Osaka Expo 2025 Opens Its Doors on April 13: A Grand Celebration of Harmony

The much-anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan has officially opened its doors on Yumeshima Island, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the event is expected to attract millions of visitors from Japan and around the globe, making it one of the most significant international events.

On the opening day, Sunday, April 13, approximately 119,000 people visited the World Exposition in Osaka, while over 9 million tickets had already been sold as of April 9, 2025. During its first week, the Expo welcomed around 524,000 visitors. The Expo theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives” brings together participants from over 150 countries and regions, along with international organizations and companies. It features the world's largest wooden architectural structure, "The Grand Ring", which measures about 2 kilometres in circumference. The Grand Ring expresses the expo's concept of "Unity in Diversity." For more information, visit: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/

Use “EXPO Quick” for Easy Tickets: The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition is selling “Easy Tickets” designed to make it easier for visitors to purchase admission tickets and visit Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan through “EXPO Quick” services started from April 13th. For tickets, visit: https://lp.expo2025.pia.jp/

High-Speed Vessel "PASONA NATUREVERSE Go" to Connect Expo 2025 Site with Awaji Island

Pasona Group Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Yasuyuki Nambu) announce the launch of the “PASONA NATUREVERSE Go”, a high-speed passenger vessel (approx. one hour ride each way) connecting Tsubasa Port on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture with Yumeshima, the site of Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan. This limited-time service will operate throughout the duration of the Expo, from April 13 to October 13, 2025, offering a scenic route across Osaka Bay, primarily to attract visitors to Awaji Island.

Awaji Island: A Blend of Nature, Culture, and Family Fun Just Off the Beaten Path

Awaji Island, located between Japan’s Honshu and Shikoku islands, has long been admired for its scenic beauty, deep-rooted mythology, and cultural heritage. But in recent years, this tranquil destination has also emerged as a favourite for families, pop culture fans, and adventure seekers.

At the heart of Awaji Island’s modern allure is “Nijigen-no-Mori”, a dream come true for Hello Kitty fans, with Hello Kitty Smile and Hello Kitty Show Box providing charming, immersive experiences for visitors of all ages — especially families with young children. Here, fans can dine in Hello Kitty-themed restaurants, enjoy interactive art spaces, and even meet the beloved character. But the adventure doesn’t stop there — thrill-seekers are drawn to the Godzilla Zipline, where guests fly straight into the mouth of a massive Godzilla replica, making it a must-visit for adventure lovers.

No trip to Awaji Island is complete without witnessing the “Akashi Kaikyo Bridge”, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, especially at sunset. Spiritual seekers will find serenity at the Izanagi Shrine, said to be Japan’s oldest shrine. Equally captivating is “Chizenji Temple Benzaiten” (Goddess Benzaiten is similar to Goddess Saraswati, who is worshipped in India), dedicated to the goddess of music and eloquence, offering a peaceful escape into Japan’s spiritual traditions. For a quirky cultural twist, “Awaji World Park Onokoro” surprises visitors with miniature replicas of world-famous landmarks — including a charming version of the Taj Mahal, making it an unexpected selfie spot that delights both kids and adults. Awaji Island is not only known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions but also for its excellent and readily available range of accommodations, from luxurious seaside resorts and stylish boutique hotels to cozy traditional ryokan.

Further south, the southern tip of Awaji Island is a playground for nature lovers, offering exciting activities like kayaking and boat tours to view the Naruto whirlpools, powerful tidal currents that swirl dramatically beneath the Naruto Bridge and much more.

About Japan National Tourism Organization:

Affiliated with the Japan Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, JNTO has effectively functioned as the Japanese government bureau of tourism. It has 26 tourism-promotion-oriented offices across the world and a large network of suppliers for tourism and event services in Japan. JNTO Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/in/