Who is Myakmyak?
What’s in store for the 2025 Osaka Expo?
I think there are a surprisingly large number of people who have such questions.
As a host for VIPs from overseas, you may be wondering, “I would like to take them to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which is only being held now, but I don’t know much information about it…”.
Therefore, in this article.
Highlights of Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025
・ Ticket information
・ Access
The following is a list of all the information you need to know, from
We will also introduce selected pavilions and souvenir spots recommended by our staff who actually visited the Osaka/Kansai Expo. Please refer to the following list.
What is the Expo? A Basic Guide to Enjoying the Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025)
First, we will explain the origins and history of the Expo in order to learn more about it.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025), to be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is attracting attention both at home and abroad. Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai” (EXPO 2025), which will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, is attracting a lot of attention both at home and abroad. It will be the first time in about 20 years that Expo 2025 will be held in Japan, and the excitement is being felt in Japan with daily news coverage of the event.
To enjoy the Expo more deeply, let’s get to know the roots of the Expo.
(Reference: Outline of the Expo | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Web Site )
The Beginning of the World Expo｜An event of world exchange that has continued since the time of the Industrial Revolution
There are various theories about the origin of the World’s Fair, but it is believed to be the “First World’s Fair” held in London in 1851, during the Industrial Revolution.
Gathering technologies, ideas and cultures from all over the world at the venue, The event started with the concept of celebrating the progress and exchange of mankind the world. It may be easier to imagine it as a “showcase of the world” rather than an exhibition.
The venue was the Crystal Palace, a revolutionary glass-walled building at the time. Here, visitors were treated to a glimpse into the future as the latest machinery, crafts, and daily necessities from around the world were displayed.
In particular, elevators, printing presses, and spinning machines, which were still rare at the time, were popular.
Japan’s first participation in a World Expo was at the Paris Expo held in 1867. At the time, Japan was at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate’s reign, and the country’s isolation had just been lifted. However, the Edo shogunate decided to participate in the exposition because it saw it as “a great opportunity to let the world know about Japan and its culture.
When traditional Japanese crafts such as lacquerware, ceramics, swords, and silk fabrics were exhibited, a Japanese boom called “Japonisme” occurred among the French and Europeans of the time. It was this Japan boom that inspired world-famous painters such as Van Gogh and Monet, who were influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e prints.
You can see that the Expo was an exciting and innovative exhibition for the people of the time.
1970 Osaka Expo｜Asia’s first World Expo is held
In 1970, the first Asian World Expo will be held in Osaka, Japan will be held in Osaka, Japan in 1970.
Seventy-seven countries participated. The theme was “Progress and Harmony of Mankind,” and moon rocks and the latest robot technology were exhibited.
More than 64 million visitors attended, an unprecedented scale for the time.
The Osaka Expo was a historic event that left a strong impression of Japan as a member of the international community.
(Reference: What is the World Exposition? ｜ Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan )
The Osaka Expo 55 years ago was very exciting, and the Osaka/Kansai Expo 2025 is no slouch!
The staff of Motenas Japan visited Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. We will introduce some of the highlights and gourmet foods at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai.
Report on Highlights of Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025｜Highlight Pavilions and Gourmet Foods
Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai (EXPO 2025) Highlights and Gourmet and gourmet food at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Please refer to the following information, which includes the impressions and real information of Motenas Japan staff who actually visited the Osaka/Kansai Expo.
What is Myakmyak｜Explaining the appeal of the official EXPO 2025 character
Essential in explaining the Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025), Myakmyak, the official character of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, will also be introduced. Myakmyak has been the talk of the town on SNS and other social networking sites, but who is he?
Myakmyak, the official character, was selected from among 1,898 entries submitted by the public.
This character is born from the fusion of “cell” and “water,” with the red part being the cell and the blue part being the water. He can change his shape like water, and he is looking for the person he wants to be while changing his shape.
At the venue, there is a place called “Myakmyak House” where visitors can learn about Myakmyak’s background, birth story, and other information. Myakmyak appears several times a day, and you can take a commemorative photo. If you are interested in Myakmyak, please stop by.
<Reference>
・ About the Official Character | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Website
・ Myakmyak House | EXPO 2025 Visitors
Check out the pavilions and stores of interest at the Osaka/Kansai Expo!
There are more than 70 pavilions and 20 stores at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. It is hard to know where to start. *Number as of April 2025
So, We picked up a total of six pavilions and stores of note to keep in mind The following is a list of six pavilions and shops that are worth checking out. We have also included recommendations and impressions from Motenas Japan staff who actually visited Expo 2025 in Osaka and Kansai.
Featured Pavilion｜Japan, France, U.S.A.
Motenas Japan recommends the following three pavilions.
- Japan Pavilion
…technology and character culture. - France Pavilion
…Art, fashion and gastronomy to satisfy the senses - U.S.A. Pavilion
…stage and video exhibits for entertainment.
*Tap to scroll down to the pavilion details.
Here is a look at each pavilion and its highlights.
Japan Pavilion｜Enjoy Japanese technology with popular characters from around the world
The Japan Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, under the theme “Between Life and Life, Between Life, Between Life,” will feature exhibits that allow visitors to experience the connection between people and nature.
Biogas power generation using food waste at the venue, cutting-edge CO₂ recycling technology and other Japanese technologies that aim for a sustainable society. The content of the exhibition is designed to trigger a change in visitors’ awareness and behavior.
In addition, there were collaborative exhibits with internationally popular Japanese characters such as Hello Kitty and Doraemon, making the museum a place where everyone could enjoy the exhibits in a familiar way.
Pokemon” is one of the most popular Japanese characters in the world, and three of them, Zenigame, Fushigidane, and Hitokazu, will greet you at the entrance of the Japan Pavilion.
Pokemon, which has many fans overseas, will be especially appreciated by foreign guests with children.
It is a perfect spot for entertaining, packed with the charm of Japanese technology and character culture.
(Reference: Japan Pavilion | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Web Site )
France Pavilion｜Fill your senses with art and gourmet food
The theme of the France Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is “Hymn of Love. The attraction is a space where visitors can taste French art, fashion, and craftsmanship.
At the exhibition of the popular French brand Louis Vuitton, the library space with piles of trunks, which is said to be the origin of the brand, was a highlight of the exhibition.
There are also exhibits of popular French brands “Dior” and “Celine ” as well, The France Pavilion is a place where visitors can enjoy fashionable exhibits. The French Pavilion is a place where visitors can enjoy fashionable exhibits. Visitors could feel the craftsmanship in the details of sewing.
Gourmet foods unique to the country of gastronomy were also very popular among visitors.
As we will see later in this article, ” Check out some of the gourmet attractions at the Osaka/Kansai Expo! The adjacent “Le Bistro ” under the supervision of Maison Kaiser is a top recommendation of the Motenas Japan staff. However, due to its popularity, there was a long line of people waiting to get in, so our staff had to give up.
This is a must-see spot where visitors can experience art, fashion, and gourmet food that will satisfy all five of their senses. This pavilion is sure to be a hit with foreign guests with a high sensitivity to the arts.
(Reference: France Pavilion | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Web Site )
U.S. Pavilion｜Highly entertaining with stage and video exhibits
The U.S. Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo was impressive for its futuristic feel, with a floating cube between the two buildings at the entrance.
Near the cube A stage is also set up near the cube, where you can enjoy dance and other performances and other performances that are typical of this entertainment powerhouse.
The U.S. Pavilion, with the theme “Imagine What We Can Create Together,” featured immersive exhibits that utilized video and other media. American initiatives in the areas of sustainability, space exploration, education, and entrepreneurship were introduced.
Some of the exhibits will also feature Shohei Otani of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Otani exhibit, which is popular among foreigners, is a must-see spot if you are taking a sports-loving foreigner with you.
This is a recommended spot to experience culture while enjoying entertainment such as stage performances and visual exhibits.
(Reference: U.S. Pavilion | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Web Site )
Where can I buy souvenirs?
A store at the Osaka-Kansai Expo site where Expo merchandise and souvenirs can be purchased.
- East Gate Store Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store
… Official Expo goods and souvenirs are available. The large brick at the entrance is a typical Japanese store. - East Gate Store MARUZEN JUNKUDO
… Official Expo merchandise, heat-protection goods, and apparel items are available for purchase. - Delicious old store Takarabako – Osaka’s specialty
… Osaka souvenirs including makunouchi box lunches, pork cutlet sandwiches, Japanese sweets, etc. Located in the East Gate Zone.
If you want to purchase goods and limited-edition products of the official character “Myakmyak”, we recommend “Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store” and “MARUZEN JUNKUDO” in the East Gate Zone. If you want to buy Osaka’s food as a souvenir, “Delicious Old Store Takarabako: Osaka Products”, also in the East Gate Zone, is also a good choice.
There are also stores outside the venue where Expo souvenirs can be purchased. Shinkansen station platform at JR Shin-Osaka Station The Central Exit of JR Osaka Station are the official stores of the Osaka/Kansai Expo, respectively, so we recommend checking them out on your way home from the Expo.
<Reference>
・ Goods & Shops | EXPO 2025 Visitors
・Official Stores of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai to be opened one after another at Osaka and Shin-Osaka Stations on April 13!
Check out the hot gourmet foods at the Osaka-Kansai Expo!
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is also notable for its gourmet offerings.
Motenas staff recommends the following gourmet restaurants forlunch or a break at the venue.
- Kurazushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store
… Sushi, roast beef, kebabs, and other foods from around the world are available in a kaiten-zushi format. Located in the East Gate Zone. - Osaka Halal Mughal Expo 2025
… Halal, vegetarian, vegan and allergy friendly menu available. Located in the East Gate Zone. - Le Bistrot & La Boulangerie
… Restaurant and bakery supervised by Maison Kaiser. Located in the France Pavilion (Empowering Zone).
The Osaka-Kansai Expo is a great place to enjoy food from all over the world, but since it is being held in Japan, the best part is eating delicious Japanese food. At the Kurazushi Osaka-Kansai Expo Store In addition to sushi, dishes from around the world will be served in a conveyor-belt sushi style. So, even if you bring foreign guests, they will be able to enjoy both “Japaneseness” and “Expo-like” food.
At “Osaka Halal Mughal Expo 2025,” you can rest assured that menus for diverse food cultures are available to accommodate the different dietary styles that you may need to be aware of when dining with foreign guests.
There are also gourmet restaurants in each country’s pavilion to enjoy. Among them, “Le Bistrot” and “La Boulangerie” in the France Pavilion are highly recommended by Motenas Japan staff. These restaurants are supervised by the world-famous bakery Maison Kaiser and you can enjoy French cuisine, breads, pastries, and other delicacies.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, with more than 70 set up, so it is recommended that visitors narrow down their gourmet preferences in advance before coming to the Expo.
(Reference: Gourmet | EXPO 2025 Visitors)
EXPO2025 Ticket Purchase Guide｜Explanation of types, prices, and how to buy tickets
To enter the Osaka-Kansai Expo Tickets must be purchased in advance in advance.
In addition, even after purchasing tickets, you need to make advance preparations, such as reserving the date and time of your visit and making reservations to view the pavilions.
Ticket purchase – Flow of the day
Purchase tickets on the official website or at convenience stores or travel agencies.
Reserve the date and time of your visit on the official website.
Doors open from 9:00 to 22:00 So please select the time when you can come.
Also, choose the entrance gate from “East Gate” or “West Gate”.
Events held at each pavilion are by reservation only. *Except for some pavilions.
Some events can be registered on the day of the visit, while others are on a lottery system or first-come, first-served basis.
You can enter the building when the appointment date and time arrives.
Use the QR code on your digital ticket to enter.Paper tickets must be exchanged for QR codes at the entrance.
Cash is not accepted at the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
You can only pay by the following cash methods, so be prepared before coming to the show.
- credit card
- electronic money
- code settlement
- electronic money
- Osaka-Kansai Expo original electronic money (prepaid card) *Recharge machines available at the venue
(Reference: Cash recharge machines for prepaid cards at the venue – | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Web Site )
Cash is not accepted at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, but there are a variety of payment methods available, so be prepared to use something easy to use.
There are also two types of tickets, digital and paper, which will be explained in more detail.
Digital or paper ticket｜How to choose and the difference
The following two tickets are available for the Osaka-Kansai Expo
- digital ticket
…Smooth entrance with QR code on your smart phone. Available for purchase from the official website. - Paper ticket/exchange ticket
… Paper tickets must be exchanged at the venue entrance. Tickets can be purchased at convenience stores and travel agencies.
Tap to scroll down to the ticket details.
The following is a detailed description of each ticket’s price and features.
Digital tickets (available through the official website)
Digital tickets are, smooth entry with a QR code on your smartphone on the day of the event. ticket.
Available from the official website of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the following eight types of tickets are available.
| Ticket Type | Charge | terms |
|---|---|---|
| all-day ticket | Adults (18 years old and up): 7,500 yen ・Middle-aged people (12-17 years old): 4,200 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 1,800 yen | One admission at any time during the exhibition period |
| weekday ticket | Adults (18 years old and up): 6,000 yen ・Middle aged people (12-17 years old): 3,500 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 1,500 yen | One admission on weekdays only |
| night ticket | Adults (18 years old and up): 3,700 yen ・Middle aged people (12-17 years old): 2,000 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 1,000 yen | One admission after 5:00 p.m. |
| special discount coupon | Adults (18 years old and up): 3,700 yen ・Middle aged people (12-17 years old): 2,000 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 1,000 yen | Persons with disability certificate and one accompanying person may purchase |
| summer pass | Adults (18 years old and up): 12,000 yen ・Middle aged people (12-17 years old): 7,000 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 3,000 yen | Daily admission from 7/19 to 8/31 (reservations required). |
| passing (a ball) for a full year | ・Adult (18 years old and up): 30,000 yen ・Middle-aged person (12-17 years old): 17,000 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 7,000 yen | Admission is available daily during the event (reservations are required). |
*Children under 3 years old are free of charge; age categories are based on April 1, 2025.
The most common ticket is the “one-day pass,” but there are also tickets available at reduced rates depending on the time of year you visit and the length of your stay.
In addition, group discounts are available, so if you are planning to visit with 15 or more people, please check the official ticket website.
Also No ticket fee for children under 3 years old. and children under 3 years of age pay no ticket fee.
However, “free tickets” can be issued in case you need a ticket for a pavilion or event where seating is available. Up to 3 tickets can be held for each adult and middle person ticket, so please apply for them together when you purchase your ticket. *Up to 9 free tickets can be held with each full-year pass, and up to 6 free tickets can be held with each summer pass.
(Reference: [Admission Ticket Prices for Osaka-Kansai Expo] )
If you want to keep your ticket with you, we recommend purchasing a “commemorative ticket”.
Only those who have purchased a digital ticket may purchase an additional “commemorative ticket” for a fee to keep the ticket in their possession.
| Ticket Type | Charge | Ticket Details |
|---|---|---|
| Square Commemorative Ticket | 1,650 yen | With a strap that can be hung from the neck, and the ticket part is square in design. |
| Myakmyak Commemorative Ticket | 1,980 yen | With a strap that can be worn around the neck and an illustration of the official character “Myakmyak” on the ticket. |
| Circle Commemorative Ticket | 1,650 yen | With a strap that can be hung from the neck and a circular design for the ticket portion |
| Passport-type commemorative tickets | 2,530 yen | Commemorative ticket with a passport design that looks like a notebook and comes with a strap that can be worn around the neck |
For around 2,000 yen, you can keep the ticket in your possession, which is great for those who want to keep it as a keepsake.
However Commemorative tickets are received by delivery and are only available in the domestic area. If you wish to purchase a commemorative ticket for a foreign guest, you must receive it in Japan and then mail it to the foreign guest yourself. If you wish to purchase tickets for foreign guests, you must receive the commemorative tickets in Japan and then mail them to the foreign guests yourself.
Paper tickets/exchange tickets (available at convenience stores and travel agencies)
Expo Osaka-Kansai has introduced digital tickets, though, paper tickets/vouchers can also be purchased. paper tickets or vouchers.
| Ticket Type | Charge | terms |
|---|---|---|
| Date and time-specified exchange tickets (weekdays) | Adults (18 years old and up): 6,000 yen ・Middle aged people (12-17 years old): 3,500 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 1,500 yen | One visit allowed on weekdays only, as specified by date and time at the time of purchase |
| Date and time-specified exchange tickets (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) | Adults (18 years old and up): 7,500 yen ・Middle-aged people (12-17 years old): 4,200 yen ・Children (4-11 years old): 1,800 yen | One visit allowed only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays specified at the time of purchase. |
| Reservable Voucher | Except during busy periods*, one visit can be made after 11:00 a.m. without specifying a date and time. *Busy periods: GW (4/26-5/7), Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 6/1-8/8, August after Obon, 1 month before closing (9/13-10/13) |
*Children under 3 years old are free of charge; age categories are based on April 1, 2025.
Paper tickets can be purchased at convenience stores and travel agencies, and some travel agencies offer special plans such as “plans with transportation to the venue” and “plans with accommodation. If you are planning to visit the show while traveling, please check the information on the official ticket website.
In addition, “reservable vouchers,” which do not require the date and time to be specified at the time of purchase, are also recommended as gifts since, in principle, visitors can freely specify the date and time.*Busy periods: GW (4/26-5/7), Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 6/1-8/8, August after Obon, and 1 month before closing (9/13-10/13)
(Reference: Osaka-Kansai Expo Ticket Information｜Paper tickets available at convenience stores, etc. )
List of sites related to Osaka-Kansai Expo tickets
If you would like to check out more information on tickets for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, please also refer to the official page below.
| Site Overview | uniform resouce locator |
|---|---|
| Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Site | https://www.expo2025.or.jp/ |
| Osaka-Kansai Expo Ticket Information Site | https://www.expo2025.or.jp/tickets-index/ |
| Osaka-Kansai Expo FAQ | https://faq.expo2025.or.jp/hc/ja |
A Complete Guide to Getting to Expo ’70 Osaka/Kansai｜Information on maps and shuttle buses
Before you go to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, check out how to get to the venue.
The access method will change depending on whether you enter from the “East Gate” or “West Gate” of the venue, You need to check the gate you will arrive at before deciding how to access the venue. You will need to check the gate you will arrive at before deciding how to access the venue.
Here is a more detailed explanation of how to access the site.
Osaka-Kansai Expo Site Map
How to get to the East Gate｜Train/Bicycle
For those entering through the East Gate, access by train or bicycle. by train or bicycle.
| How to access | Travel time to venue |
|---|---|
| train | 2 minutes walk from Yumeshima Station on Osaka Metro Chuo Line |
| bicycle | 8 min. walk from Yumeshima Bicycle Parking Lot *Reservations required; fees apply. |
Access by train is common, but bicycles are also recommended for those who wish to avoid the crowds at the station.
How to get to the West Gate｜Dedicated Shuttle Bus
For those entering through the West Gate, accessed by a dedicated shuttle bus. The shuttle bus will take you from the West Gate to the entrance.
| How to access | Travel time to venue |
|---|---|
| Shuttle bus from JR Sakurajima Station | 13 minutes by shuttle bus from Sakurajima Station Bus Terminal |
| Shuttle bus from Expo P&R parking lot | 15 minutes by shuttle bus from Maishima Expo P&R parking lot ・30 minutes by shuttle bus from Amagasaki Expo P&R parking lot ・35 minutes by shuttle bus from Sakai Expo P&R parking lot |
In addition to Sakurajima Station, shuttle buses are available from stations Shuttle buses are also available from major stations in the Kansai region (Shin-Osaka Station, Namba Station, etc.). All shuttle buses are available with advance reservations. All shuttle buses require advance reservations, and in addition, people who have paid their fares in advance are given priority for the 8:00-10:00 a.m. shuttle buses from Sakurajima Station, so we recommend that you make your reservations and payments as early as possible.
Also. Expo P&R parking is also available for a fee, reservation required. If you are planning to drive to the Expo, don’t forget to make a reservation in advance. If you are planning to access the site by car, do not forget to make reservations in advance.
(Reference: Access | EXPO 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Web Site )
Extra] 4 recommended sightseeing spots near Expo ’70 in Osaka, Kansai
Finally, here are some recommended sightseeing spots to stop by during your visit to the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
- Osaka Castle (Osaka)
…A famous historical castle with a beautiful view from the observatory, popular among foreigners as a photo spot. - Kuromon Ichiba (Osaka)
…seafood and wagyu beef, and enjoy Japanese gourmet culture in a casual atmosphere. - Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Kyoto)
…Mysterious landscape of vermilion-colored torii gates is popular among tourists from all over Japan and the world. - Nara Park (Nara)
…A spot that is slowly gaining popularity among foreigners, where you can meet deer that roam freely.
Kyoto is accessible by train from Osaka City in about 1 to 1.5 hours, and Nara in about 1 hour. So, it is a good idea for foreign guests to extend their stay a little if they have enough time to spare.
Pick up recommended Kansai articles from Motenas Japan
There is also an article on the Motenas Japan website that introduces recommended sightseeing spots and restaurants in Osaka and Kyoto. Please take a look.
Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025): Hospitality that can only be offered now.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO 2025) is an event where visitors can experience Japanese culture and cutting-edge technology.
The “Myakumyaku,” a character culture that is uniquely Japanese, and exhibits that showcase Japan’s technological prowess will leave a deep impression on foreign guests, who will be able to experience the depth of Japanese culture.
Motenas Japan can plan a tailor-made hospitality plan to meet your needs, from guiding you to the Osaka/Kansai Expo, to arranging interpreters, to proposing a post-Expo dinner. We can plan a tailor-made hospitality plan to meet your needs.
If you want to provide a special experience for your valued foreign guests, please feel free to contact Motenas Japan.
After graduating from university, I worked as a Systems Engineer (SE) at Reuters Japan. Later, I spent five years as a Systems Manager at Reuters Singapore. After that, I studied business administration at a business school in the Netherlands and joined Hitachi Ltd. At Hitachi, I was responsible for new business development, promoting new projects in China and investment schemes in emerging countries. After working for 11 years, I started running Motenas Japan, offering Japanese cultural experiences to foreigners under the motto “Bringing Japan and the world closer together.”
