Cover Expo 2025 Osaka is a sprawling, global conversation that unfolds across 155 hectares, 158 countries and hundreds of installations, performances and ideas. (Photo: CFOTO / Future Publishing / Getty Images)
Expo 2025 Osaka is a sprawling, global conversation that unfolds across 155 hectares, 158 countries and hundreds of installations, performances and ideas. (Photo: CFOTO / Future Publishing / Getty Images)
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Expo 2025 Osaka is vast, ambitious and evolving—here’s how to navigate it strategically for maximum enjoyment and zero stress
Japan has long been a deft host of World Expos—Osaka in 1970 introduced the moving walkway and IMAX; Aichi in 2005 brought eco-conscious design to the fore. Now, nearly two decades later, Expo 2025 returns to Osaka with a new urgency and scale. Set on the artificial island of Yumeshima, this year’s Expo revolves around a deeply Japanese question: how do we design a better future for all?
Also read: Japanese perfumes to get as souvenirs on your next visit
In true Japanese fashion, the execution is meticulous. The architecture is ambitious, the operations run like clockwork and the experiences range from the poetic to the provocative. But this isn’t just a showcase of national pride. It’s a sprawling, global conversation that unfolds across 155 hectares, 158 countries and hundreds of installations, performances and ideas.
Planning to attend? You’ll need more than curiosity to navigate the site—and more than one day to see it all. From standouts like the Japan and Saudi Arabia pavilions to pragmatic tips on queues, cashless payments and lottery-only access, here’s what to know before you visit Expo 2025 Osaka.
What Is Expo 2025 Osaka?
The much-anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka officially opened on April 13, 2025 and runs until October 13, 2025. Held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, the event is themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, focusing on innovation, sustainability and global unity. A World Expo, also known as a Universal Exhibition, is a large-scale international event held every five years in a different country (the last edition was hosted by Dubai in 2020). It brings nations together to showcase ideas, technologies and culture on a global stage. With over 160 participating countries and regions, the Expo offers a rich tapestry of experiences across its 188 pavilions.
Must-visit pavilions
While some pavilions are still refining their programming or updating installations throughout the event’s run, several have already distinguished themselves for their design, storytelling or immersive experiences. Here are the standout stops so far, each offering a different perspective on the Expo 2025 Osaka theme.
Japan
Titled JUNKAN – The Cycle of Life, the host pavilion stands as an architectural and philosophical centrepiece. Designed by artist Kengo Kuma, the circular wooden structure embodies Japan’s approach to cyclical sustainability and harmony with nature. Inside, visitors are guided through a sensory journey that blends ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge robotics, biotech and AI. Expect a thought-provoking look at how Japan is imagining a more balanced future.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s pavilion, Ecosystem for Growth, draws inspiration from the rainforest canopy, incorporating living plant walls and sustainable materials. It presents Malaysia’s bioeconomy, ecotourism and green tech initiatives through immersive digital storytelling. Highlights include holographic dancers interpreting indigenous mythology and interactive exhibits on palm oil alternatives and marine biodiversity.
Philippines
Built on the theme Isang Bukas (“One Future”), the Philippine pavilion is a bamboo-clad space shaped like an unfolding sail. Inside, a multisensory journey celebrates Filipino resilience through digital murals, VR fishing boat simulations and kinetic sculptures. The pavilion touches on diaspora, climate adaptation and ancestral traditions with contemporary flair. The food offering, rooted in regional heritage, is also among the Expo’s standouts.
Thailand
The Thai pavilion, Mobility for the Future, combines the country’s identity as a regional logistics hub with its emerging tech sector. The design echoes the movement of elephant trunks, symbolising strength and agility. Inside, visitors encounter animated guides who introduce sustainable transport innovations, circular fashion and agricultural tech. The traditional massage chairs at the exit are a nice touch and frequently occupied.
India
India’s pavilion is bold and theatrical, with its tiered façade inspired by mandalas and temple spires. The experience walks a fine line between tradition and futurism. Exhibits focus on India’s digital public infrastructure (like Aadhaar and UPI), space tech and yoga as soft power. Bollywood visuals, classical music installations and interactive rangoli floors complete the sensory overload.
Saudi Arabia
With its monumental façade and immersive projections, Saudi Arabia’s pavilion is impossible to miss. It presents the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan with a mix of spectacle and narrative control. Highlights include a vertical garden of desert flora, a 4D theatre on megaprojects like NEOM and a gallery of contemporary Saudi art. The high-tech majlis offers Arabic coffee and a well-curated gift shop.
Myaku-Myaku: the official mascot
Introducing Myaku-Myaku, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka. Designed by picture book illustrator Kouhei Yamashita, Myaku-Myaku is a friendly, clumsy creature born from the fusion of cells (red) and water (blue). Its name, “Myaku-Myaku”, is an onomatopoeia symbolising the heartbeat of life, reflecting the Expo’s theme of continuity and connection. Myaku-Myaku is known for its ability to transform into various shapes and its love for interacting with all kinds of beings. Visitors can take photos with Myaku-Myaku statues and buy Myaku-Myaku merchandise at souvenir shops scattered across the Expo grounds.
Visitor tips
Allocate more than one day to explore fully. With over 150 pavilions and numerous installations spread across the expansive Yumeshima site, it’s nearly impossible to see everything in a single visit. Prioritise key pavilions and plan your return visit if you want to explore deeper or experience timed exhibits and performances.
Many popular pavilions require lottery-based reservations. To manage crowd flow, several high-demand pavilions—such as Japan’s and Saudi Arabia’s—operate on a lottery system. Reservations can be made via the official app or website. Check daily slots early, and don’t assume walk-ins will be available.
Gates open promptly; early arrival is essential. The Expo is extremely punctual, and missing your entry window can mean forfeiting reserved experiences. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your timed slot, especially if you’re relying on public transport or have tickets for scheduled events.
When food stalls are busy, try meals offered inside pavilions. Lunchtime crowds can get overwhelming at the central food zones. Many country pavilions offer regional cuisine inside—less crowded and more atmospheric. You’ll often find better service and more interesting menus, too.
Prepare for cashless payments, as most vendors accept only electronic methods. From souvenir stands to snack stalls, cash is rarely accepted. Have a working credit card or a contactless payment app enabled before entering the site. Currency exchange booths won’t help you much here.
Lines may look long but generally move efficiently. The sight of long queues can be intimidating, but don’t be discouraged—line management is highly organised, and waiting times are often shorter than expected. Still, bring a hat or portable fan if you're queuing during peak sun.
Buy souvenirs on the spot; some items are exclusive. Merchandise, especially items featuring Miyaku-Miyaku, tends to sell out quickly and isn’t always restocked. If you spot something you like, don’t assume you’ll find it later. Limited-edition collaborations are pavilion-specific and often one-off.
Use sunscreen, stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. The site is vast and largely open-air, so be ready for sun exposure and a lot of walking. Water fountains are available but spaced out, so it’s wise to bring a refillable bottle. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Osaka’s spring and summer weather.
Accessibility is thoughtfully integrated across the site. There are barrier-free routes, wheelchair rentals and assistance counters available—but it’s still worth reviewing the official access guide before you go. Elevators, tactile paving and multilingual signage are also in place, but crowd volume and weather may affect comfort levels for visitors with specific needs.
How to get to Expo 2025 Osaka
Expo 2025 Osaka is located on Yumeshima Island, accessible by public transport from central Osaka. The nearest station is Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chūō Line, which opened in January 2025. From there, shuttle buses and pedestrian pathways connect visitors to the Expo site. Plan your route in advance, as traffic and crowds can be heavy during peak days.
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