I visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which opened on April 13, on its fourth day (April 16), and I’m here to share the on-site conditions with you! I hope this information proves useful for anyone planning to attend.
Related Article
-
2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Report (1): Pre-Visit Preparation Tips
Read More
At Entry
I took the train to get there, so I entered through the East Gate. Since many people head to the Expo by train, the East Gate tends to be more crowded than the West Gate. In particular, the 9:00 entry slot is almost always packed and extremely busy.
I had an entry reservation for 9:00, but I arrived around 8:55 and managed to enter by about 9:30. Since there’s an airport-style baggage inspection, you should expect some waiting time.
There is little shade, so if you’re visiting during the hot season, be sure to take proper heat precautions. Japanese summers can be very intense, so always prioritize your well-being.
• The last car of the train (on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line) is closest to the exit at Yumeshima Station.
• Gates located farther from the station tend to be less crowded with shorter lines.
• Gates 21 and 23, for example, feature two X-ray baggage inspection lanes, allowing you to move through at roughly twice the speed compared to gates with just one lane, making them highly recommended.
• On the Expo’s opening day, the sheer number of visitors even triggered network issues, so it’s a good idea to have a screenshot or printed copy of your QR code handy.
Carrying prohibited items will delay your entry, so it’s best to leave them at your hotel or another place.
• Click here for a list of prohibited items (EXPO 2025 Official Website)
• Click here for Osaka Metro delay information
10 Minutes After Entry
Ten minutes after entry, same-day reservations for pavilions and events become available. Many pavilions either require a reservation for entry or have long wait times if you don’t have one, so be sure to secure your reservation!
• Same-day reservations are expected to be extremely competitive. Once inside, don’t forget to make your reservations.
• When you enter a pavilion or event for which you have a reservation, you become eligible to book another same-day reservation. Booking early time slots can allow you to take advantage of multiple same-day reservations.
• Click here for the reservation guide
• Click here for the "Map of Pavilion without Reservation"
Pavilion Entry & Event Participation
I visited nine pavilions and attended one event in a single day. Please note that the waiting times are based on my experience on the day of my visit and may vary depending on when you go.
* Please be aware that the pavilion reservation requirements (whether or not a reservation is needed) may change over time.
(1) Electric Power Pavilion – Eggs of Possibilities
Same-day reservation
(2) Saudi Arabia Pavilion
No reservation (5–10 minute wait)
(3) Spain Pavilion
No reservation (15–20 minute wait)
(4) France Pavilion
No reservation (10–15 minute wait)
(5) USA Pavilion
No reservation (English: 30-minute wait, Japanese: 60-minute wait)
(6) Robot & Mobility Station
No reservation (5-minute wait)
(7) Japan Pavilion
First-come, first-served reservation for the autumn session (3 days in advance)
(8) Under the Midnight Rainbow (Event – held daily)
Reservation required 7 days in advance
(9) Australia Pavilion
Same-day reservation (second time)
(10) Italy Pavilion
No reservation (5-minute wait)
• The France Pavilion may have long lines, but you’ll move through them quickly.
• At the USA Pavilion, the queue for English speakers has a dramatically shorter wait.
• With so many events taking place, it’s wise to check the schedule in advance.
• When events like "Under the Midnight Rainbow" are running, pavilions away from the event venues tend to be less crowded.
• After 8:00 PM, more pavilions allow entry without any waiting time.
• Click here for event information
• Click here for daily event details
• Click here for the estimated visiting times of each pavilion
Food
At the Expo, popular eateries can get extremely crowded, but if you’re open to trying different spots, you won’t have any trouble finding lunch. Also, since bringing outside food is allowed, those who want to tour the pavilions to the limit might consider bringing their own snacks (I saw several people eating while waiting in line)...
Food is available at the following locations, among others:
- Convenience Stores
- Restaurants
- Some Pavilions
- Food Trucks
- Food Courts
• Drinks can also be purchased from vending machines.
• All payments are cashless. The WISE debit card, which offers competitive rates and low fees, is recommended.
• Click here for Food & Drink information
Exiting
Around 9:00, the East Gate becomes crowded with people heading home, which may result in longer exit times. In particular, after events like "Under the Midnight Rainbow" and "One World, One Planet.", expect an influx of returning visitors.
From roughly 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, trains run about every 2–3 minutes, and since Yumeshima is the terminal station, if you miss one train, the next one is likely to be less crowded, allowing you to sit comfortably on your way home.
• The platform farther from the ticket gates (as indicated by the red circle on the right in the station map above) is usually less crowded, so it’s recommended.
• Click here for Yumeshima Station’s timetable
Finally
In this post, I’ve shared tips covering everything from entering to exiting the Osaka Expo. Being well-informed in advance can greatly enhance your experience, so thorough preparation is key.
If you have the chance to visit Japan during the Expo period, be sure to stop by the Expo—it’s sure to create wonderful memories!
Related Article
-
2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Report (1): Pre-Visit Preparation Tips
Read More
, and I’m her){kind=link}