Tower of the Sun (Expo '70 Commemorative Park) | Review by wendy

Tower of the Sun (Expo '70 Commemorative Park)

Designed by Taro Okamoto as a symbol of the Expo Theme Pavilion. Interior open to the public since 2018! (Priority to reservation)

1 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, the Tower of the Sun really shouldn’t be missed! This enormous artwork, designed by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, was the symbol of the theme pavilion at the 1970 Osaka Expo. Towering over the center of the park, it still has a powerful visual impact even after all these years.

What makes it even more special is that you can now visit the inside of the Tower of the Sun instead of just admiring it from the outside! Once inside, you can experience Taro Okamoto’s imaginative art world up close. It’s completely different from simply taking photos outside.

However, you need to make a reservation in advance to go inside! If you’re planning to visit Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, remember to check the tour times ahead of time. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to take photos outside when you arrive, which would be a bit of a shame〜

Other Reviews by wendy

Expo’70 Commemorative Park

Using the same site that once held the Japan World Exposition 1970, this sprawling public park is filled with green hills, trees and an open-armed welcome from the “Tower of the Sun” statue created by Taro Okamoto. You can make advanced reservations to secure your tour inside the tower, a steel “tree of life” that stretches as high as 41 meters tall.
- Hokusetsu
- Parks & Gardens
1 Oct 2026 See More

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka is a large park created on the former site of the 1970 Japan World Exposition. The grounds are very spacious and full of greenery, and the most eye-catching landmark is the Tower of the Sun, designed by Taro Okamoto.

Standing 70 meters tall, the Tower of the Sun has a very avant-garde design. Even after all these years, it still stands out in the park and remains its most iconic feature.

The park covers about 264 hectares and includes different areas such as the Natural and Cultural Gardens and the Japanese Garden. With lawns, forests, and all kinds of scenery woven together, you could easily spend an entire day exploring at a leisurely pace.

However, after actually visiting, I felt that the park was just too big! Unless you’re a strong walker, I recommend choosing one facility or one area per visit and taking your time exploring it.
Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a lush, green and iconic city area known for Aqua Metropolis Osaka that’s tucked between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers. Home to one of Osaka’s known business districts, the area is lined with a mixture of skyscrapers, modern architecture and office buildings.
- Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
- Famous Places
1 Oct 2026 See More

Nakanoshima is located between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers. It's a rare waterfront oasis in central Osaka and is also considered one of the city's signature “Aqua Metropolis Osaka” landscapes.

Walking along the riverbanks, you can enjoy city views created by the rivers and the high-rises on both sides. It's relaxing and comfortable. When the weather is nice, the surrounding buildings are reflected on the water, creating an especially beautiful blend of city and nature.

If you're planning a day trip around central Osaka, you can also visit attractions such as the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka and the Osaka Science Museum. Take a leisurely walk through Nakanoshima and experience a side of Osaka that's different from its bustling shopping districts.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. The shrine has been known as "Tenjin-san of Tenma" by the people of Osaka since ancient times, and since its establishment in 949, people have entrusted it with all kinds of wishes, including those for plague, learning, and entertainment. During the exam season, the shrine is crowded with students preparing for exams.
- Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
- Shrines & Temples
1 Oct 2026 See More

While visiting Osaka, I explored Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street and also stopped by Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is about 2.6 kilometers long and is one of Japan's well-known long shopping streets. It's lined with a dazzling variety of food, souvenirs, and general merchandise stores, making it fun to browse as you walk.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Once you pass through the torii gate, the liveliness of the shopping street gives way to the distinctive tranquility of a shrine. The old trees, traditional architecture, and solemn shrine buildings all have a strong sense of history.

Unfortunately, renovation work was underway during this visit, and some areas were under construction, which was a little disappointing. Still, if you're planning to visit Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, it's worth stopping by to experience the atmosphere of local Osaka life and history.