Planning to visit Expo 2025 Osaka? Great choice! As a native Japanese living near Osaka, I’ve seen the city transform in preparation for this international event. But getting to the venue can feel confusing, especially with multiple stations named “Expo” and a completely new area being developed. Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through the easiest, most reliable ways to reach Expo 2025 Osaka, even if it’s your first time in Japan.
This guide is based on up-to-date information, local knowledge, and practical tips that go beyond typical travel guides.
Expo 2025 Osaka will be held on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay—not at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita.
The easiest way to get to Yumeshima is by Osaka Metro, especially from central hubs like Namba, Umeda, or Shin-Osaka.
Special Expo shuttle services and ferry routes are expected to run during the event.
Trains in Osaka are easy—just use an IC card and skip the tickets.
Getting to Expo 2025 Osaka: Best Routes and Options
Where is Expo 2025 Osaka Located?
Expo 2025 will be held on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. This newly developed area is located in Konohana Ward, Osaka. The island is being developed specifically for the Expo and future urban use. Unlike the 1970 Expo, which was held in Suita, Yumeshima is closer to central Osaka.
(Official Expo 2025 website)
How to Get to Yumeshima from Osaka Station or Namba
The most direct way is via Osaka Metro Chuo Line. You’ll need to head toward Yumeshima Station, a brand-new station opening for the Expo.You can access Hommachi via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. You can access Hommachi via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. If you’re coming from Tokyo by Shinkansen, it’s easiest to transfer at Shin-Osaka Station, where the bullet train stops.
Here’s a quick comparison from three major areas:
| Departure Point | Metro Route | Transfer Needed | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka Station | Osaka → Hommachi → Yumeshima | 1 (Hommachi) | ~30 min |
| Namba Station | Namba → Hommachi → Yumeshima | 1 | ~25 min |
| Shin-Osaka Station | Shin-Osaka → Hommachi → Yumeshima | 1 | ~35 min |
Using Osaka Metro to Reach Expo 2025
The Chuo Line is the best choice. It’s being extended all the way to Yumeshima for Expo 2025, with more frequent trains and multilingual announcements. All signs will be available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
During the Expo period, trains are expected to be extremely crowded—especially during the morning rush hours and after the event ends at night. If you plan to enter at 9 a.m., expect crowds even before the gates open. In the evening, around 9 p.m., large numbers of visitors will head to Yumeshima Station all at once, making it very congested.
Ferry Services and Shuttle Buses
You can also reach the Expo site by passenger ship or ferry from Kobe Port and Kobe Airport. Just book your ticket directly through the ferry operator’s website based on your departure point. Once you arrive at the Yumeshima North Pier, a free shuttle bus will take you straight to the Expo venue.
Check the official Expo 2025 site.
Can You Drive or Take a Taxi to Yumeshima?
Visiting the Expo site by car is possible, but not recommended. During the event, driving cars or motorcycles directly to the venue is prohibited to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Instead, you’ll need to park at a designated parking area located some distance away from the site—and parking fees can be quite expensive. From the designated parking areas, you can easily hop on a shuttle bus that will take you directly to the Expo venue.
| Vehicle Type | Facility | Parking Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Maishima, Amagasaki, Sakai | ¥4,000–¥6,000 |
| Motorcycle | Maishima | ¥1,800–¥2,400 |
Taxis are allowed but can be costly due to distance and traffic. Expect to pay around 3,000–6,000 yen from central Osaka.
Watch Out: Not the Suita Expo Park!
Some visitors confuse Yumeshima with Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Suita. While beautiful, it is not the location for Expo 2025.
If you see references to “Banpaku Koen,(Expo Park)” that’s Suita. Yumeshima has no traditional parkland—it’s a newly developed area.
Practical Transportation Tips for Tourists
How to Buy a Train Ticket in Osaka
Buying a train ticket is easy, even if you don’t speak Japanese. At any Osaka Metro station, you’ll find ticket machines with English support. Just choose your destination, insert cash or card, and you’re ready.
But honestly, I recommend skipping tickets and using an IC card.
What is an IC Card and How to Use It
(Official WEST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY)
IC cards like ICOCA or Suica are rechargeable smart cards. You tap them at ticket gates, no need to buy individual tickets each time. They work on most trains, buses, and even some shops.
You can easily purchase IC cards at Kansai Airport, major stations, and ticket vending machines. You can also recharge them at dedicated machines or vending machines at the stations.
Suica is the most widely used IC card in Japan, but ICOCA is the most common in the Kansai region.
Using Google Maps and Transit Apps in Japan
Google Maps works well in Japan, especially for transit. Just enter your destination, and it’ll show platform numbers, train types, and transfer details.
You can also try:
Navitime: Popular with locals
Japan Travel by NAVITIME: English-friendly
Osaka Metro Navi: Expo-specific updates expected
Accessibility: Wheelchairs, Strollers, and Luggage
Osaka Metro is largely accessible. Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available at almost all stations.
At Yumeshima Station, barrier-free access is guaranteed—it’s a newly built station with Expo standards. If you’re traveling with kids or heavy bags, use wide gates and avoid rush hour.
Comparing Costs: Subway vs Taxi vs Ferry
Here’s a breakdown of typical one-way costs to Yumeshima from central Osaka:
| Transport Method | Cost (approx.) | Time | Notes |
| Subway | 280–430 yen | 25–40 min | Best choice for budget travelers |
| Taxi | 3,000–6,000 yen | 25–50 min | Expensive but convenient |
Summary: Best Transport Choices Based on Your Situation
Solo traveler or couple? → Osaka Metro is fastest and cheapest
With kids or elderly family? → Taxi if budget allows, or avoid peak hours on Metro
- Want a scenic ride? → Ferry from Universal City
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