【Must-Reserve】Top 5 Popular Pavilions

1. Japan Pavilion

   • Requires booking 30 days in advance via the official app (slots open daily at 10:00 AM).

   • ▶ Booking link: [Expo 2025 Official Reservation]

2. Toyota Future Pavilion

   • Lottery-based reservations open at 6:00 PM the day before on the official website.

3. Osaka City Pavilion (Water Screen Theater)

   • Requires time-slot tickets + separate entry pass (dual verification).

4. UN SDGs Experience Pavilion

   • Priority for families with reservations (non-reserved visitors may wait 3+ hours).

5. Mitsui Food Expo

   • Dinner reservations require a ¥500 deposit.

Essential Apps

• "EXPO 2025 NAVI" (real-time queue predictions & navigation).

Underrated Alternatives If Reservations Fail

A. Nagasaki Prefecture Pavilion: Freshly made gunkan sushi (no queue).
B. Shiga Prefecture Pavilion: VR Lake Biwa diving experience (walk-in available).
C. Night-Exclusive "Osaka Castle Projection Mapping" (50% fewer visitors after 6:00 PM).

Best Non-Reservation Pavilions (Short Waits)

1. Osaka/Kansai Pavilion (Central Yumeshima Area)

• Highlight: World’s largest 360° dome theater, "Aqua Cosmos."

• Avg. Wait: 40 min (only 20 min during night sessions).

✅ TJC Tip:

• Try the "Takoyaki DIY Workshop" (¥1,500, less crowded after 2:00 PM).

2. Korea Pavilion (Asia Zone A-3)

• AI Hanbok photo booth + Instant K-pop MV generator.

• Bonus: Complete all experiences to receive free K-beauty masks from the Korean Tourism Board.

⚠ Heads-Up:

• Closed every Monday for maintenance.

• MV downloads require a Korean App Store account (tablet rentals available on-site).

3. Norway Pavilion (Europe Zone E-7)

• Aurora simulation room (-5°C / 23°F).

• Pro Tip: The pavilion provides jackets (but they may smell like disinfectant—bring your own if sensitive).

• Best Time: Arrive 5 mins before each hour (limited to 20 people per session).

Local-Approved Hidden Gems (Walk-In Friendly)

Food Highlights

• Fukuoka Pavilion: Unlimited mentaiko rice bowls (¥1,200).

• Shizuoka Pavilion: AI-matched green tea (2nd cup half-price for TJC members).

• Belgium Pavilion: VR chocolate factory experience.

• Egypt Pavilion: "Pharaoh’s Chamber" photo op (¥3,000 per group).

• USA Pavilion: NASA exhibit (moon rock replicas).

Smart Itinerary Tips

• Route Strategy:

  • "West in morning, East in evening, North at noon"

    • AM: Less-crowded West Zone (corporate pavilions).

    • PM: Hit Asian pavilions (avoid lunch rush).

    • Evening: Secure seats early in the North Zone for light shows.

• If Guides Are Unavailable:

  • Scan QR codes at pavilions for English audio guides (link above).

※Last updated: January 2025. Check official sources for real-time updates.
Enjoy Osaka Expo 2025!