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. 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: Korea (May 13): Korea is hosting many events, including a concert with famous K-pop stars -- note that reservations are required for this one and it will be held at Expo Arena “Matsuri”. Japan (July 3): Details are still pending, but we can expect this one to be dynamic. Indonesia (May 27, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.): This performance will highlight Indonesia as the "land of wonders" and includes nature, culture, and future themes. See the official calendar for more. 5. Tokushima Awaodori May 2 (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) to May 3 (2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) Future Life Zone Expo Arena “Matsuri” No reservations required The traditional Japanese dance Awa Odori originated in Tokushima, but is featured in festivals all over Japan around the Obon August holidays. This is a special treat to see the dance outside of the normal season. With associations and dance groups visiting from all over the country, watch as the best of the best fill the large, grassy area of the ginormous arena. The dance originated from a raucous gathering, and so you may notice the movements -- mainly those of the typically male members -- resemble an old man stumbling about after a few too many sake cups. 6. Osaka Pro-Wrestling May 6 to May 7 (3 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Future Life Zone Expo Arena “Matsuri” No reservations required Professional wrestling is a popular sport in Japan, and Osaka is throwing its toughest into the ring. Along with entertaining bouts, you can also find live music and food and drink stalls. 7. Kabuki Ft. Hatsune Miku May 24 (from 4:30 p.m.) to May 25 (from 2 p.m.) East Gate Zone Expo Hall “Shining Hat” Reservations or lottery entry required This performance takes the ancient stories of Kabuki (traditional Japanese theater) and combines them with cutting-edge technology from NTT. This is called Cho-Kabuki and features in-person performances along with the virtual appearance of star Hatsune Miku, in real-time. This is bound to be one of the most popular events, so get your reservations in early. Audio guides are available, but they do not specify if these will have English-language support. You'll also be able to view this performance online. 8. Tōhoku Kizuna Festival June 14 to 15 (exact time to be confirmed) Future Life Zone Expo Arena “Matsuri” No reservations required Festivals and performances from six different cities in Tōhoku come together for a parade to celebrate the region. The Tōhoku Kizuna Festival usually takes place in May or June each year in Sendai and was born in remembrance of those affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. This year, it will make a special appearance at Osaka Expo. Stand-out performances to look forward to include nebuta glowing floats from Aomori, the Akita Kanto lantern parade, and dances from the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival. Note: Exact times for the parade are to be determined, but the official site says twice in the afternoon on June 14, and once in the morning and afternoon on June 15. 9. 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. 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 to . 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.
The ultimate guide to Japan travel
The ultimate guide to Japan travel
The ultimate guide to Japan travel