Osaka Kansai World Expo 2025

Transport yourself into the future with this international technology Expo that expects tens of millions of visitors.

What is a World Expo?

Held every five years, World Expos are global events where hundreds of countries flock to one place to display their current innovations and achievements.

They have broad, universal themes connected with the experiences of humankind. Themes of the past have included transport, peace, the space age, nature, and the environment.

Expo 2025’s theme is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and will focus on new technology that can impact our lives. This is the third time that Osaka will hold a World Expo.

Remember the humanoid robot ASIMO (now retired)? It was shown off at Expo 2005 held in Japan. Perhaps even more impressive are these technologies once displayed at World Expos: the elevator (1853), telephone (1876), and moving sidewalk (1970).

What will we find at Expo 2025?

What to expect at Expo 2025

The Expo is envisioned as a “People’s Living Lab” where visitors will not only observe exhibits but also actively participate in shaping solutions to global challenges. It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports Japan’s Society 5.0 vision, which integrates AI, robotics, biotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance everyday life.

Three key sub-themes structure the event: “Saving Lives” focuses on health, disaster resilience, and coexisting with nature; “Empowering Lives” highlights education, nutrition, and human potential; and “Connecting Lives” emphasizes community-building, partnerships, and digital connectivity. The overarching question guiding the Expo is: “What is the happy way of life?”

The Expo site will be massive and feature 150 countries exhibiting various innovations and cutting-edge technology. There will even be flying cars — we aren’t kidding.

But you can find a respite from products by seeing shows, festivals, and other live performances taking place in grassy plazas. For example, the Heijō-kyō Tenpyō Procession, a traditional festival from Nara, will take place from May 27 to 29 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Will there really be flying cars?

Yes. In the northwest section of the Expo, four types of “flying cars” are scheduled to operate: from companies Joby Aviation, Volocopter, Vertical Aerospace, and SkyDrive. While called flying cars, they look more like a new type of helicopter.

Highlights

• National Day celebrations: Each participating country will have its own National Day during the Expo. In other words, a day dedicated to showcasing that nation’s culture, achievements, and entertainment. On a country’s National Day, visitors can enjoy special ceremonies, live performances (music, dance, or theater troupes flown in for the occasion), and taste national cuisines at events.
• Thematic pavillions: Expo 2025 is introducing eight special thematic pavilions produced by renowned Japanese artists, designers, and scholars. Each thematic pavilion will offer an imaginative take on a global issue or future-life theme, whether it’s the future of cities, the interplay of humans and technology, or new cultural experiences.
• Theme Weeks: Throughout the Expo, there will be eight Theme Weeks, each focusing on a specific topic critical to future society. During a Theme Week, experts and participants from around the world gather for forums, workshops, and special events around that theme. The themes range from “Co-creating Cultures for the Future” (exploring how diverse cultures can innovate together), to “The Future of Community and Mobility” (smart cities, metaverse, and autonomous transport).



• The Grand Wooden Ring: One of Osaka Expo’s most striking physical features will be its “Grand Ring” — a huge circular elevated walkway that encircles the central plaza of the venue. Designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, this ring-shaped roof structure is roughly 700 meters in diameter and made primarily of timber, showcasing traditional Japanese wood construction on a futuristic scale. It forms the main circulation path around the Expo, provides shade and weather protection to visitors below, and offers an attraction in itself. Visitors can climb up onto the roof pathway to enjoy panoramic views of the entire Expo and the Osaka Bay area.
• Virtual Expo: In a first for a World Expo at this scale, Expo 2025 will offer a full virtual experience in parallel to the physical event. Those who cannot travel to Osaka will be able to log in to a digital platform featuring a 3D recreation of Yumeshima Island and its pavilions. Through avatars, online visitors can “walk” the Expo, visit virtual pavilions, watch live-streamed events, and interact with other visitors in real time.

Tickets 2025

1-day advance tickets

Enter for just one day of the Expo. Ticket prices change depending on the desired entry date and when you buy:

By entry date

• Apr. 13–Apr. 26, 2025 (limited number): ¥4,000 for adults, ¥2,200 for 12 to 17-year-olds, and ¥1,000 for 4 to 11-year-olds.
• Apr. 13–Jul. 18, 2025: ¥5,000 for adults, ¥3,000 for 12 to 17-year-olds, and ¥1,200 for 4 to 11-year-olds.

By sales date

Enter at any time during the tournament but buy the tickets in this period.

• Nov. 30, 2023–Oct. 6, 2024: ¥6,000 for adults, ¥3,500 for 12 to 17-year-olds, and ¥1,500 for 4 to 11-year-olds.
• Oct. 7, 2024–Apr. 12, 2025: ¥6,700 for adults, ¥3,700 for 12 to 17-year-olds, and ¥1,700 for 4 to 11-year-olds.

Multiple entry passes

If you’d like to go to more than one day of the event.

• Summer Pass (Jul. 19–Aug. 31, 2025): ¥12,000 for adults, ¥7,000 for 12 to 17-year-olds, and ¥3,000 for 4 to 11-year-olds.
• Season Pass (anytime): ¥30,000 for adults, ¥17,000 for 12 to 17-year-olds, and ¥7,000 for 4 to 11-year-olds.

How to buy tickets

• When buying tickets directly on the website, you’ll have to first register for an ExpoID — you’ll need a device that has biometrics, a passcode, pattern, or PIN to verify your identity.
• You can then purchase tickets on the official website — just pick the time and day.
• If you want to see a certain pavilion or exhibit, you may need to book a time slot in advance. This is separate from your admissions ticket.

How to get there

Where is the Osaka Kansai World Expo 2025?

The venue for the Osaka Kansai World Expo 2025 is Yumeshima. This manmade island in Osaka was built just for the Expo 2025 and it is massive. See the map for spots on site.

Getting around

The closest train station is Cosmosquare Station on the Chuo and New Tram lines. In addition, there will be shuttle buses operating from major stations, including Sakurajima Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka Station (North), Osaka Station (South), Namba Station, Nakanoshima Station and more. Keep in mind that you’ll need to book these in advance.

See the complete list and details here.

How to get there from Tokyo

To get to the venue from Tokyo, you’ll first need to get to Osaka — luckily we have a comprehensive guide for that.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Osaka Expo 2025?

The expo lasts half a year, going from April 13 to October 13, 2025.

Where is Osaka Expo 2025 located?

The event will take place on Yumeshima, a purpose-built manmade island.

Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.