Is it true that you can’t enjoy the Expo without reservations?
At Happy PR, the company behind “Press Bridge,” we visited the site in July for an employee training program. Personally, I’ve also visited on my own six times—from my first trip in May to my most recent one on September 17. Based on seven visits in total, here’s my guide to enjoying Expo 2025 without reservations.
Many people assume that popular pavilions and restaurants require advance bookings, and some even say, “I left early because I was exhausted by the long lines.”
But the truth is, there are countless ways to enjoy the Expo spontaneously.
Here are some tips to help you avoid the crowds and explore at your own pace.
Refresh Yourself with Stress-Free Dining
Hidden gems beyond the pavilion restaurants
While restaurants inside country pavilions are always crowded, other dining areas are surprisingly easy to access:
- Ringside Marketplace East: Affordable Korean dishes and more
- Ringside Marketplace West: “Osaka Noren Meguri” with plenty of seating
- Water Plaza Marketplace (East/West): Relax over drinks at Hasshoku (fermentation-themed restaurant)
- EARTH TABLE ~ Future Cafeteria ~: Gluten-free ramen at GF RAMEN LAB and freshly sliced Baumkuchen at THEO’S CAFE by Juchheim
- Kaze-no-Hiroba Marketplace D: “Grand Food Court Bangladesh” is spacious, less known, and full of options
- Kuwait Pavilion Snack Shop: Grab samosas or sweets and relax at the adjacent tiered seating area
【Soft serve ice cream at Kuwait Pavilion rest area】
【Cheerful staff at Kuwait Pavilion snack shop】
【Freshly sliced Baumkuchen at THEO’S CAFE】
【View of Hasshoku restaurant at Water Plaza】
【Local sake tasting set at Hasshoku】
Zero-Wait Fun: Activities & Discoveries
- Stamp Rally: Create colorful art with overlapping stamps in the official passport—a big hit with kids and families
- Global Souvenirs: Browse unique goods and foods at pavilions and commons. You never know what treasures you’ll find!
【Stamp rally artwork with overlapping stamps】
【Turkish evil eye bracelet】
【Yemen keychain at Commons A】
【Expo ’70 “Tower of the Sun” design handkerchief at UAE Pavilion】
Easy-Entry Pavilions
You can often enter these pavilions without waiting:
- Indonesia Pavilion (Connecting Zone [C])
- UAE Pavilion (Empowerment Zone [P])
- Osaka Healthcare (East Gate Zone [E], non-reservation area)
- Commons (though some restrictions apply since September)
【Jungle-like Indonesia Pavilion】
【Stunning exhibits at UAE Pavilion】
Pavilions with light restrictions but still manageable:
- Pasona Pavilion (West Gate Zone [W])
- Future City (Future Life Zone [L])
👉 Tip: Always ask staff about wait times—entering right after restrictions lift can get you in smoothly.
Conclusion: Freedom to Explore
Even without reservations, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai offers plenty to enjoy:
- Stress-free dining in hidden spots
- Creative fun with stamps and souvenirs
- Easy access to pavilions without long waits
With only 25 days left, embrace the spirit of “unexpected discoveries.”
Enjoy the Expo on your own terms, and make it uniquely yours.
