10 Tips for Visiting the World Expo 2025

The World Expo has returned to Osaka after 55 years, and the stunning pavilions reflect the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Hundreds of festive cultural performances and unique international foods are a major draw for visitors from all over the world. Here are some tips for an enjoyable visit to the World Expo 2025, which runs until October 13, 2025: 

1.) Views from the Grand Ring

Photo by: Monica Narang

Check out the sunset views from the top of the Grand Ring, an architectural gem designed by Sou Fujimoto. At 61,035 square meters, it’s the world’s largest wooden structure. 

Head to the top of the ring and walk the entire 2 kilometers while getting a bird’s eye view of the pavilions. Also, take beautiful photos of Osaka Bay and enjoy the colorful drone show every night. On certain evenings, there are fireworks shows as well.

2.) Go Later in the Day

Photo by: Monica Narang

Explore the Expo during the evening hours, when you can more easily enter many pavilions without making a reservation. After 7 p.m., the lines to enter pavilions are typically less crowded, and the pavilions are beautifully lit up every evening. 

Also, you can buy a significantly discounted evening ticket for ¥3,700 to enter the Expo after 5 p.m. 

3.) Check for Event Schedules

Photo by: Monica Narang

Go to the Expo app on your smartphone and click on “This Week at Expo 2025” to view the daily schedule.

The event schedule is also displayed on a large information board near the East Gate. Several pavilions host beautiful dances or concerts that are open to the public. For example, the Thailand, Malaysia, Spain, India, and USA pavilions all host incredible music and dance performances daily. 

Some countries list the timings of their shows on a board outside the pavilion. You can also find show times on certain country pavilion apps, such as the Italy Expo 2025 app. 

4.) Use Google Maps

Photo by: Monica Narang

If you’d like a map of the Expo, you can buy a physical map at the info center near the entrance, or print a map from the Expo website. Or, you can take a photo of the large map boards located throughout the venue. Also, Google Maps has a detailed map of the Expo.

5.) Payment Options at the Expo

The Expo is a cashless event, so be sure to have some form of electronic payment such as credit cards, electronic money (i.e. Suica, Rakuten Edy, WAON, or ICOCA) or a smartphone digital wallet. You can also purchase and top up prepaid e-money cards at the Expo or in advance. 

6.) Food and Drinks

You can bring your own food and drinks into the Expo. Also, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up as much as you like at free water refill stations throughout the venue. 

7.) Check out Commons Halls 

Photo by: Monica Narang

If some pavilions are too crowded or only accessible with reservations, you can visit the multiple Commons halls inside the large convention buildings anytime you like. You can just walk in, explore the miniature pavilions, and talk to fascinating country representatives at the various booths. 

8.) More Rooftops

Photo by: Monica Narang

Some pavilions have picturesque rooftops like Germany, Belgium and Malaysia. There are lovely rooftop restaurants at the Italy and Czech Republic pavilions, and a mini botanical garden with orchids at the top of Singapore’s pavilion. For a cool bar experience, check out the top floor of the UK pavilion for the Johnnie Walker Bar.

9.) National Day

Photo by: Monica Narang

Each day, a different country hosts a National Day,  complete with a special show and a festive parade under the Grand Ring. To check the upcoming National Day schedule, including performance and parade timings, check the online Expo app on your smartphone. Many events take place at the outdoor Ray Garden or the indoor Shining Hat venue, and be sure to line up an hour early to get seats. You’ll see lots of fun dances or music shows full of colorful costumes at these cultural performances.

10.) Pavilion Reservations

You can enter lotteries to get reservations for various pavilions on the Expo app a week before your visit. If you win a lottery for a pavilion, then arrive at the designated reservation time and show your QR code at the pavilion entrance. Expo season ticket holders can log into their app and try their luck for multiple lotteries.