Expo 2025 Osaka kicked off on April 13 and will run until October 13. People from all over the world are excited to attend this global event.
Besides the man-made island of Yumeshima, which will host the Osaka Expo 2025, you can also find many other tourist attractions around the Osaka Expo 2025 area.
From the family-friendly Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to the romantic Tempozan Ferris Wheel, there’s so much to explore nearby.
Let’s check out our top five recommended places to visit around Expo 2025 Osaka!
1. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan features 15 themed tanks, such as “Japan Forest” and “Antarctica,” showcasing a wide variety of marine life.
You’ll get to see the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, along with sea otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, manta rays, jellyfish, and more.
In total, the aquarium is home to over 30,000 marine creatures from around 620 species. It’s a fantastic experience for both kids and adults!
To get to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, simply take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station, just two stops before the expo site. Clear signs will guide you from the station all the way to the aquarium, so just follow along!
More Information
■ Tickets: Adults ¥2,700, Ages 7–15 ¥1,400, Ages 3–6 ¥700, Free for children under 2
■ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies by month)
2. Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria
If you enjoy sightseeing by boat and have enough time, don’t miss the chance to hop on the Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria, a large tall ship cruise. The boat departs every hour and sails around Osaka Port in about 45 minutes.
The Santa Maria departs from the west side of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Along the way, you’ll pass by landmarks like the Tempozan Bridge, Minato Bridge, and Sakishima Island.
On board, you’ll find multilingual audio guides, so you won’t miss out on any details!
More Information
■ Tickets: Adults ¥1,800, Children ¥900
■ Operating Hours: Day cruises 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunset cruises at 5:15 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:00 PM
3. Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Right next to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, you’ll find the colorful and charming Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The cabins come in bright, cheerful colors, and the wheel reaches a height of about 112.5 meters.
A full rotation takes around 15 minutes. On clear days, you can enjoy sweeping views of Osaka Port and the city skyline. Whether you go during the day or at sunset, the ride feels relaxing and delightful!
More Information
■ Tickets: Ferris Wheel ¥900, Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria + Ferris Wheel Combo ¥2,400
■ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Read:
World Expo 2025 Will Be Held in Osaka! Mark the Location and Date
4. Maishima Go-Kart
Maishima Seaside Park, located right next to Expo 2025 Osaka, usually draws huge crowds every April for its blooming Nemophila flowers.
This year, however, the festival takes a break because of the expo. But don’t worry — Maishima still offers fun go-karting experiences for anyone aged 2 and up!
More Information
■ Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (varies by month)
5. Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory
Lastly, don’t miss the Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory, located just one stop before the Expo site at “Trade Center-mae” station.
You can easily reach it by taking either the Chuo Line or Nanko Line. After arriving, follow the signs through the skywalk, exchange your ticket on the first floor, and take the elevator up to the 55th-floor 360-degree observatory.
From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rokko in the distance, as well as Yumeshima, the artificial island hosting Expo 2025.
Check the sunset time before you go, so you can catch both the sunset and the sparkling night views in one visit — it’s definitely worth it!
When you pick up your ticket, you’ll also receive a drink discount coupon for the café on the 55th floor. If you want to relax and wait for the city lights to appear after sunset, enjoy a coffee and snap some photos while you’re there!
More Information
■ Tickets: Adults ¥700, Junior high school students and younger ¥400
■ Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Related Spots Around Expo 2025 Osaka
These are five must-visit attractions around the Expo 2025 Osaka site.
They’re not only easy to get to but also full of fun! If you’re planning to stay in Osaka for a few days, consider using the “Osaka Amazing Pass” when visiting tourist attractions around the Osaka Expo 2025 area.
It lets you explore these places with unlimited rides on the Osaka Metro!
