Osaka Kansai Expo Launches New Ticket Sales Platform

As anticipation builds for the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo, the Japan International Exposition Association has announced the launch of a new ticket sales platform called "EXPO Quick," set to go live on April 13, 2025, at midnight. This initiative aims to simplify the ticket purchasing process for visitors eager to attend the event, which will run until October 13, 2025, under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."

The EXPO Quick service allows users to buy admission tickets without the need for an Expo ID registration. By simply accessing the site on their smartphones or PCs, users can select their desired visit date, entry time, entry gate (either East or West), and the number of tickets they wish to purchase. After completing the payment, a QR code will be generated, which can be scanned for entry into the Expo venue.

Ticket prices vary based on the day and time of entry. For weekdays, the prices are set at 6,000 yen for adults, 3,500 yen for junior high students, and 1,500 yen for children. On weekends and holidays, the one-day ticket costs 7,500 yen for adults, 4,200 yen for junior high students, and 1,800 yen for children. Additionally, evening tickets, available for entry after 5 PM every day, are priced at 3,700 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for junior high students, and 1,000 yen for children.

However, visitors should be aware that once the Simple Entry Ticket is purchased, changes to the visit date, time, or entry gate are not permitted. Furthermore, pre-booking for pavilions and events is not possible with this ticket type. For those wishing to attend specific pavilions or events that require reservations, they must register at the venue using the QR code at the "Same-Day Registration Terminal" located at the information desks.

In a complementary offering, Keihan Electric Railway is set to launch a "Keihan Railway Kyoto/Osaka 1-Day Pass" that includes an Osaka/Kansai Expo ticket starting on the same date, April 13, 2025. This licensed product will be available in limited quantities at a special price of 7,700 yen, which represents a discount of 1,900 yen compared to purchasing the tickets separately. The set includes the Osaka/Kansai Expo Ticket One-Day Pass (adult 7,500 yen) and the Keihan Railway Kyoto/Osaka 1-Day Pass (adult 200 yen, typically 1,500 yen).

Sales for this package will be available from April 13 to October 13, 2025, or until supplies last, at various stations including Gion-Shijo, Kyoto, and Demachiyanagi. The Osaka/Kansai Expo Ticket One-Day Pass allows entry on a chosen day within the specified period but requires a separate reservation for the visit date and time.

Both the Osaka/Kansai Expo Ticket and the Keihan Railway pass are non-refundable and available only for adults. The Keihan Railway pass grants unlimited rides on all Keihan lines and the Ishishimizu Hachimangu Shrine Cable Line for one day, excluding the Otokoyama Cable Line.

The Osaka/Kansai Expo is expected to attract participants from approximately 160 countries and regions, as well as international organizations and companies. The venue is located on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka's bay area, and features the Grand Roof Ring, recognized as the world's largest wooden structure, which measures approximately 2025 meters in circumference.

In preparation for the Expo, a preview event for media representatives was held on April 9, 2025, attracting around 4,500 participants from Japan and abroad. The opening ceremony will take place on April 12, 2025, followed by a demonstration flight by the Blue Impulse on the Expo's opening day, April 13, 2025. This aerial display will showcase the Blue Impulse flying over iconic landmarks such as Tsutenkaku Tower, the Tower of the Sun, and Osaka Castle, before concluding over the Yumeshima venue.

Ticket sales have been brisk, with reports indicating that as of April 9, 2025, more than 9 million tickets have already been sold. The Expo is set to run for 184 days, from April 13 to October 13, 2025, with daily operating hours from 9 AM to 10 PM. Various ticket options are available, including weekday tickets, evening tickets, and full-term passes that allow entry every day during the Expo.

As the opening date approaches, organizers encourage potential visitors to consider early bird tickets and explore the diverse range of pavilions and events set to take place. Many pavilions will not require reservations, and early visitors can benefit from promotional campaigns during April and May, making it an opportune time to experience the Expo.

In summary, the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo promises to be a landmark event, showcasing innovations and cultural exchanges from around the globe. With convenient ticket purchasing options and a plethora of activities planned, it aims to create a memorable experience for all attendees.