12 Insider Tips for Visiting Japan During Expo 2025 Osaka

As Expo 2025 Osaka draws closer (from April 13th to October 13th), you might be wondering how to plan a perfect trip to Japan during this time. In this article, we'll share 12 insider tips to help you create a better Japan trip.

1. Buy Your Expo Tickets Before the Expo Begins

The Expo tickets can be bought before the Expo starts on April 12th, 2025, or after it begins.

We recommend buying before the Expo for cheaper prices and a wider selection of ticket types. More ticket options are available, including an Opening Ticket, First-Half Period Ticket, Early Bird One-Day Ticket, Summer Pass, and Season Pass.

However, if you wait to buy tickets until after the Expo begins, you will only be able to purchase a One-Day Ticket at a higher price.

Note: Tickets cannot be canceled if you are unable to attend, but they can be transferred to family members or friends.

Check out our guide on How to Visit Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan for more information about the Expo.

2. The Best Times to Visit Japan in 2025 Are May and September

Considering the weather and travel experience, May and September are perfect for traveling during the Expo period (from April to October). Both months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower travel costs.

If you travel in April, June, July, August, or October, you may have some challenges:

• April: More travelers visit Japan as it marks the start of Expo 2025 and the cherry blossom season in full bloom.
• June: Humidity is high due to the rainy season, with daily drizzles of rainfall.
• July and August: The hottest and most humid months with larger crowds. It's the summer vacation in Japan and the rainy season persists.
• October: More visitors go to Japan during this month. This is due to it being the final month of the Expo and, based on past experiences, the closing month draws more travelers.

3. Avoid Visiting Japan During Golden Week

Golden Week, from April 29th to May 5th, is one of the super peak seasons in Japan. Be prepared for these issues: larger crowds, traffic jams, difficulty booking hotels with great locations, and higher prices. It's best to avoid visiting Japan during this period.

If Golden Week is the only time you could visit Japan, we recommend booking your trip at least 3 months in advance to plan everything smartly. Check out our article on Tips for a Successful Japan Golden Week for more itinerary inspiration.

4. Book Your Hotels and Tour in Japan at Least 3 Months in Advance

The Expo would attract more travelers to Japan than usual, causing two main problems: hotel prices would increase by 2–3 times and there would be a shortage of professional guided services.

To avoid these problems, it's recommended to book your trip at least 3 months in advance. That way, you could secure your favorite hotel at the best possible price and reserve an excellent private guide to give you insights about the country.

Book with us and leave the transportation, guides, and itinerary worries behind. Our Japan travel advisors will personalize your tour based on your preferences. Contact us now!

Recommended tour: 11-Day Best of Japan with Osaka World Expose 2025

5. High-End Hotels in Osaka Are Hard to Book for Travelers

For the world's fair at Expo 2025 in Osaka, the city's luxury hotels would likely be reserved for state officials and important exhibitors.

If the upscale hotels in Osaka are full, choose Kyoto's high-class hotels instead, as Kyoto is just a 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Osaka. It's suggested to book your hotel early to increase your chances of securing great accommodation.

Wondering how to plan a perfect Japan itinerary? Read our most-chosen 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour for more inspiration.

6. Location Is the First Consideration When Choosing a Hotel in Japan

We suggest selecting a hotel in the downtown area. That way, you could easily reach major attractions, avoid traffic jams, and have more time to explore the highlights.

Below, we've handpicked some great locations to stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You would enjoy convenient access to attractions and a variety of restaurants, finding it easy to explore on your own.

• Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya. Read our article on Where to Stay in Tokyo to get more ideas.
• Kyoto: downtown Kawaramachi-dori
• Osaka: The Umeda area.

7. Tickets for Sumo Wrestling Will be Harder to Book

Booking tickets for a sumo wrestling match is usually challenging and it would be even harder during Expo 2025 in Osaka, which attracts more travelers. Tickets could sell out quickly once they are released on the official website.

If you couldn't witness a sumo match, enjoying a sumo performance is a great alternative. You could savor a traditional Chankonabe meal (sumo hot pot) and even engage in a friendly sumo contest with retired sumo wrestlers.

8. Places Around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Will be Crowded

During the Expo period, it's expected that large crowds would flock to Japan's top three cities and places nearby. For example, Hakone and Mount Fuji near Tokyo, Nara near Kyoto, and Hiroshima, which is close to Osaka.

If you prefer to visit a quieter place without crowds, Takayama and Kanazawa are ideal choices. These hidden gems are far from Japan's top cities, allowing you to enjoy traditional Japanese rural life and farmhouses.

9. Stay Overnight for a Day Trip in Japan

A day trip in Japan, such as to Hakone or Mount Fuji, usually lasts 8–10 hours and involves exploring 3–4 major highlights. Staying overnight allows you to explore more highlights at a relaxed pace.

It's crucial to stay overnight when visiting Japan during peak seasons like the cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and weekends. The large crowds could lead to traffic jams, taking 7 hours of your day trip on the road or more, leaving you with little time to enjoy any highlights.

10. Explore 2–3 Highlights in Japan Per Day

When traveling during the busy Expo period, you might encounter long waiting times or crowded areas filled with travelers.

To make sure you have enough time to fully enjoy the highlights without rushing, it's best to focus on 2–3 highlights per day. Also, keep your itinerary flexible to handle unexpected situations, such as getting stuck in traffic, so you won't miss out on your planned highlights.

Need help creating a suitable Japan tour? We're here to assist you with expert advice, making your Japan trip stress-free!

11. Fill in the Entry Card in Advance

To save time waiting for customs clearance at the airport, we highly recommend completing the entry information on the Visit Japan Web (VJW) online platform at least 6 hours to 2 weeks before you arrive in Japan. It only takes an hour to fill out the information.

12. Download Google Translate

Communicating with locals at restaurants or attractions could be challenging in Japan as many don't speak English. However, this issue could be easily solved using Google Translate.

Plan Your Japan Trip With Us

If you have any concerns or are unsure how to plan your Japan trip, we're here to help personalize your journey with useful tips. Our goal is to ensure that you have a stress-free and memorable experience in Japan!