My Expo 2025 Experience
Expo 2025, Osaka Japan – Being my first time visiting Japan, it is also my first time to attend a World’s Fair. For the second time, Japan hosts the World’s Fair again after its first staging in 1970 in Suita, Osaka. It is also a “core memory” for me as it is my first time ever attending a World Expo of this scale.
My Expo 2025 Experience
As part of my visit to Japan, I never really missed the opportunity to attend the opening day of Expo 2025 last 13 April 2025 in Yumeshima Island, Kansai, Osaka. There were over 158 participating countries and around 84 organizational and private pavilions. When I visited, I came across 42 country pavilions and special pavilions because the weather was not that good at that time.
As rain poured during the opening day of Expo 2025, the energy is still high despite the cold, crisp weather. Different pavilion openings were happening left and right and dances and cheers were also heard throughout the Expo venue. The main highlight of the World Expo is The Grand Ring where it was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as “The Largest Wooden Architectural Structure” in the world.
Read also: Expo 2025: Here’s what to expect in Osaka World Expo
I also had a taste of Japanese Takoyaki near “The Shining Hat” Hall and the Japanese Pavilion. I am also amazed that the organizing committee of Expo 2025 implemented a complete cashless payment system in all areas of the expo site.
As a symbol of Japan, too, there were a lot of vending machines selling different kinds of beverages to quench your thirst. There were also a lot of trash bins for waste disposal. Though I like myself to get lost inside the expo area, there were also Expo 2025 Maps posted in key areas of the site, although there is also a tangible map for sale at the Expo Information Centers.
There were also country performances in every corner of the expo site as part of its opening day! I have witnessed the Pavilion Opening of Turkmenistan with a traditional dance (I have not asked what the dance name was) where dancers danced their way in welcoming people to the Turkmen pavilion.
The official store for Expo 2025 was also packed and long queues welcomed visitors. Though the lines were quick upon entering, the store looked cramped inside as shoppers swarmed the stores. The merchandise available were also varied – from plushies, neck pillows, stickers, shirts, keychains, mugs, notebooks, and of course food – you name it, they probably have it! It mainly features the Expo’s mascot – Myaku Myaku!
When night came, a Drone Show was also shown just outside The Ring and was immediately followed by the Opening Water and Light Show entitled “Under the Midnight Rainbow” which runs daily on two shows, 1910 H and 2030 H respectively.
To end the day, there was also a spectacular fireworks display which I had not noticed because my feet were dead tired that day and all I did was walk to Yumeshima station and whisked away to downtown Osaka for some dinner and booze.
Overall, my Expo 2025 experience and my very first World’s Fair experience is one for the books, making it a memorable “core memory” for me. From the exciting and eye-catching pavilions, to the showcase of different cultures, traditions, and innovations – the World Expo is really a must visit event (as it happens once every 5 years!) If I were you, get to experience Expo 2025 even once running from 13 April to 13 October 2025 in Osaka, Japan!
Other Photos from my Expo 2025 Experience
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
