The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which opens on April 13, 2025, is stepping up preparations to accommodate eager visitors with the introduction of simplified ticketing options. The Japan International Exhibitions Association (JIEA) is launching the "Easy Entry Reservation Ticket (tentative title)," allowing attendees to easily purchase access to the exposition without the requirement of registering for Expo IDs.
This new ticket sales initiative, set to begin sales from April 13, promises to make the purchase experience more straightforward by allowing users to select their visit date, entry time, and number of tickets needed via smartphones or PCs. Following payment, attendees will receive a QR code which grants them entry to the exposition grounds, eliminating prior registration frustrations frequently cited by potential visitors.
Unlike the existing official ticket sales website, the "EXPO 2025 Digital Ticket," this new ticketing route does not necessitate the registration of Expo IDs. It's worth noting, though, attendees will need to finalize their plans, as the Easy Entry Reservation Ticket does not allow for changes to the designated visit date.
The JIEA is also ensuring accessibility for all guests: on-the-day tickets will be available for purchase at the entrance gates, which are set to go on sale daily, starting around 9 AM, depending on the reservation situation. This flexibility is expected to alleviate concerns over long lines and complicated procedures associated with the conventional online booking systems.
Besides streamlining ticket sales, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on February 25, proposals to include discounts for early ticket buyers and encourage promotional activities at the expo. Ishiba remarked, "We want to actively promote the ability to enjoy the expo without prior reservations, simplifying ticket purchases for everyone."
The new ticket types include the multi-entry "General Pass," now available at approximately 20% discount for early attendees, with prices set at ¥24,000 for adults aged 18 and over, ¥13,500 for youth aged 12 to 17, and ¥5,500 for children aged 4 to 11.
On the promotional front, PIA also announced the release of the official guide, "Osaka-Kansai Expo PIA," which will go on sale from February 27. This guide will prove invaluable to attendees, detailing access information, highlight attractions within the pavilions, and various event schedules throughout the duration of the six-month expo. The guide aims to motivate visitors to explore the rich experiences on offer at the expo.
Built on the vision of providing "a world where people do not have to wait," the expo's organizers aspire to engage as many visitors as possible, reducing barriers to entry through accessible ticketing and enhanced visitor amenities.
Set against the backdrop of Yumeshima Island, the expo will showcase three themed zones featuring more than 67 international pavilions focused on culture, technology, and environmental sustainability. With historical precedents—the EXPO’70 being the first World Expo held in Asia—Osaka is enthusiastic about hosting its third exposition after the Aichi Earth Expo 2005.
The anticipation surrounding the Osaka-Kansai Expo is palpable, with its significance expected to resonate well beyond Japan's borders. Various international countries will participate, each preparing to present their cultural and technological advancements to the world.
Tickets for the upcoming event are not just the means of accessing the expo but are viewed as gateways to experience the future innovations and cross-cultural dialogues anticipated to take center stage. Through these efforts and effective promotional campaigns, the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 aims to become not only a local event but also a significant international gathering, fostering connections and inspiring collaborative progress.