How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Osaka in 2025: All You Need to Know

The upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka will be held from April 13th to October 13th. Now is the perfect time to start planning your trip to Osaka with an Expo tour!

In this article, we'll provide you with all the necessary information and insider tips to help you plan your Osaka trip, ensuring you avoid issues you may face.

Is It a Good Idea to Visit Osaka During Expo 2025?

Absolutely yes! This is a golden opportunity for you to delve into both the Expo and Japanese cultures.

• Enjoy the best of the Expo, such as special architecture, innovative technology, and a mix of global cultures.
• Immerse yourself in Osaka's unique Japanese charm, including cherry blossoms and sumo performances.

Yes, travel during this period might mean that you encounter larger crowds and increased costs. However, with smart planning, you could still enjoy a wonderful journey without excessive worries about these problems!

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Osaka for the 2025 Expo?

Expo 2025 Osaka is arranged to span from April 13th to October 13th. The best times to visit Osaka during this period are April, mid-May, June, and September.

April provides mild weather and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness both cherry blossoms and the opening ceremony (April 12th).

Mid-May, June, and September are shoulder seasons in Osaka, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Mid-July to August is the summer vacation in Japan, which means large crowds and hot weather.

October, the final month of the Expo, usually has enjoyable weather. However, based on past Expos, expect larger crowds.

Avoid visiting Osaka and the Expo during Golden Week (April 29th to May 5th) and weekends as these are peak times. With 90% of domestic tourists flocking to Osaka, you could face longer lines not only at the Expo but also at popular attractions like Universal Studios Japan.

How Many Days to Spend in Osaka

Generally, you would take 3–4 days to explore Osaka. Plan for 1–2 days to explore the major city attractions and the Expo would take up another 2 days.

1–2 Days for the Osaka City Highlights

Osaka's key highlights are fewer and more concentrated than those in Tokyo and Kyoto. The must-visit attractions and experiences include Osaka Castle, Dotonbori for culinary delights, and ninja experiences. One day is enough to cover all of these highlights.

If you're interested in Universal Studios Japan, you could dedicate an additional day to it.

Here's a suggested itinerary to inspire you:

• Day 1: Osaka Castle to experience unique ukiyo-e printmaking, Dotonbori for Japanese culinary delights, and a ninja experience with a professional master.
• Day 2: Visit Universal Studios Japan, including Super Nintendo World.

About 2 Days at the Osaka Expo

We suggest you allow 2 days to visit the Osaka Expo. You could explore 3–4 major pavilions at a relatively relaxed pace and engage in activities like a VR experience or interact with robots.

One day is too rushed. This is due to long entry lines at the venue and popular pavilions, along with vast walking distances inside.

Read our guide on How to Visit Expo 2025 Osaka for more ideas about visiting the Expo.

4–5 Days in Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima

It takes about half an hour to get from Osaka to Kyoto. If your time permits, you could spend two more days exploring this ancient capital of Japan.

• Day 1: Osaka
• Day 2: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park)
• Day 3: Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, a tea ceremony, and a stay at a Japanese-style ryokan)
• Day 4: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine and feeding lovely deer in Nara)

Looking for a handpicked Japan tour? Explore our most-chosen 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour to discover the essence of Japan.

Where to Stay in Osaka

The main factor in picking a hotel is the location. You're highly recommended to choose a hotel with convenient access to both major scenic spots and the Expo in Osaka, minimizing the time spent on the roads.

We suggest you stay in the Umeda area and the Hommachi Station area.

The Downtown Umeda Area

This area provides convenient access to major attractions, shopping areas, and the Expo site (just a 30-minute subway ride away). You would find a wide selection of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

• Recommended hotel: 4-star Hotel Vischio Osaka

Hommachi Station Area

It is quieter than the Umeda area, with a direct 20-minute ride to the Expo site. It is easy to reach major Osaka city highlights, such as Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, by subway.

You would find more 3 and 4-star hotels there, with only a few 5-star hotel options.

• Recommended hotel: 4-star Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu

Osaka Bay Area and Universal Studios Japan

Both the Osaka Bay area and Universal Studios Japan are close to the Expo, accessible by direct subway or specified shuttle bus. However, these areas offer fewer hotels and restaurants and are about 30–40 minutes away from the downtown area. Do not stay in these areas if you plan to stay at just one hotel in Osaka.

Tips for Booking Hotels for Osaka in 2025

You're highly recommended to book your hotel 3 months in advance.

• Booking early increases the possibility of booking a high-end hotel. In Osaka, hotels would be in high demand, with high-end hotels being reserved for state officials or important exhibitors.
• Booking early could also secure the best price. Otherwise, hotel prices in Osaka would be 2–3 times higher than usual during the Expo.

Continue to read more details on how to choose where to stay in Osaka. 

Which Transportation Should I Use in Osaka During the Expo?

Osaka boasts a perfect transport system, making it easy to get around via public transportation or private transfer.

To Osaka's City Highlights

It's suggested to take a private transfer to visit Osaka. It could maximize your time and save more energy to experience the highlights. Otherwise, exploring Osaka via public transportation would leave you tired as you would need to walk 20,000 steps a day due to the distance between attractions and the subway station.

It's best to opt for public transportation when traveling during busy times, such as the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week (April 29th to May 5th), or the summer vacation (mid-July to August). These periods could get very crowded and using private transfers could result in encountering traffic jams.

To Arrive at the Expo

Three main options to reach the Expo venue are:

• Subway: The Osaka Metro Chuo Line offers a direct subway route to the venue. It takes about 20–30 minutes from the downtown area.
• Shuttle bus: about 30–40 minutes from the downtown area
• Airport bus: It departs from Kansai International Airport and takes about 40 minutes to reach the venue.
• Private Transfer: It requires a parking reservation at least one day in advance. After parking, a 15-to 30-minute shuttle bus ride will take you to the venue.

We highly recommend taking the subway to escape possible traffic jams. If you opt for a bus, you might end up in traffic, leading to you spending more time on the roads.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Osaka?

A private tour in Osaka costs US$350–500 per day per person based on 3–5 people. It includes 4-star hotels with breakfast, a private guide, a private car, a well-planned itinerary, and tickets to attractions.

Here is the proportion of expenses for a private Osaka tour:

• Private car and driver (40%)
• Private guide (30%)
• Local 4-star hotels with breakfasts (15%)
• Sightseeing and activities (10%)
• Train rides within Japan (5%)

When to Book My Osaka Tour?

You're advised to book your Osaka tour 3–6 months in advance. This would help you secure the most affordable hotel rates and ensure the availability of professional private guides, especially during the Expo when demand for guided services tends to be higher.

Should I Enter Japan from Osaka or Tokyo?

It depends on your international airfare. You could pick the city to fly into based on where it's cheaper. Both Tokyo and Osaka arrivals offer similar experiences.

What to Pack for an Osaka Trip?

Besides the seasonal clothes, don't forget to pack a converter plug and SIM cards.

How Much Cash Should I Take for My Osaka Trip?

It's recommended to take ¥5,000 (US$33) per day. All shrines, as well as some restaurants and shops, only accept cash. You could conveniently withdraw cash at stores like FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson.

How Many Highlights Should I Plan for a Day in Osaka?

It's wise to arrange 3–4 highlights per day in Osaka. This allows you enough time to enjoy each attraction thoroughly without feeling rushed.

Should I Book a Private Tour in Japan?

If you want a stress-free trip with an expert Japan travel advisor who plans everything for your trip in Osaka and Japan, then a private tour is your best choice.

You wouldn't have to worry about hotel bookings or transportation. Additionally, a private guide would accompany you and offer insights about the city.

Plan Your Osaka Trip Right Now!

Begin your preparations today! Our Japan travel advisors are here to help you organize your personalized Japan itinerary with our expert recommendations.