55 years after the highly successful Expo '70, Osaka will be holding the World Exhibition for the second time from April 13 to October 13, 2025. One and a half months ahead of the expo's opening, we had the opportunity to visit the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on the occasion of the completion of the "Grand Ring", the symbol of the expo site.

The "Grand Ring" is a two kilometer long, elevated walkway, made out of wood, overlooking the expo site from a height of 12 to 20 meters. Most of the expo's pavilions will be located within the "Grand Ring" with the exception of a few pavilions that are located outside of it.

Provided by: Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Obayashi Corporation. Photo: Shinwa Co., Ltd.
The "Grand Ring" is up to 20 meters tall
It is also possible to walk under the "Grand Ring"
The walkway around the "Grand Ring" is 2 kilometers long and 30 meters wide
Along some sections, there is a lower and a higher path
A part of the "Grand Ring" is built over the water of Osaka Bay
Escalators and elevators connect the "Grand Ring" with the expo site below

While walking around the "Grand Ring" at a leisurely pace in about an hour, we looked at the many pavilions, some of which were still being worked on. About 150 countries are participating at this year's expo with either their own pavilion or in one of the shared pavilions.

Most pavilions are located within the "Grand Ring"
The pavilions of Ireland and Malaysia
The pavilion of Saudi Arabia
A "life-sized" Gundam statue stands next to the Gundam Next Future Pavilion

The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will be held on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay. The Chuo Subway Line was extended to Yumeshima on January 19, 2025 to provide access to the expo site. Please see our Expo page for more details about the expo and how to visit it.

The West Gate, one of two entrance gates, where shuttle buses from across the Greater Osaka region will arrive
The new subway station is located a few steps from the other entrance gate, the East Gate
The station is ready to welcome large numbers of visitors
The Chuo Subway Line connects central Osaka with the expo site
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