Visiting Osaka Expo 2025? Here Are Top Things to Do Nearby

If you’re heading to the Expo 2025 in Osaka, you’re probably already expecting big crowds, packed trains, and a whole lot of walking. It’s one of the biggest events Japan’s hosted in years, and that means the city’s going to be buzzing—not just around the expo site, but across major transport hubs and popular sightseeing spots too.

This isn’t a survival guide, and we’re not pretending you can avoid the crowds completely (it’s the Expo, after all). But if you’re planning to explore beyond the Expo—either on a break from the event or after you’ve checked it out—we’ve put together a list of nearby spots worth your time. Some are iconic Osaka staples, others offer a bit more breathing room than the usual tourist-heavy routes.

🌆 Iconic Osaka Spots

Dotonbori

You’ve seen the neon signs in every Osaka travel video—this is the heart of it. Dotonbori is loud, bright, a little chaotic, and full of energy pretty much 24/7. It’s where you’ll find the iconic Glico running man sign, boat rides along the canal, and some of Osaka’s most legendary street eats like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).

Yeah, it’s going to be crowded, especially during the Expo period—but if you haven’t experienced it, it’s a must. Best time to go? Early evening when the lights start to glow, but before the late-night rush kicks in. Bonus points if you grab a konbini drink and just people-watch by the river for a bit.

🚆 From the Expo site: About 40–45 mins. Chuo Line to Honmachi, then Midosuji Line to Namba Station.
✅ Great for street food, night strolls, and iconic Osaka vibes.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, surrounded by a huge park that’s perfect if you need a nature break. The castle tower itself is a museum you can climb for views over the city (and a bit of history), but honestly, the best part is walking the grounds, especially around the moat and stone walls.

There’s plenty of space to relax, so it rarely feels cramped even when there are a lot of visitors around. In spring, it’s a cherry blossom hotspot, but it’s worth visiting any time of year. If you’ve just spent hours indoors at the Expo, this is a great place to get some fresh air without leaving the city centre.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 35 mins. Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome Station, then walk 10 mins.
✅ Best for scenic walks, castle lovers, and a quick nature fix.

Shinsekai

Shinsekai feels like stepping into a time capsule. The area was built in the early 1900s with parts inspired by New York and Paris—though today, it’s very much its own quirky thing. At the centre is Tsutenkaku Tower, surrounded by flashy signs, old-school diners, and lots of places selling kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

It’s a bit gritty, a bit nostalgic, and very different from the polished parts of Osaka. Tourists do come here, but not in the same numbers as Dotonbori or Umeda. If you like wandering through retro neighbourhoods and snacking as you go, Shinsekai’s a good shout.

🚆 From the Expo site: About 45 mins. Chuo Line to Tanimachi 9-chome, then a short walk or local train to Dobutsuen-mae.
✅ Cheap eats, retro vibes, and a totally different side of Osaka.

Tempozan Harbour Village

Closer to the Expo zone than the others, Tempozan is home to a few big attractions but without the hectic feel of central Osaka. The highlight here is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest in the world, where you can see whale sharks, penguins, jellyfish, and loads more in beautifully designed tanks. It’s genuinely impressive and good for all ages.

Outside, there’s the giant Tempozan Ferris Wheel, a small shopping and dining complex, and a nice harbour walk that’s especially chill around sunset. It’s a solid option if you want to stay near the Expo site but still do something totally different for a few hours.

🚆 From the Expo site: About 15–20 mins. Chuo Line direct to Osakako Station.
✅ Aquarium, sea breeze, and fewer crowds than downtown.

🧭 Away From the Crowds: Chiller Spots in Osaka

Nakazakicho

Tucked behind the skyscrapers of Umeda, Nakazakicho is one of those areas that feels like a completely different city. This quiet neighbourhood has a creative, almost boho energy, filled with narrow alleys, repurposed old houses, and indie cafés. You’ll find vintage clothing shops, handmade craft stores, and galleries mixed in with tiny bakeries and coffee spots that take their beans very seriously.

It’s a nice breather from the rush of central Osaka, but still close enough that you don’t need to commit a whole day to visit. The area’s also super photogenic, so it’s great if you’re into urban exploration, taking pics, or just want somewhere relaxed to wander without an itinerary.

🚆 From the Expo site: About 40 mins. Take the Chuo Line to Honmachi, transfer to the Midosuji Line to Umeda, then walk 10 mins.
✅ Easy half-day visit, great for cafe hopping and slow exploring.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, Sumiyoshi Taisha is a calm, elegant space that’s surprisingly under the radar for most tourists. It has a totally different feel to the more famous shrines in Kyoto—less polished, more local. The star of the show is the Sorihashi Bridge, an arched red bridge reflected beautifully in the pond below, especially stunning in the early morning or late afternoon light.

The grounds are big but not overwhelming, and there’s something kind of soothing about the mix of old stone lanterns, tall trees, and soft gravel paths. You’ll often see locals coming for a quiet visit or to take part in traditional ceremonies. It’s a great change of pace from the noise and techy vibes of the Expo grounds.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 50 mins. Take the Chuo Line to Hommachi, transfer to the Yotsubashi Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.
✅ Peaceful, photogenic, and culturally rich without the tourist crush.

Sakai City

Just south of Osaka proper, Sakai is easy to reach and packed with unexpected depth. It’s most famous for the Mozu Tombs, massive keyhole-shaped burial mounds that date back over a thousand years. You can get a cool aerial view of the biggest one (Daisen Kofun) from the observation deck of the Sakai City Hall—don’t worry, it’s free. The area around the tombs has a walking trail too, if you feel like stretching your legs somewhere quiet and green.

Sakai is also known for its high-quality traditional knives, and you can visit blacksmith studios or even try sharpening your own knife. Add in a tea museum and some low-key street food spots, and you’ve got a surprisingly full afternoon that most Expo-goers will miss entirely.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 1 hour. Take the Chuo Line to Hommachi, switch to the Nankai Line from Namba to Sakai Station.
✅ History, craftsmanship, and fewer tourists guaranteed.

Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park

This one’s ideal if you just need space. Tsurumi Ryokuchi is a huge, leafy park with open lawns, lakes, flower gardens, and even a random windmill (leftover from an international flower expo held there in the ‘90s). It’s one of those places where you can just sit and breathe for a while—maybe have a picnic, rent a bike, or wander around without a plan.

What makes it stand out is the set of small gardens designed by different countries—each one with its own landscaping style and plant life. It’s a mellow mix of nature and low-key sightseeing that’s perfect if you’ve spent too much time in queues or exhibition halls.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 25–30 mins. Direct access via the Chuo Line to Tsurumi-Ryokuchi Station.
✅ Chill, green, and super easy to get to from the Expo.

🚆 Easy Day Trips That Won’t Drain You

If you’ve carved out a full day during your Expo trip and want a change of scenery, these spots are all under 90 minutes from the Osaka Expo area and offer a great mix of sights, food, and atmosphere—without the intensity of major tourist cities like Kyoto.

Nara

Nara is a small, walkable city with a peaceful vibe that feels miles away from the buzz of Osaka—even though it’s super easy to get to. The main attraction is Nara Park, where friendly (and very assertive) deer roam freely among visitors. You can buy special crackers to feed them, but be warned—they know what you’re holding and they’re not shy.

Beyond the deer, Nara’s home to Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha that’ll genuinely make your jaw drop. The temple grounds and surrounding forest paths are calm and shaded—ideal for a slow, no-rush kind of outing. It’s perfect if you want a mix of nature, culture, and a bit of novelty in one neat little trip.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 1 hr. Chuo Line to Tanimachi 4-chome, switch to Kintetsu Nara Line at Osaka-Namba Station.
✅ Great for temples, nature, and a more relaxed pace.

Kobe

Kobe is a compact port city with a clean, stylish vibe that makes it a favourite among locals for weekend getaways. It’s known for its international feel—there’s a historic foreign settlement area, a Chinatown, and waterfront shopping areas with a slightly European touch. It’s easy to explore in a day without feeling rushed.

Food’s a major highlight here. Obviously there’s the famous Kobe beef, but also lots of bakeries, cafés, and sake breweries—Nada district is one of Japan’s top sake-producing regions. If you’re into city walks, photo ops, and a slightly slower urban experience, Kobe’s a great low-effort trip with a high reward feel.

🚆 From the Expo site: About 1 hr. Chuo Line to Honmachi, switch to the Hanshin Line at Umeda.
✅ Ideal for foodies, sake fans, and port city aesthetics.

Wakayama

A bit further out but worth the ride, Wakayama is a laid-back coastal city with a mix of beaches, castles, and serious noodle game (the local Wakayama ramen is rich, soy-based, and ridiculously satisfying). It’s not on the typical tourist route, which means you get space to explore without the crowds.

Wakayama Castle sits on a hill in the centre of the city and gives you a proper samurai-movie view of the surroundings. Down by the sea, Wakaura Bay offers scenic walks, and if you’re up for something really different, check out Kada, a sleepy fishing town where you can take a short ferry to Tomogashima Island. It’s a longer trip, so best if you’ve got a full day open.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 1.5 hrs. Chuo Line to Honmachi, switch to Nankai Line at Namba to Wakayama City.
✅ Great if you want a slower day with nature, history, and good food.

Kyoto

Yes, Kyoto is technically a “major tourist city,” but hear us out—it can be done in a chill way, especially if you skip the usual crowd magnets and head for the quieter corners. Try the Arashiyama area for a peaceful riverside stroll, bamboo groves, and a scenic little train ride through the hills (the Sagano Romantic Train is a vibe). 

Or check out the lesser-known temples in the north, like Daitoku-ji—a serene, less-touristy Zen temple complex that feels worlds away from the city center bustle.

Food-wise, Kyoto’s cafe scene is low-key fantastic. Think matcha lattes, traditional sweets, and tiny kissaten-style coffee shops tucked into old wooden townhouses. If you’re craving a cultural fix but don’t want to feel like you’re battling tour groups, Kyoto in small doses is a win.

🚆 From the Expo site: Around 1 hr. Chuo Line to Shin-Osaka, then Shinkansen or JR Special Rapid to Kyoto Station.

✅ Best for temples, tea, and a quieter slice of classic Japan.

Have the Best Time at the Expo—and Beyond

Osaka’s going to be full of energy during Expo 2025, and there’s a lot to look forward to—from the event itself to all the exploring you can do in between. You can stay close to the venue, hop into the city centre, or take a train out somewhere new. There’s plenty to experience, and no wrong way to go about it.

Take your time, eat well, wander a bit, and don’t stress about ticking off everything. The best moments often come from slowing down and seeing where the day takes you.

Here’s to a smooth trip, a few unexpected discoveries, and an unforgettable Expo experience. Enjoy it all—crowds, castles, ramen, deer and all.