For families visiting Expo 2025 Osaka, this article covers:
- The best access routes from major Kansai stations
- A 2-day itinerary perfect for family trips
With this guide, even first-time visitors can move around the Expo smoothly and enjoy a full day and evening of experiences.
Access from Major Kansai Stations
From Osaka Station (Umeda Area)
- Route: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → transfer at Honmachi Station → Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station
- Travel time: approx. 35 minutes
- Tip: Umeda has many dining and shopping options, convenient for a stop on the way back.
From Shin-Osaka Station
- Route: Midosuji Line → transfer at Honmachi Station → Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station
- Travel time: approx. 40 minutes
- Frequently used by Shinkansen travelers.
From Namba Station
- Route: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line → transfer at Honmachi Station → Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station
- Travel time: approx. 35 minutes
- Convenient if combining the Expo with sightseeing in Dotonbori or Shinsaibashi.
From Kyoto Station
- Route: JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka Station → Midosuji Line → transfer at Honmachi Station → Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station
- Travel time: approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
- Recommended for combining Expo and Kyoto sightseeing.
From Kobe (Sannomiya Station)
- Route: JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka Station → Midosuji Line → transfer at Honmachi Station → Chuo Line to Yumeshima Station
- Travel time: approx. 1 hour
- Can be combined with sightseeing in Kobe.
Direct Shuttle Bus to West Gate
- Direct service from major stations to the Expo West Gate
- Travel time: approx. 40 minutes from Osaka Station, 45 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station
- Strollers allowed (must be folded during peak times)
- Tip: Shuttle bus requires separate reservation (see official website).
Recommended 2-Day Family Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Tokyo & Evening Pass Experience
- Morning: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station (approx. 2.5 hours)
- Afternoon: Check in at your hotel (city center or near the Expo)
- Evening: Enter with an Evening Pass
- Fireworks show
- Water show
- Drone show
- Illuminated pavilion displays
- Tip: Focus on attractions that don’t require reservations and enjoy the night scenery.
Consider returning to the hotel early depending on children’s bedtime and evening crowds.
Day 2: West Gate Entry & Major Pavilion Tour
- Morning: Take the direct shuttle bus from your nearest major station to West Gate, aiming for 9:00 AM entry
- Tour the most popular pavilions before the evening (see How to Conquer Popular Pavilions)
- Afternoon/Evening: Depending on kids’ energy, either continue visiting pavilions or leave early
- Tip: Since the evening experience was done on Day 1, you can enjoy a focused tour in the morning and still feel satisfied.
Tips for Families
- Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rental at the Expo (limited quantity)
- Store large luggage in hotel or Expo lockers (lockers are outside the gates, so plan ahead)
- Summer visits require sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and portable fans
- Taking an early shuttle bus allows earlier entry and more flexible planning
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