In 2025, the World Expo series makes its way to Osaka, Japan after 55 years. A 30-minute train or cab ride from Osaka’s Dotonbori, the artificial island of Yumeshima transforms into a melting pot of the world’s best. Running from April 13 to Oct. 15 every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., it also marks Osaka’s second time hosting the expo. The city’s first time in 1970 was also the first time a World Expo took place in Asia.
World Expos are not your typical conventions. They occur every five years and, much like the Olympics, countries bid to host them. According to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), World Expos are “a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to pressing challenges of our time.” At these events, countries mount exhibitions and the much-anticipated pavilions to show their culture under a universal theme.
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The Osaka, Kansai, Japan Expo 2025 centers on “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” All throughout, participants—from 140 countries to several private companies—focus on how technology and artistry could work hand-in-hand for societal change.
This guide will give you a teaser of what to expect at the expo so you can make the most out of your visit. All you need to do is book your tickets.
The Grand Ring
Upon entering the expo through the East and West Gates, visitors see a tall, wooden structure wrap around the main site. This centerpiece is the Grand Ring, primarily designed and supervised by Tokyo- and Paris-based architect Sou Fujimoto. This architectural feat expresses the theme “Unity through Diversity.”
Though the Grand Ring initially appears somewhat humble in its use of wood, it boasts the finest of Japanese craftsmanship. It was built through both modern construction processes and traditional Japanese nuki joints. This wood joinery technique is mainly used in shrines and temples around Japan. To reinforce the decision to showcase local craft, Fujimoto and his team used 70 percent domestic timber (Japanese cedar and cypress) and 30 percent foreign timber (Scots pine).
Their efforts for the Grand Ring haven’t gone unnoticed. The Grand Ring is the Guinness World Record Holder for the largest architectural structure in the world. The organizers have broadly agreed to preserve a section of the ring after the expo.
In addition to impressing visitors, the Grand Ring plays an integral role in the event. It shelters visitors from the sun and rain. On hot days, the Grand Ring’s design offers a cooling effect for those sitting in its shade. Within the ring are wooden chairs, vending machines, and maps. Visitors can also take an elevator or escalator to the top of the ring to catch views of Yumeshima.
The Philippines Pavilion
A 10-minute stroll from the East Gate is the Philippines Pavilion. Nestled between pavilions from Malaysia and the USA, the pavilion displays over 200 pieces of traditional Indigenous weaving.
Designed by Carlo Calma Consultancy in collaboration with weavers across the country, the pavilion explores the theme “Nature, Culture & Community—Woven Together for a Better Future.”
Inside the pavilion are educational and interactive installations celebrating Philippine heritage and biodiversity. When visitors enter, they walk through an exhibition that shows different Filipino traditions, such as San Fernando parols and Easter church visitations, depicted through weavings.
Past this assemblage of textiles are immersive digital activities. Visitors can dance in front of a screen that mirrors their movements. But here’s the catch: The installation captures their movements, but the visitors show up as constantly-shifting humanoids formed out of clustered Philippine flora and fauna. Visitors can take AI selfies in a similar style.
More pavilions and attractions
Besides the Philippine Pavilion are a hundred pavilions of different sizes and designs from other countries, regions, and institutions. Some must-see pavilions are:
- France explores themes of love and craftsmanship and is sponsored by Louis Vuitton.
- Qatar has an elegant façade inspired by traditional architecture.
- UAE presents an exhibition on sustainability, conservation, and heritage.
- Canada has an interactive AR experience as visitors walk through recreations of glaciers.
- NTT Pavilion has a beautiful display of textile-like structures that float in the wind. Advanced reservation required.
Kawaii culture
Expo 2025 delivers not only in terms of architecture and technology, but also in everything kawaii.
Myaku-Myaku, an anthropomorphic combination of water and red blood cells, is the event’s official mascot. The expo organizers launched an open call to the Japanese public for the mascot’s design and selected the winning entry from children’s book author Kohei Yamashita. The character’s name, which is an onomatopoeia for a pulse, came from two identical entries—one from Miyu Kawakatsu and Hinata Sakuda.
But kawaii characters can also be found all around the expo. Visitors can take photos with Pokémon statues, while the Pasona Group features classic manga character Astro Boy in their pavilion.
Participating countries also joined in on the fun. The USA’s mascot is a star named Spark, while the Netherlands uses the popular character Miffy.
Planning your visit
Organizing an expo visit is like planning a trip within your trip. One day at Yumeshima is enough to enjoy the Grand Ring and two to three pavilions. But, allocate two to three days if you want to visit more pavilions. Here are more tips for your visit:
- You can reach the expo by train through the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, stopping at Yumeshima Station.
- Expect to wait at least 30 minutes in each pavilion’s line. Reserve your slot at a pavilion via lottery system on the Expo 2025 website. Some pavilions require advanced reservations, which you can check on the visitors website.
- Bring a blank booklet so you can collect stamps after visiting each pavilion.
- The expo is cashless, so bring your debit or credit card.
- Lines at the expo’s souvenir shops are notoriously long. Head to the official Expo 2025 store in Parco, Dotonbori, if you want Myaku-Myaku merch without waiting. You can find official stores nearest to you on the website.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is open daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Book your tickets in advance.