My Journey Through Osaka World Expo 2025

When people think of Japan, Tokyo is often the first city that comes to mind. But Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, offers just as much charm, culture and excitement — if not more. One of the most fascinating places in Osaka right now is the World Expo 2025.

The event takes place on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Originally developed as reclaimed land, Yumeshima is now serving as the stage for Expo 2025.

Expo 2025 runs until October 13, 2025, so there is still plenty of time for people from around the world to visit and experience this unique global celebration.

What is the World Expo?

The World Expo, also known as the World’s Fair, is a large international exhibition where countries from around the world come together to showcase their cultures, technologies, innovations and visions for the future. The very first World Expo was held in London in 1851, marking the beginning of a tradition of global exchange and inspiration.

Over the years, World Expos have introduced the public to many iconic inventions and structures. Did you know the Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Paris Expo? In fact, the first elevator with safety breaks was showcased at the 1853 New York Expo, and wireless telephones and electric vehicles were introduced at the 1970 Osaka Expo.

Today, the World Expo continues to serve as a platform for international collaboration and innovation, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the diversity of our planet in one place.

Expo 2025 Osaka: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”

The theme of Expo 2025 is: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”（いのち輝く未来社会のデザイン). This theme encourages countries and organizations to explore how we can build a better, more inclusive and sustainable future — one that respects life in all its forms.

Expo 2025 is divided into several thematic zones, each focused on a different aspect of future society, such as healthcare, technology, environment and human well-being. These themes are not only reflected in the exhibitions, but also in the architecture and design of the venue itself.

Take the Japan Pavilion, for example: A structure that embodies the concept of sustainability and circulation. Nicknamed “the pavilion that eats trash,” it functions partly as a biogas plant. Microorganisms decompose the garbage generated at the Expo site, turning it into biogas. This process powers the pavilion itself, and visitors can actually observe this transformation through an immersive on-site installation. It’s a powerful, tangible example of a “living pavilion.”

Tips for visiting Expo 2025: What to know before you go

Before attending Expo 2025, there are a few practical things you should know to ensure a smooth experience.

To begin with, you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket in advance and reserve your visit date. This is a basic requirement for attending the Expo. There are several types of tickets available, depending on the level of flexibility and timing you prefer. For more details on ticket types and how to purchase them, please refer to the official Expo website.

In general, most pavilions give priority access to visitors with reservations. While many pavilions do accept walk-ins, expect to wait at least 30 minutes or more without a reservation. However, some pavilions are strictly reservation-only. What makes things a bit more complicated is that having a reservation doesn’t guarantee entry; it’s determined by a lottery system.

There are three main lottery opportunities:

• The “2-Month Advance Lottery” opens from 3 months prior to your visit date and runs to the day before 2 months prior to your reserved visit date.
• The “7-Day Advance Lottery” opens from 1 month prior to your visit date and runs to 8 days prior to your reserved visit date.
• The “Available Slot Reservation,” a first-come, first-served slot, is available from 3 days before your visit date to 9:00 a.m. the day before your visit date.

There’s also a same-day, on-site reservation option, which opens 10 minutes after entering the venue.

All of these can be managed through the official Expo 2025 website, so be sure to check frequently for updates.

In my case, I wasn’t lucky enough to win any of the reservation lotteries, but thankfully I still managed to visit some pavilions. If there’s a pavilion you absolutely don’t want to miss, I highly recommend applying for all available lottery rounds. Good luck!

Pavilions: What I saw and loved

One of the things that left the strongest impression on me at Expo 2025 was the architecture of the pavilions themselves. Each building felt like a unique blend of modern art and national identity, often enhanced by large-scale digital displays that made the entire venue visually spectacular.

Some were colorful and playful, while others — like the Nordic Pavilion — embraced giant wooden designs that evoke their cultural heritage. Even if you don’t go inside the pavilions, simply walking around and appreciating the architecture is a rewarding experience in itself.

The Grand Roof Ring

The most iconic structure by far is the Grand Roof Ring, the centerpiece of the Expo in Osaka. It’s the first thing you notice when you arrive.

Visitors can walk up to the top of the ring, where there is a panoramic view of the entire Expo site. Around the base of the ring are seasonal flower gardens that reflect the beauty of Japan’s four seasons. On the outer edge, you can look out over Osaka Bay and enjoy the cool sea breeze. Spanning a massive 2 kilometers, I couldn’t help but think it would also make a fantastic jogging course!

Interestingly, the structure is built using a modern interpretation of “nuki” joinery, a traditional Japanese building method used in shrine and temple construction. While respecting tradition, the design also incorporates modern reinforcements to meet current safety standards. This fusion of old and new reflects Expo 2025’s mission of connecting past, present and future.

The ring itself symbolizes unity, continuity and the power of global collaboration. As nearly 160 countries gather under one roof, the Grand Roof Ring serves as a powerful metaphor: Interlocking wooden joints form a strong foundation, just as diverse nations can stand stronger together. Made from sustainable Japanese timber, the structure also showcases Japan’s centuries-long woodworking heritage while pointing toward a more sustainable future.

At night, the ring and surrounding buildings are illuminated, offering a more romantic and magical atmosphere than during the day.

null² Pavilion by Yoichi Ochiai

Another unforgettable pavilion was null², designed by Japanese media artist Yoichi Ochiai. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to go inside, but just standing near it was like stepping into a sci-fi world of the future. The building is completely mirrored, reflecting its surroundings and changing its appearance depending on the angle you view it from. I found it to be a perfect representation of the Expo’s futuristic vision, both visually intriguing and conceptually rich.

The structure’s outer surface is made of a stretchable, mirrored membrane that reflects and morphs with the surrounding landscape in real time, transforming the scenery itself into a living sculpture. In my view, this pavilion symbolizes how the future is constantly shaped by the evolving relationship between people and technology. As new technologies emerge, humans adapt and transform along with them, reshaping our lives, behaviors and even our very way of being. It’s a powerful reminder that the future isn’t fixed; it’s reflective, reactive and always in motion.

“Stacking Columns Made from Komatta-Ki”

One smaller structure that caught my eye was “Stacking Columns Made from Komatta-Ki,” designed by the Nagoya-based architecture firm nanometer architecture.

The building was constructed using trees that had fallen or been removed due to various environmental factors. These rescued trees were collected from across Japan and stacked together to create a new form of life and meaning: a time-layered architectural story. Japan is a country rich in forests, but many trees were lost during the country’s rapid economic growth. Each piece of wood used in this project tells its own story, and I found it to be a deeply thoughtful and relevant response to the Expo’s theme of sustainability and the future. Even some of the satellite broadcast studios scattered around the Expo were built from this reclaimed wood.

Food & drink: Tastes from around the world

One of the most enjoyable parts of the Expo was sampling food from around the globe. Many national pavilions feature their own cafes or food stalls where you can try authentic dishes from their respective countries. For example, at the Australia Pavilion, there is a crocodile-filled roll — definitely a unique and adventurous bite! The Italy Pavilion offers creamy gelato from a renowned Italian brand, which is a refreshing treat in the afternoon heat. Beyond food, many pavilions also serve drinks from their countries. The Czech Pavilion, birthplace of Pilsner, allows visitors to taste the beer poured in three traditional styles.

As a souvenir, I came across a charming sake collaboration between the Expo and the sake brand Gekkeikan, which is available at the East Gate’s official store, MARUZEN JUNKUDO.

To be honest, food at the Expo was generally pricey, so I brought my own lunch, but I tried a castella cake shaped like the Expo mascot, Myakumyaku, at Lapoppo Farm’s cafe, “おいもとイチゴとりんごの farm to the table.” This little cake was reasonably priced and worth trying.

Seeing all the global cuisine made me realize how fortunate I am, as someone who lives in the U.S. — often called a cultural melting pot — to have easy access to authentic food from around the world. As a foodie, it reminded me how rich and diverse my everyday food experiences are.

Here’s a useful tip: You’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the Expo (except alcoholic beverages, canned beverages and glass-bottled beverages.) So if you’re on a budget or just prefer familiar snacks, stopping by a convenience store before entering is a great option. There are even convenience stores located inside the Expo site, making it easy to grab something quickly without leaving the grounds.

More than technology: Finding your own meaning at Expo 2025

Walking through the pavilions, I was struck by how each country chose to express its vision for the future, whether through sustainability, cultural pride or technological innovation. If you’re planning to visit the Expo, I highly recommend going with an open mind and a curious spirit. Be patient with the crowds, explore beyond your must-see list, and take time to enjoy the unexpected moments. Whether it’s a quiet corner of a pavilion, a conversation with a volunteer, or a small but memorable local snack, these are the things that truly make Expo experiences unforgettable.

Visiting Expo 2025 in Osaka isn’t just about seeing futuristic technology or international architecture; it’s about feeling connected to the world in a time when global challenges require shared solutions. Long-standing global issues such as climate change and economic inequity continue to challenge us, even as technology rapidly evolves. In recent years, the world has also witnessed escalating conflicts and civil unrest, reminding us just how fragile peace and stability can be. In this increasingly complex and divided world, it feels more important than ever for nations to come together, exchange ideas and support one another.

I hope Expo 2025 will inspire more people around the world to discover Japan, not just through its traditions, but through the ideas it shares for the future.

Resources

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