【On-site Report】Limited Time Left! Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Real Crowds and My Best Moments

Introduction: Into the Heart of the Frenzy

Hello! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.

With little time left until its closing, the “Osaka-Kansai Expo” has seen tickets sell out daily, with its excitement constantly reported on TV. What’s it really like at the heart of that whirlwind? I couldn’t sit still, so I recently dove into this historic festival myself.

An exhausted body and unbelievably long queues… Honestly, I underestimated it. But it’s also true that there was a continuous stream of emotions and surprises that could only be found there. I hope that even those who couldn’t get tickets can feel a bit of this excitement and atmosphere!

Even with an 11 AM reservation, the battle began before 10 AM

I had reserved a ticket for 11:00 AM entry at the East Gate. However, anticipating crowds, when I arrived at the venue just after 10 AM, the waiting line for the 11:00 AM entry group was already incredibly long! That was the moment I steeled myself for a tough day.

Nevertheless, arriving early paid off, and I was able to pass through the entrance gate exactly at 11:00 AM. But reality quickly set in. All same-day pavilion reservations, accessed via my smartphone, were instantly “closed.” It seems popular pavilions definitely require advance lottery booking.

Strategic Win! Hidden Gem Pavilions Entered with Just 15 Minutes Wait

Just as I was feeling lost, I noticed the queue for the Philippines Pavilion, right inside the East Gate, was surprisingly short. I entered smoothly with only about a 15-minute wait! Inside, various regional cultures of the Philippines were introduced, stimulating my intellectual curiosity with “It’s so different across the islands!”

Riding that momentum, I went to the Malaysia Pavilion, right in front. I managed to enter there within 20 minutes! The food culture exhibits were wonderful, and I genuinely felt like I wanted to explore Malaysian cuisine someday.

And then, the Cambodia Pavilion, compact yet with splendid reproductions of ancient ruins. Starting the day with so much enjoyment was a good omen!

Worth the 60-Minute Wait! My Favorite Singapore Pavilion

For lunch, I headed to the Singapore Pavilion, a country I personally love. As expected, it was popular, with a 60-minute queue! However, with many pavilions frequently restricting entry, I decided to join the line, knowing that “at least I can queue.”

And the exhibition was truly wonderful, worth every minute of the wait! The space, integrating nature, art, and technology, was quintessential Singapore. After soaking in the emotion, I savored Laksa and Chicken Rice at the accompanying restaurant. It was a perfect time.

Evening Peak Crowds and a Nighttime Surprise

Around 4 PM, after a late lunch, was the absolute peak of the crowds! Most pavilions were restricting entry, making it almost impossible to move. However, just before 6 PM, the crowds slowly started to thin, and an opportunity arose. I headed to the Bahrain Pavilion, which I had been curious about. Though I wasn’t very familiar with the country, I learned it was a beautiful island nation surrounded by the sea, and it became one of the places I’d love to visit someday.

My last stop was the Czech Republic Pavilion. Its unique design, where you ascend a spiral path while appreciating art, drew me into its distinctive world.

After getting tired from walking, I ate Turkish ice cream near the Turkey Pavilion when suddenly, a magnificent display of fireworks burst into the night sky! To my complete surprise, a fireworks and drone show began! It was the best possible present, washing away the day’s fatigue.

An Exhausting Walk Home, Yet My Heart Was Full

Finally, after shopping at the official store, I left the venue around 9 PM. The walk back to the station from there… was an unbelievably long queue that I don’t even want to remember.

I was truly exhausted, but my heart was strangely full. Things not going according to plan, unexpected encounters and surprises. Embracing all of it, I strongly felt that the Expo was all about the “experience.”