Don’t Get Caught Off Guard at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! What to Pack and 10 Key Tips to Know in Advance

The Expo grounds span around 155 hectares and will host more than 180 pavilions.
Many of these require advance reservations. Without careful planning and bookings, you’re unlikely to get the full experience the Expo has to offer.

Because most of the site is open-air, sun protection and rain gear are essential.
In summer, you’ll also need heat protection and measures against heatstroke due to the hot and humid conditions.

Like Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan, Expo 2025 will have baggage checks at the entrance.
Beyond what would generally be considered inappropriate, the following items are specifically prohibited:

There are two entrance gates to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: the East Gate and the West Gate. Visitors must select which gate to use when reserving their visit date and time.
Most visitors use the East Gate, which is accessible within a few minutes’ walk from Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro.
During holidays or peak seasons, this area is expected to be extremely crowded.
If you want to avoid the congestion, it’s best to enter from the West Gate.
The West Gate is primarily accessible via shuttle buses, most of which require advance reservations.
You can book your shuttle via Kansai MaaS.
Note that traveling from the East Gate to the West Gate takes time and requires using the perimeter shuttle bus “e Mover.”

Some pavilions and events require advance reservations.
If there are ones you absolutely want to see, be sure to check after purchasing your ticket whether reservations are required.
Since some attractions use a lottery system, it’s also a good idea to shortlist several options just in case you don’t win your first choice.
While same-day bookings may be available, popular pavilions tend to fill up quickly—so book as early as possible.
Some pavilions don’t require reservations, but these operate either on a first-come, first-served basis or allow free entry.
Even for free-entry pavilions, you may need to wait in line during busy periods, so allow extra time in your schedule.

Depending on crowd conditions, it may take one to two hours just to enter the venue.
Long lines for pavilion entry can also eat up time, and moving around the expansive site takes longer than expected.
The venue is much larger than most people expect, so allow plenty of time for walking between areas.
When reserving your must-see pavilions, be sure to leave plenty of time before and after each reservation.
Also factor in time for walking, resting, and waiting in line when planning your day.

Cash is not accepted anywhere at the Expo site—including vending machines—so make sure you’re equipped for cashless transactions.
However, there will be over 60 prepaid e-money charging stations that accept cash for recharging.
The following four types of prepaid e-money are supported:

Refer to the official website for the full list of accepted payment methods.

Besides the required “EXPO 2025 Visitors” app (for ticketing and reservations), there are several useful apps you should download before arriving.
With these in place, you’ll be well prepared to enjoy Expo 2025 to the fullest.

There are few signs within the venue, and network connectivity may become unstable depending on the crowd size. To avoid getting lost or stuck, it’s best to prepare by downloading or printing the venue map ahead of time so it’s available offline.
You can buy a paper map for ¥200 at the information desk, but you may need to wait in line depending on the time of day.
If you want to save time and money, we recommend downloading the map from the official website and saving it to your device or printing it out.
The map can be downloaded or printed from the official page below.

Private vehicles and motorcycles are not allowed to enter the Expo grounds directly. Even those using rental cars need to be aware of this rule. The only exception is the Maishima Park & Ride Parking Lot, which is located closest to the venue.
If arriving by car or motorcycle, you must park in a designated lot outside the venue and transfer to a shuttle bus.
Refer to the official Expo website for details on parking and shuttle bus use.

As with Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, there are strict rules on what can be brought into Expo 2025.
Security checks will be conducted at the entrances, and certain items are explicitly prohibited.
Here’s a recap of items you cannot bring:

If you bring any of the above, you’ll need to either store them at the East or West gate or dispose of them on the spot.

Large luggage is not allowed inside the venue and must be stored elsewhere. Specifically, the following items are not permitted:

While there is a luggage storage service available at the gate, it is limited to 100 items and costs 10,000yen per item. Because space is extremely limited, it’s best to leave large items outside the venue.
Transfer stations to the nearest venue station—Bentencho Station and Sakurajima Station—have luggage storage services available for 1,000yen per item. These facilities also offer delivery services to your accommodation.
To avoid unnecessary costs, we recommend leaving your large luggage at your hotel before heading to the venue. For smaller bags, you can use one of the 700 coin lockers available near the East and West Gates, depending on your needs.

Due to the large crowds, mobile signal strength near the gates may weaken, which could prevent your ticket’s QR code from loading properly.
To avoid delays or entry issues, take a screenshot of your QR code and save it on your phone for offline access.
If that’s not possible, print out your QR code and bring it with you. This way, you’ll be covered even in case of network trouble.

You’ll likely use your smartphone frequently at the venue, leading to rapid battery drain. In addition to taking photos, using social media, and staying in touch, your phone will be needed for:

Charging stations are available on-site, but they are expected to be crowded. Bringing your own portable battery is highly recommended.

Since most of the venue is outdoors, a folding umbrella is essential in case of sudden rain.
As strong winds from the sea may cause driving rain, having a raincoat on hand will also provide extra peace of mind.

From summer through early autumn, UV rays can be intense, making sun protection crucial.
Recommended items include:

Be fully prepared to protect yourself from harmful UV exposure.

Staying hydrated is vital, especially in summer. While vending machines and free water stations are available on-site, bringing your own drink is wise.
Please note: Glass and canned beverages are prohibited.
If possible, choose drinks with added salt for better hydration. Salt tablets or candies can also help prevent heatstroke.

While there are plenty of food vendors inside the venue, crowding may make it difficult to get meals right away.
It’s a good idea to pack light snacks such as rice balls, bread, or nutrition bars to hold you over between meals.