Complete Guide to the Osaka-Kansai Expo: Key Info and Highlights!

As of November 2024, 161 countries and regions, along with 9 international organizations, have announced their participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
Under the concept of "People’s Living Lab" (a laboratory for a future society), the Expo will showcase cutting-edge technologies and systems, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a glimpse of a new and innovative society.

For example, as part of the "Future Society Showcase," the Expo plans to feature technologies such as carbon neutrality, digital innovations and next-generation mobility. Additionally, a Virtual Expo utilizing AR and VR technologies will allow people from around the world to experience the Expo’s atmosphere from anywhere.
The main exhibits, as of October 2024, include the following highlights.

One of the highlights of the Osaka-Kansai Expo is the pavilions. As of November 2024, 161 countries and regions and 9 international organizations have confirmed their participation, offering visitors the chance to experience global cultures and technologies.
You can check the participating countries and details on the official website, but it's recommended to check the site regularly for updates.
Here, we will introduce an overview of four countries that have already been announced.

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, visitors will have the opportunity to encounter social issues, such as the SDGs, and recognize them as their own responsibilities. Leading the way is the Japan Pavilion, which features a circular structure. With the theme "Between Lives," the pavilion allows visitors to experience firsthand how humans are sustained within a cycle.
Additionally, the pavilion functions as a "living pavilion," featuring a biogas plant where microorganisms break down waste generated at the venue, as well as cutting-edge CO2 recycling technology.

These are tickets that can be purchased until the day before the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
If you’ve already decided to attend, these tickets are recommended because they’re priced lower than one-day tickets sold during the event period. Be sure to purchase these exclusive pre-sale tickets by April 13, as they won’t be available afterward.
Keep in mind that the admission period and price vary depending on the type of ticket, so be sure to check carefully!

This pass is recommended for those who wish to enter the Osaka-Kansai Expo multiple times.
There are two types of passes available, depending on the dates (admission days), so be sure to choose the pass that best suits your schedule!

This ticket is available for individuals with a disability certificate or similar documentation, along with one accompanying person (caregiver).

These tickets will be available for purchase starting from the opening day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
In addition to the one-day ticket, there are also weekday tickets and night tickets that allow entry after 5 pm.

Expo ID is a common ID used for accessing various services related to EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. With your Expo ID, you can purchase tickets and experience various content, making it an essential service for enjoying the Expo.
To register, prepare your email address in advance, then access the official website from a computer or smartphone. The registration process involves three steps:
1. Preliminary registration
2. Profile registration
3. First-time login (identity verification)
For more details or if you have any questions, check the manual on the official website.

Once you have registered for an Expo ID, you can purchase admission tickets through the official website or travel agencies.
If you purchase tickets through a travel agency, you will need to add the ticket ID, which is sent by the agency, to your registered Expo ID.

Purchasing the admission ticket is not the end; you also need to make a reservation for your visit date and time.
Reservations can typically be made starting six months before your desired visit date, and they are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are within the ticket's valid entry period, you can make up to three changes to your reservation. For multiple-entry passes, you can make changes as many times as needed.
If you've already decided on the day you want to visit the Expo, be sure to make your reservation six months in advance!

Once you've reserved your visit date and time, the next step is to apply for the lottery to reserve your spot for pavilions and events!
You can apply for multiple tickets at once, so if you're planning to visit with family or friends, be sure to submit the application together.
There are three opportunities to make reservations before your visit, but some pavilions and events may be accessible without a reservation.

On the reserved date and time, head to the venue and scan your QR code to enter!
You can print the QR code in advance or even have it as a ticket to keep as a memento.

The Grand Roof Ring is one of the largest wooden structures in the world, with a circumference of approximately 2 kilometers, a building area of about 60,000㎡, and a height of 12 meters (with the outer structure reaching 20 meters) and an inner diameter of about 615 meters. It is set to be completed around January or February 2025.
The distinctive circular roof serves two purposes: functionality (distributing visitors and providing shade) and symbolism (creating a strong, memorable shape).
Beneath the ring, visitors can enjoy a comfortable space that shields them from rain, wind and sunlight while also providing smooth passageways between pavilions.
Additionally, from the Skywalk, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire venue and the beautiful surrounding landscape, including the nature of the Seto Inland Sea and views bathed in the sunset.

This pavilion, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” features messages from eight active producers from various fields, each offering their unique perspective on the topic. The pavilion aims to inspire reflection on life and encourage creative actions for the benefit of others and the Earth.
Here, we will introduce the themes and overviews of the pavilions presented by three of the producers.

These are pavilions where 13 companies and organizations showcase creative exhibits and performances in line with the Expo's theme. Each pavilion highlights its unique character and presents a diverse vision of the future society, offering visitors inspiring and immersive experiences. Here's an overview, featuring a selection of three companies.

This participatory pavilion, created through a collaboration among Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, industries and universities, brings together the collective wisdom and ideas of “All Osaka.” It offers an exciting experience filled with wonder and new discoveries for everyone.
With the theme of "REBORN," the pavilion encourages visitors to reflect on themselves from the perspectives of "life" and "health," inspiring them to take a new step forward.
On the REBORN experience route, visitors can meet their avatars, representing themselves 25 years in the future, based on their health data, and explore future healthcare and urban lifestyles.
In addition, the pavilion offers various experiences, such as future entertainment and food culture, as well as the REBORN Challenge, showcasing the technologies and services of Osaka's outstanding small and medium-sized enterprises and startups.

This pavilion, standing up to 12 meters tall, showcases the rich nature, culture, and technology of the Kansai region, introducing visitors to the yet-unseen charms of Kansai. Participating areas include Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui and Mie. The pavilion highlights the diversity and innovation of Kansai, sharing it with the world.
Under the theme "The Eternal History and Present of Kansai, where life shines," visitors can experience exhibits mainly related to tourism, utilizing a 360° LED circle vision to highlight the unique features of each prefecture. The hexagonal exterior, inspired by lanterns, is also striking, and the design cleverly arranges the entire Kansai region at the center, with booths from participating prefectures placed around it.
Here, we will introduce the overviews of the booths from Fukui, Mie and Wakayama.

In addition to the insights and discoveries, enjoying authentic entertainment is also one of the highlights of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Relevant organizations and participating companies are putting their heads together and actively preparing for the event.
Currently, a variety of programs and events are planned, including a water show at the Water Plaza, projection mapping on the exterior walls of the EXPO Hall "Shining Hat," as well as music and traditional performing arts events, all promising a lively and inspiring atmosphere.

The interactive entertainment, where visitors can see, touch and feel, will undoubtedly captivate visitors from all over the world.

ART HOTEL Osaka Bay Tower offers breathtaking views from 200 meters above ground. Directly connected to JR and Osaka Metro's Bentencho Station, it serves as a landmark in the Osaka Bay area, surrounded by popular attractions such as a renowned theme park, Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Kyocera Dome.
All guest rooms are located on the high floors, starting from the 23rd floor and above, featuring elegant interiors designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

This hotel, located in the Bentencho area, is surrounded by vintage buildings and brick warehouses. The interior design is unified by a theme of blue bricks, blending a craft-like quality with a touch of glamour.
The shared spaces, designed for guests to gather and connect, host artist exhibitions and DJ events, actively promoting Japan's creative culture.

This hotel is fully produced by Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel brand. It strives to offer services that cater to guests' lifestyles, both for business and leisure, ensuring a stress-free stay with facilities like the café and bar within the hotel.
Every weekend, a DJ night is held, providing entertainment after guests enjoy the unique sightseeing and gourmet experiences that Osaka has to offer.

Osaka Castle’s main tower was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600). Construction began in 1583 and was completed in 1585. The interior is now a historical museum, with permanent exhibits such as a miniature reproduction of the Summer Siege of Osaka folding screen with figures, and a full-scale model of Hideyoshi's beloved golden tea room. Additionally, various special and themed exhibitions are held regularly.

Dotonbori, with its large, three-dimensional signs of crabs, octopuses, cows and cranes protruding onto the street, creates a lively and vibrant scene. Along the Dotonbori River to the north and the main street to the south, numerous restaurants line both sides. The main street is a pedestrian-only zone, bustling with many tourists.

This is a super-tall mixed-use skyscraper that boasts a height of 300 meters above ground.
The observation deck Harukas 300 spans three levels on the 58th, 59th and 60th floors. The topmost 60th floor, accessed by a dedicated elevator from the entrance on the 16th floor, features a glass-walled indoor corridor from floor to ceiling, offering a breathtaking experience as if you're taking a walk in the sky. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view stretching from Kyoto to the Rokko Mountain Range, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge to Awaji Island, and the Ikoma Mountain Range.

Kyoto is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations. It is home to many historical sites, including Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated as part of Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The city is full of historical buildings, shrines and temples where you can experience the essence of traditional Japan. Kyoto offers different charms with each season, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves.
The picturesque streets lined with stone-paved paths and traditional Kyoto machiya houses are a joy to stroll through. Below is the access information from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.

Nara, an ancient capital with 1,300 years of history, is an area where the beauty of the modern and the traditional harmoniously coexist. Surrounded by historically valuable World Heritage Sites and Important Cultural Properties such as the famous Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha and the world's oldest wooden structure, Horyu-ji Temple, Nara allows you to experience the beginnings of Japan as a nation.
Another representative spot in Nara is Nara Park, where you can interact with wild deer roaming against the backdrop of cultural heritage. The journey from Osaka Station to Nara Station takes about an hour, but with a direct route, the access is very convenient.

Kobe, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading port cities, where diverse cultures intersect and blend. The open waterfront areas where you can feel the sea up close, as well as the exotic atmosphere of the Kitano Ijinkan-gai District, offer a blend of both Japanese and Western cultural elements.
The city is also famous for its “10-million-dollar night view,” with breathtaking spots scattered throughout, such as the views from Mount Rokko and the Kikuseidai observation platform on Mount Maya. The popular hot spring destination Arima Onsen is also located in Kobe.
For access from Osaka Station to Kobe Station, please refer to the information below.

In addition to Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo, and Osaka Prefecture, where the Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held, the Kansai region also includes three other prefectures: Shiga, Wakayama and Mie. Historically, Kansai was the center of politics, economy and culture in Japan, and there are many spots where you can experience Japan's food culture, traditional culture and history that have been passed down through generations.
The region is also blessed with abundant nature, including the sea, mountains and rivers, offering breathtaking views throughout the four seasons. Even the areas not covered in this article have their own unique charm, so why not explore the Kansai region, with Osaka at its heart?