9 Best Events at Osaka Expo 2025

The Osaka Expo 2025 has been making headlines in Japan, as thousands flock to the city to see what new technologies the world has been cooking up.

But what is there to really see and do? The website touts almost a thousand events, with activities, workshops, shows, live music, parades, and more available daily. Luckily, we’ve scoured the listings and picked up the stand-outs.

1. Fountain Show: Under the Midnight Rainbow

Every day from April 13 to October 13
Signature Zone Water Plaza
Reservations or lottery entry required

This magnificent air and water show utilizes 300 fountains, projections, lasers, music, and even fire to create an immersive narrative experience for onlookers. It lasts for around 20 minutes, and if you’re standing close, you may get wet. Bring a raincoat just in case, as umbrellas are prohibited in the area.

Note that the time for the performances changes depending on the date:

• Apr. 13 to Apr. 30: 1st performance from 7:10 p.m., 2nd performance from 8:30 p.m.
• May 1 to Aug. 31: 1st performance from 7:30 p.m., 2nd performance from 8:30 p.m.
• Sep. 1 to Oct. 13: 1st performance from 7:10 p.m., 2nd performance from 8:30 p.m.

2. Drones and Projection Mapping: One World, One Planet

Every day after sunset from April 13 to October 13
Throughout the site
No reservations required

This is a show that combines technology and light. Watch as 1,000 drones fly over the sea and fantastical images are projected onto the wall of Expo Hall “Shine Hut”. There will also be illuminations around the venue, and a virtual tree that collects visitors’ wishes. Note that the performance may be canceled in the case of bad weather.

3. Osaka Kansai Expo Fireworks

April 26, May 31, June 28, July 21, July 23, August 23, September 27, and October 8 (after sunset)
Yumeshima South Side Seawall
No reservations required

One thing Japan can and should boast about is fireworks. The Expo will show off the country’s best pyrotechnicians and their displays every month during the event. The exact times of the fireworks are not released, but we do know they will last around 5 to 10 minutes, except for the show on July 23 which lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. More details can be found on our event listing.

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks

Dates:Jun 28, 2025

Entry:Free

Venue:

Osaka Expo 2025

Read more

4. National Day celebrations

Almost every day from April 13 to October 13
East Gate Zone Expo National Day Hall “Ray Garden” (some exceptions)
Usually no reservations or lottery entry required (some exceptions)

Along with their pavilions, countries will also get a chance to express their nations’ culture and delights on selected days. You can expect to see national dances, food offerings, and music. Details are thin for some countries, but they are expected to fill out nearer the dates. Note that some countries will also have events outside of their National Day.

Here are some highlights:

• Japan (July 3): Details are still pending, but we can expect this one to be dynamic.
• Cuba (July 25): As part of Cuba’s national day, there will be a parade across the Expo grounds from 2 p.m.
• Moldova (August 31): See the traditional dance of Moldova, the hora, in the National Day Hall, as well as a flash mob at 3, 5:30, and 8 p.m. throughout the Expo.

See the official calendar for more.

5. Dinosaur Kingdom Fukui Day

July 16 (10:30 a.m. to 6:25 p.m.)
East Gate Zone Expo Hall “Shining Hat”
Reservations or lottery entry required

Dinosaurs come alive to celebrate Fukui Prefecture in this unique display of costuming and puppetry. Why dinosaurs, you ask? Fukui is known for its iconic Dinosaur Museum, which was built near the site where many prehistoric bones were found. Along with Dino-A-Live, you’ll also be treated to a cheerleading squad and traditional crafts from Fukui.

6. Expo Sauna: Taiyo no Tsubomi

Every day from April 13 to October 13
Future Life Zone Expo Sauna “Tayo no Tsubomi”
Reservations or lottery entry required

You may want to pack your swimsuit to the Osaka Expo for a chance to sweat it out in a unique setting. These sauna pods are made of a unique material (fluoropolymer), letting in sunlight and the ambiance from neighboring Osaka Bay. Taiyo no tsubomi means “the sun’s bud” and the special design of the saunas represents that.

7. Handmade Udon Workshop

Every day until August 12 (11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.)
West Gate Zone ORA Food Service Pavilion “Utage” (2F)
Reservations or lottery entry required

Spend 60 minutes slapping, kneading, and cutting to make the perfect udon noodle. This workshop is run by Kineya, a well-known udon restaurant chain in Japan. Afterward, sample what’s on the menu.

8. World Yosakoi Day

August 22 to 23
Future Life Zone Expo Arena “Matsuri”
No reservations required

Expo shines a spotlight on the lesser-known Japanese traditional dance — Yosakoi. Kōchi, the prefecture where the dance originated, will set up stage and street performances. Along with the dances, there will also be a recreated bustling Kōchi-style street market across the two days.

9. XROBOCON

August 26 to 27 (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
East Gate Zone Expo Hall “Shining Hat”
Reservations or lottery entry required

Robots go head to head in a sumo ring as teams use AI to control them. This battle royale won’t turn bloody, but it is a fascinating look at how far technology has come (and the wonderous ways in which we can use it).

Osaka Expo event FAQs

Where are the events held?

While there will be events held in respective nations’ pavilions and online, the majority of the festivals will be held in event halls and spaces around the Expo. These include:

• Expo Hall “Shining Hat” (seats 1,900 people)
• Expo National Day Hall “Ray Garden” (seats 500) — mainly used for National Days and Special Days
• Expo Arena “Matsuri” (capacity 16,000, mainly standing)

See more details on where each event is held and what’s on when you plan on going by searching on the official website.

Are the events free?

All events are included in the price you pay for Osaka Expo entry, which ranges from ¥3,700 to ¥7,500.

How can I make reservations/enter the lottery?

Some events and performances require you to pre-book. To do this, you need to log in to the official site after you’ve made an Expo ID and purchased an admissions ticket. If the event requires you to enter the lottery, you can do so months before the day. Reservations are slightly simpler and can be applied for three days before admission or on the day if there are spaces left.

Will I be able to board one of the flying cars?

The flying car demonstrations will be held throughout the Expo, but details of exact showings and dates are difficult to find. Note that you will not be able to enter the flying cars — you can only admire them from afar.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This article was updated in June 2025.

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