I’ve been obsessed with the idea of World Fairs for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about how these events have shaped cities and left behind iconic landmarks that define their skylines.
Take Paris, for example—home to the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the 1889 World Fair. Or Chicago, whose unique city-wide architecture was heavily influenced by the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. These events were BIG deals back in their time.
So, when I found out last year that the 2025 World Expo (or, “World Fair” as I incorrectly like to call it) was gonna be in Osaka, I practically fell out of my chair.
Not only is this a chance to experience the latest global innovations, but it’s also happening in one of my favorite cities in the entire world!
I’ve been to Osaka twice already, and I love its laid-back vibe, incredible food scene, and friendly locals. This year’s Expo is the perfect excuse to explore Osaka and the Kansai region once again while getting to see the best the world has to offer.
This Osaka hotel guide is here to help you figure out where to stay during the Expo.
If you’re looking for a hotel in a high-energy district for a quintessential Osaka experience, we recommend staying near Namba Station or Shinsaibashi Station. To be closer to the venue, Osaka Bay is the area to base yourself.
I’ll break down the differences between the areas I recommend, highlight nearby landmarks, and give you the lowdown on subway access to Yumeshima Island, where the Expo will be held.
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Where Is Expo 2025 Taking Place?
The World Expo 2025 is heading to Osaka, Japan, marking its return to the city after 55 years since the The Osaka Expo 1970 (Japan and Asia’s first ever)!
From April 13 to October 13, 2025, the event will take place on Yumeshima Island, a man-made island in Osaka Bay (near Universal Studios Japan).
This is a huge deal—not just for Osaka, but for me personally. As someone who’s had the World Fair on my bucket list for decades, the fact that it’s happening in my favorite travel destination feels like a double win. I’m already counting down the days!
The World Expo: In a Nutshell
If you’ve never been to a World Expo, let me break it down for you without all the fancy jargon that you’ll find on the official website.
Think of it as a giant global showcase where countries come together to flaunt their latest innovations. It’s like a mix of a science fair, a cultural festival, and a tech conference—but on steroids.
The theme for 2025 is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” with a focus on sustainability, empowerment, and connection. Expect to see everything from AI and robotics to solutions for global challenges like climate change and poverty. And yes, there will be plenty of cool, interactive exhibits to geek out over.
You can read more + watch videos about what to expect at the Expo at the end of this guide.
Where to Stay For Expo 2025: Near Yumeshima Island
Yumeshima Island is a bit off the beaten path, but Osaka’s excellent train system makes it easy to get there from several nearby neighborhoods.
- From Osaka Bay (Osakako Station): 8 minutes by train
- From Hommachi Station: 20 minutes by train
- From Namba Station: 30 minutes by train
- From Umeda Station: 30 minutes by train
- From Tennoji Station: 30 minutes by train
We’ll cover these areas in more detail below.
👉 WHERE I’M STAYING: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji in Hommachi.
Osaka Bay Area
Best for: Expo-focused travelers who don’t mind being a little removed from the hustle and bustle of Osaka.
If your main goal is to minimize travel time to the Expo, this is the most convenient area for you. You’ll want to look for hotels close to Osakako Station.
It’s just a short train ride to Yumeshima and only a 9-minute drive to Universal Studios Japan. The area is modern and has a good amount of hotel options, but it’s further from the city center (about a 20-minute train ride to Namba).
MID-RANGE
Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower
With triple and quadruple rooms, this hotel is perfect for families and large groups, and the buffet breakfast is a great way to start your day. It’s just 4 stops from the Expo and 3 stops from Universal Studios Japan, making it a convenient base for both attractions.
Hommachi
Best for: Travelers who want a peaceful base but still want easy access to the Expo and the rest of the city.
For a good balance between convenience and quietness, Hommachi is a great choice.
It’s a central business district with a more relaxed vibe, and it has a direct train line to the Expo site, making it super easy to get there in 20 minutes by train. It’s also close to both Umeda and Namba (you can even walk to both areas if you wanted to), so you’re never far from the action.
Hotels are usually more affordable in this area compared to ones closer to Umeda Station and Namba Station.
My top hotel picks in Honmachi are:
LUXURY
St. Regis Osaka
St. Regis = pure luxury. The 5-star hotel has 3 onsite restaurants, a luxury spa, and their iconic 12th-floor terrace with sweeping vistas of the Osaka skyline.
MID-RANGE
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
4-star hotel, rooms are swanky and larger than most in Japan, with king beds available too.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Hotel Cordia Osaka Hommachi
For the price, you really can’t beat it. Modern, larger-than-average rooms at a great price (especially if you book early enough!). Queen beds are available.
Umeda
Best for: Expo convenience, city exploration, and day trips out of Osaka.
Osaka’s bustling downtown area, referred to as the Kita area (or Umeda), is a hub for business, shopping, and food.
While not as busy as the Minami area (Namba and Shinsaibashi), this neighborhood is home to a number of higher-end hotels and restaurants. Because it is a business district, it’s not the best for nightlife, but the happening Dotonbori district is just a short train ride away.
Umeda Station is conveniently located along the Red Line (Midosuji subway line, aka the one you’ll likely be using the most) and it’s also where most of the Shinkansen (bullet trains) depart, making it a great base if you plan to take day trips to the likes of Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara.
Getting to the Expo from Umeda Station requires just one train transfer that’ll get you there in 30 minutes, so it’s the best option for people who want the ultimate trio of experiences: Expo convenience, city exploration, and day trips out of Osaka.
My top hotel picks in Kita/Umeda are:
LUXURY
InterContinental Hotel Osaka
We’re all about hunting for larger rooms when staying in Japan, and the rooms here are MASSIVE. They’re almost 3x larger than the average Osaka hotel room.
MID-RANGE BOUTIQUE
Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
A 4-star hotel with all the creature comforts you need like breakfast in the morning, a gym, a swimming pool, and complimentary snacks/beverages all day long.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
UMEDAHOLIC HOTEL
Easy on the wallet, walking distance from Umeda Station, spacious rooms with queen beds. This 3-star hotel is a true hidden gem (so keep it a secret)!
Namba
Best for: Travelers who want the best of both worlds: convenient Expo visits + staying in the middle of all the action.
Namba (referring to the major train station in the heart of the district), is one of the best places to stay if you want to experience why Osaka is named Japan’s food capital.
This lively district is home to some of the city’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife, and it’s super easy to get around on foot or by public transportation.
There are two large subway stations, the Namba Subway Station and the Shinsaibashi Subway Station, both on the Red Line (Midosuji Subway Line). Either one will be a great choice because there’s a ton of stuff to do around both.
It’ll take you 29-30 minutes to get from either station to the Expo (Yumeshima Station).
Here are my picks for the Minami/Namba area:
LUXURY
W Osaka
In a city where king beds are hard to find, W Osaka is a rare hotel where king beds are available + free use of bikes!
MID-RANGE BOUTIQUE
Cross Hotel Osaka
If you’re not used to small rooms typically found in Japan, this modern and airy hotel is for you. You’ll find large rooms with queen or even king beds!
MID-RANGE BOUTIQUE
HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi
A modern boutique hotel with larger-than-average room sizes. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes buffet, continental and American options.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY APARTHOTEL
Citadines Namba Osaka
Aparthotel (apartment-style hotel) with lots of space, even sitting/dining areas in the room. There’s also a gym, a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and luggage storage.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Hotel Forza Osaka Namba
Easy on the wallet, great location by Namba Station, spacious rooms with queen beds. There’s a lot to love about this one.
Tennoji
Best for: More affordable hotels and easy access to the retro part of Osaka.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more budget-friendly area that’s still close to tourist attractions, Tennoji is your spot.
The Tennoji Area in Osaka is an underrated area that I personally love. It has better access to supermarkets and is home to lots of cheaper hotels, which are both things that budget travelers love.
Tennoji is in an older part of Osaka, lying just south of Minami (Namba Station area). At first look, you’ll find many hip, modern shops and restaurants around. But if you go into the back alleys you’ll find old-fashioned izakayas (that are not only cheap but yummy too!).
You’ll sort of get the best of both worlds here — the photogenic surroundings of Tennoji, free of skyscrapers, plus the ability to walk/train with ease to the popular Minami area from there.
It’s a mix of traditional and modern vibes, with easy access to landmarks like Tennoji Temple, Shinsekai, and Janjan-Yokocho.
My top hotel picks in Tennoji are:
LUXURY
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel
A 5-star hotel with great city views, free bikes for guest use, and a fitness center.
MID-RANGE
Hotel & Resort Bali Tower Tennoji
Pretend like you’re in Indonesia with these Balinese-themed rooms. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Tennoji Train Station. There are fun activities including karaoke and playrooms for the kids!
BUDGET
the b osaka-shinsekai
This super affordable hotel is close to popular attractions like the Tennoji Zoo, Shinsekai district, Kanshizume of Wells, Yasui Shrine, and Tokoku-ji Temple. They even have rooms with king beds for cheap!
What To Expect At The Expo 2025
The World Expo is basically a giant trade show for nations—but with amazing architecture and a whole lot of flair.
Each country gets its own pavilion, and they can design it however they want to represent their culture, history, or even their latest tech innovations. You can get a sneak peek of this year’s pavilions here.
From the last Expo in 2020, some pavilions, like Turkey and Slovakia, focused on showcasing their best technology and business opportunities, while others, like Japan or France, dove deep into their cultural heritage.
If you’re a museum person, you’ll love soaking up the exhibits and stories behind each pavilion.
But the Expo isn’t just about walking around and looking at stuff. There are music and dance performances scheduled throughout the day, and honestly, these should be your top priority! (You can visit the pavilions to kill time between shows.)
For example, at the 2020 Dubai Expo, there were daily performances such as Kazakhstan’s Independence Day Concert, live Irish music at the Ireland pavilion, Chopin concerts at Poland’s pavilion, and even Tango lessons at Argentina’s pavilion.
The Expo app and website are your best friends for keeping track of the events schedule, but don’t be surprised if you stumble upon unlisted performances.
You’ll also have plenty of chances to try food from all around the world!
At the 2020 Expo, you could sip regional coffee styles at Saudi Arabia’s “Sard Cafe,” indulge in French cheese samples outside the French Pavilion, or feast at the Estonian Pavilion’s restaurant.
On top of the individual restaurants found at each of the pavilions, there are also many food halls to sample global flavors.
Here are some hype videos to get you excited!
An overview of the event:
I don’t understand Japanese, but this sure is cute:
Getting Tickets To The World Expo 2025
Tickets for the World Expo in Osaka are available in several types. Most people will probably get the First-Half Period Ticket or the One-Day Ticket.
Wanna go multiple days? Get the Season Pass OR Summer Pass.
- One-Day Ticket: Valid for a single day during the entire Expo period (April 13, 2025 – October 13, 2025). Ideal for visitors planning a short visit.
- First-Half Period Ticket: Valid for entry during the first half of the Expo (April 13, 2025 – July 18, 2025). Perfect for those planning to visit in the earlier months of the event.
- Summer Pass: Valid during the summer months (July 19, 2025 – August 31, 2025). Great for those planning multiple visits during this peak period.
- Season Pass: Valid for the entire Expo period (April 13, 2025 – October 13, 2025). The best choice for frequent visitors who want unlimited access.
- Special Ticket: Valid for the entire Expo period (April 13, 2025 – October 13, 2025). Only for guests with disability certificates and an accompanying guest.
- Kids Ticket: For children aged 3 and under, tickets are free! You can grab those on the official site.
- Night Ticket: Sold during the Expo and can be used for one entry after 5pm.
You can buy tickets to the event on the official Expo 2025 site, but for simplicity’s sake, we recommend buying them on GetYourGuide. You’ll be paying the same price, except on GYG, you get a few added perks:
- Pay in your home currency: GYG allows you to pay in your home currency (an awesome free feature), which is especially helpful if you don’t have a foreign transaction fee-free credit card. Booking on the official World Expo site will incur a fee since they charge in Japanese Yen.
- All your activities are stored in one place: When you buy your tickets on GYG, your tickets will be stored in your account along with any other tours, activities, and excursions you book for Japan and beyond. It’s so much easier than digging through your email for tickets!
Buying our tickets for the Expo on GetYourGuide was super easy. You’ll just have to make a profile on the official Expo website and link your ticket after your purchase. We are SO excited about our visit in May 2025!
Osaka: Essential Packing List
- Your Expo tickets | You can buy them on the official site, but we recommend buying them on GetYourGuide. Tickets cost the same, they’re just much easier to get through GetYourGuide!
- Japan Rail Pass | If you’re exploring within the Kansai region, the Kansai Area regional pass may make sense. If you’re traveling far and wide across Japan, the national pass can be worth the money.
- Icoca (IC) Card | Super-convenient rechargeable cards that can be used on all major trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan. You can even use them to pay for stuff at the konbini (convenience stores)! Cards can be purchased from train station ticket vending machines or ticket offices.
- eSIM | If your phone carrier does not provide free international data, you’ll probably want to avoid those exorbitant roaming fees. Get around that by getting a digital eSIM pass. I personally use Airalo for trips abroad because it requires no extra stops at the airport — you can set everything up completely digitally!
- Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures, GPSing to all the great landmarks of Japan. The last thing you want is to be stranded with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
- Travel Adapter | If you’re traveling internationally, you’re going to need one. This one here is tried and trusted. It allows for a normal plug and has two additional USB ports.
- Jet Lag Prevention | Chances are you will be jetlagged during your first few days in Japan. Don’t let the long flight and time change weigh you down! Here are a few preventative options that’ll help:
- 1Above Anti Jet Lag Flight Drink Tablets – Super antioxidant drink tablets.
- Miers Labs Homeopathic Jet Lag Prevention – Helps to alleviate jet lag symptoms that affect the body, prevents disorientation as well as mental and physical fatigue.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes | You will be doing a lot of walking in Japan.
- An everyday bag for city exploration | One that carries a water bottle is a must! I recently bought this crossbody bag by ALPAKA and love it for the water bottle holder.
- Cash and credit cards
- Important travel documents | Passports, visas, flight tickets, medical cards
- Lastly, be sure to save space in your luggage for souvenirs and snacks to bring home!
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Osaka
- 4 Days of Fun in Osaka: Ultimate Itinerary for an Epic Trip
- 15 Fun Things To Do In Osaka (Other Than Castles + Shrines)
- 20 Fun And Free Things To Do In Kyoto and Osaka, Japan
- Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide
Kyoto
- 2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
- 25 Unique Activities To Add To Your Kyoto Bucketlist
- 7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed
