We flew to Japan because a great flight price popped up. EXPO Japan 2025? We had no idea it was even happening. Our goals were nature, cherry blossoms, and culture. The World Expo actually ended up on our itinerary by accident. But this “chance encounter” gave me so many diverse emotions that I need to write it all out—and maybe help some of you if you’re planning to visit EXPO 2025 in Osaka.
Where to stay in Osaka?
M’s club – although it’s a love hotel, it’s at a great price, and if you’re traveling as a couple, you might even use the accessories you’ll find in the room
Yunagi – much closer to the expo at an affordable price
Expo themes
The theme was grand: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” It sounds like a festival of technology, sustainability, and innovation… In reality, though, I often found myself standing in line for a projection or a “national PR video.” In some places it had depth, in others just words without substance. And amidst all that, plenty of people, merchants, and tourists—and also a few moments that truly touched my heart.
Czech Pavilion: Glass, wood, beer
In general, the grounds are truly beautiful, they’ll take your breath away, and the wooden walkway is supposedly the largest wooden structure in the world.
I believed that the Czech pavilion would please us as much as the entire grounds. I was curious how we would present ourselves as a nation to the world. The result? The building is really nice, but among all those giants, it might get a little lost.
Inside were glass installations, beer, and drawings reminiscent of a humor magazine. The icing on the cake was the 6,500-year-old oaks, which people stroked like a statue for good luck. Instead of pride, I felt a strange sadness and disappointment.
Organization: queues and reservations
Queues are part of the experience. For most large pavilions, you must have a reservation in advance, which you can make either in the app or on-site at the information desk by the East Gate. If you arrive late, you’re out of luck.
You can only create a reservation for one pavilion, or you can enter a lottery, for example, for the supposedly best Japanese pavilion. In the morning, you enter the lottery via the app, and during the day they’ll let you know if you won or not.
Evenings tend to be a bit quieter, so if you don’t manage to reserve entry through the app, you can try a pavilion in the evening.
Food at the Expo
I didn’t expect to eat so well at the exhibition, but you’ll find a large dining hall with classic Japanese food at reasonable prices, and at some pavilions, you can even taste specialties from that specific country, though at higher prices.
Pavilions to visit
- Australia – beautiful audiovisual projection of nature but no added value, reservation required
- Portugal – a touching story of sustainability in a thrilling projection, no queues in the evening
- Osaka University – a glimpse into the city of the future
- Pasona Natureverse – the connection between nature, the body, and technology
- Future City – finally pavilions truly connected to the theme
- Czechia – of course, as a Czech you have to visit, but don’t have high expectations
Pavilions to skip
- Britain – self-indulgent promo in the style of “everything important originated with us”
- Malta – a historical projection that isn’t offensive, but there are many others at the expo
- Philippines – fabrics and textiles
- Scandinavia – nice visuals, but empty content
- Joint Pavilions – fine for stretching your legs and taking a break from the queues
How to make the most of EXPO 2025
- Buy your ticket on the official website, ideally during the week – entry is more expensive on weekends and the queues are longer; avoid them and public holidays too!
- Come first thing in the morning – queues already start after nine.
- Download the app – Reservations, map, program – indispensable.
- Start from the end of the grounds – You’ll save your nerves and avoid queues; you have the option to take a bus all the way to the West Gate, where Future City begins
- Don’t be afraid to eat on the grounds – Both prices and quality will pleasantly surprise you. There are also several small “supermarkets”
- Stay until closing time – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM – the golden time to get into larger areas without a reservation.
- Watch the time – Everything closes exactly on time. Pavilions at 8:30 PM, the walkway at 9:00 PM. Don’t expect any delays here. You’re in Japan! You’ll also find events that might interest you in the app
- Don’t miss the evening show – if the weather is nice, check the app; you’ll usually find evening shows in the events section
Is the expo worth a visit?
Definitely! I’m not saying it was perfect. But it was an experience that was worth it. Whether you leave excited, disappointed, or confused, one thing is for sure: EXPO Japan 2025 is an experience that’s worth it.
1. Where exactly is EXPO 2025 held?
On Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan. You can get there by metro, bus, and water taxi
2. Is a reservation required for the pavilions?
Yes, especially for the popular ones. Download the official app immediately after entry.
3. How much is the entrance fee?
Prices are approximately between 4,000–6,000 JPY for a day pass. It depends on the day and age. Ours cost just under 1,000 CZK.
4. Can you eat directly on the grounds?
Yes. A large selection of food from all over the world, prices are reasonable.
5. Which pavilion is the best?
The Japanese one – but watch out, reservations are necessary. Australia, Portugal, and Osaka University are also worth it.
