The Osaka-Kansai Expo finally kicked off yesterday!
📅 Dates: April 13 – October 13, 2025
📍 Location: Yumeshima, Osaka
On Day 1, “万博 ヤバイ” (“Expo is crazy”) was already trending on X (formerly Twitter).
Actually, I attended the trial run of the Expo held from April 4th (Fri) to April 6th (Sun), so today I want to share my honest impressions of the 7 issues that are currently making waves online.
Spoiler alert:
The Expo is actually fun—so you should definitely go!
🔥 Issue 1: Can’t Book Pavilion Reservations!
Many people are complaining that they can’t book pavilions. While pre-booking through a lottery was encouraged, some pavilions offered same-day reservations at information centers.
Reality check:
- You must participate in the pre-lottery.
- Same-day bookings are possible but practically impossible due to long lines.
- Some pavilions don’t require reservations!
I went without any pavilion bookings, assuming it’d be fine to reserve on-site. Big mistake. The line at the information center looped around twice inside the building. I gave up on booking and just walked around—surprisingly, I still had a great time!
I visited:
- Saudi Arabia Pavilion
- UK Pavilion (super impressive and immersive)
- Osaka Healthcare Pavilion
- Various “Commons” areas (multiple countries under one roof)
While it’s better to reserve, you can still enjoy the Expo without one!
🔥 Issue 2: “No Lines” Was a Lie – Waited 2 Hours to Enter!
This is sadly true…
I had an 11:00 AM entry ticket at the East Gate, arrived a bit early, and still waited about an hour in line just to get in.
Important note:
- You must reserve both a gate (East or West) and a time slot.
- Security checks are intense—airport level!
For people like me with a small bladder, this wait was tough.
🔥 Issue 3: QR Codes & Cashless Payments—but No Internet!
Yep, also true.
Luckily, I had printed my QR code, but the Expo app wouldn’t load once I was inside. Without signal, it’s hard to get any pavilion info or navigate.
Also, the event is fully cashless. Make sure to bring a physical credit card—don’t rely solely on mobile payment apps like PayPay.
🔥 Issue 4: Even Maps Cost Money!?
Also true. The official map booklet was being sold, which frustrated some people.
However, I found that single-sheet A3 maps were being handed out for free by staff.
But the official website says: “No free maps will be distributed for sustainability reasons.”
Maybe the free ones were just for the test run?
🔥 Issue 5: ¥200 Million Toilets—Really!?
This is a hot topic because of the design cost.
Honestly, as someone who grew up using outdoor portable toilets, I found them pretty luxurious.
Some restrooms felt like they came straight out of Disneyland. And importantly, there were plenty of toilets—so no worries even for families.
🔥 Issue 6: Even Water Isn’t Free!?
There were reports of some restaurants charging for water and even seat time (around ¥500 per hour).
However, since that’s common in some countries, I don’t think it’s outrageous.
There are free water refill stations inside the venue, so bring a reusable bottle!
🔥 Issue 7: Meals Cost ¥3,000!?
Yes, the food can be pricey—but not everything!
I found:
- A seaweed bento for ¥500 (limited-time deal)
- Grilled octopus on a stick for ¥600
- A crepe for ¥1,000
Still, I ended up spending over ¥2,000… 😅
The big issue is the lines—some places like Sushiro and Kurazushi reportedly had 8.5 hour waits!
Summary
Here’s my recap of the 7 burning issues currently stirring up the internet—and what it was actually like:
- Pavilion reservations are hard to get.
- Entry lines are long despite promises.
- Internet connectivity issues cause chaos.
- Paper maps cost money (in most cases).
- ¥200 million toilets are controversial.
- Some restaurants charge for water and seating.
- Food prices are steep, but there are budget options.
That said, the architecture is stunning, the international vibe is strong, and you really do feel like you’ve gone abroad.
If you’re thinking about going—just go! It’s worth it.
