The new station building at Bentencho Station on the Osaka Loop Line opened on March 1, 2025, as part of preparations for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. This station, located in the Minato Ward of Osaka City, will serve as a major transfer hub to Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, the closest station to the Expo site.
The construction of the new station was intended to facilitate smoother transfers between the Osaka Loop Line and the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, responding to the expected surge of visitors. Currently, the station sees about 70,000 passengers daily. With the Expo approaching, officials estimate this number could rise to approximately 220,000 during the event.
Designed as a three-story facility, the new station building includes three new ticket gates: the Central South Exit, the Central North Exit, and the Inner Loop Ticket Gate, which connects directly to the platform for the inner loop of the Osaka Loop Line and provides seamless access to the east ticket gates of Osaka Metro Bentencho Station. Added conveniences include shops on the first floor, featuring Seven-Eleven Heart IN, Starbucks Coffee, and Coco Kara Fine.
Along with the new station, the 'Benten Hiroba' area also opened on March 1. Spread over 3,400 square meters, this new public space includes artificial turf and wood chip asphalt paving, aiming to create a vibrant gathering area for visitors during the Expo.
Hidaki Mizuguchi, head of JR West (North District) Osaka branch, mentioned some recent upgrades, stating, “We have increased the elevator capacity to 17 people and installed platform safety gates to streamline usage. We hope visitors will take advantage of this station as a connection point for the expo and the city.”
Another nearby station, Yumeshima Station, opened on January 19, 2025, and is set to be the closest station to the Expo site, which opens on April 13, 2025. The new station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line will facilitate easy access for attendees traveling to the Expo.
The Yumeshima Station serves as the last stop on the line, having extended from Cosmosquare Station, just adjacent to the Expo site. Editorial staff who visited Yumeshima Station shortly after its opening found the sleek and modern design particularly appealing. Kumiko Saito, part of the editorial team, shared on her visit on January 26, “The chic black and green interior creates excitement about the upcoming Expo.”
Visitors expressed delight over the amenities offered at Yumeshima Station, which include maps indicating restroom availability and two baby care rooms featuring vending machines stocked with baby supplies. This was noted by family travelers who appreciated the convenience.
Digital signage showcases words of welcome and information in multiple languages, including the local Osaka greeting “Maido,” reflecting the city’s hospitality and readiness for international guests. Special commemorative merchandise for the opening of Yumeshima Station was made available for sale, with online purchasing options opened up at the Osaka Metro Official Online Shop.
Both stations are integral to the success of Osaka-Kansai Expo. The organizers anticipate significant foot traffic, and both stations are expected to handle extensive visitor numbers efficiently. With straightforward access from various parts of the city, including New Osaka and JR Osaka stations, interest is growing among potential attendees with less than three months until the event begins.
Travelers need only to take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line from Hommachi Station, with expected travel times of about 20 minutes. This ease of access is expected to encourage more visitors to attend the Expo and feel the excitement building as the event approaches.
Beyond the Expo, visitors have various attractions to discover nearby, including Universal Studios Japan, the lively Namba district, and the historic Shinsekai area. Such options will enrich their experience during their time in Osaka.