interactive exhibits, and live performances. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the latest technological innovations, from smart cities and AI-driven solutions to sustainable energy and mobility projects.
One of the highlights of the Expo is the participation of over 150 countries and international organizations, each presenting their unique vision of the future. Expect to see breathtaking pavilion designs, immersive cultural experiences, and groundbreaking technological prototypes.
The event will also serve as a platform for forums and conferences, addressing crucial topics such as:
- The future of artificial intelligence and ethics
- Innovative solutions to climate change
- Sustainable urbanization and smart mobility
This global gathering of cultures and ideas will allow people from all over the world to engage in discussions, discover futuristic concepts, and enjoy a truly unique cultural and technological exchange.
How to book and plan your visit
- Choose your visit date. (Please note that to complete the booking, you must choose a date, but you will be asked to choose a date again, when you register on the official website, and it doesn’t have to be the same one).
- Buy your ticket on the official website.
- Shortly afterwards, you’ll be emailed a code that will be your ticket ID.
- Go to the official Osaka World Expo website and create an account.
- Use your ticket number to register the day and time of your visit.
- Register for lotteries if you wish to visit specific pavilions that require advance reservations.
Additional Information
The lottery system exists to ensure smooth management of the crowd, but winning at lotteries is not the only way to visit pavilions.
- Many pavilions and attractions are open-access.
- Some have a hybrid system (booking in advance and queuing if you don’t have a reservation).
- You can make last-minute reservations using your QR codes at the terminals located inside the exhibition site, depending on available slots.
Payment methods:
The Expo site will be fully cashless. You can use the same payment methods (Credit Cards, Electronic Money, 2D Code Payments) that you use in your daily life. Visitors without cashless payment methods will need to purchase a prepaid card in advance or could download MYAKU-PE, but a Japanese phone number is required.
Things to know before visit 2025 Osaka World Expo
Try to visit outside of major Japanese holidays, such as Golden Week (late April to early May), or Obon (Mid -August) to avoid large crowds.
We recommend you to arrive around noon or in the afternoon, to provide a quieter, more relaxed experience, as the majority of school groups are visiting in the morning.
Due to the global scale of the Expo, nearby hotels and lodging may fill up quickly. If possible, book your accommodation early.
