7 reasons to visit Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai at night

One big advantage of an evening visit is the opportunity to enjoy the Expo’s nightlife, and bar-hop your way through the illuminated pavilions and the stunning views of the Grand Ring. There’s no better way to enjoy the after-dark atmosphere than by sipping on a drink while soaking up the futuristic landscape.

The France Pavilion offers a nighttime-only café where you can indulge in wine and desserts only served during the evening hours. Over at the Singapore Pavilion, meanwhile, the rooftop Cloud Bar is nestled in lush greenery and serves the iconic gin-based Singapore sling, along with limited-edition monthly cocktails. Inside, don’t miss Magic Hour, a mesmerising light and sound installation by Singaporean artists performed three times each night.

Beer lovers should make a beeline for the Czech Pavilion’s rooftop bar to enjoy a cold pint of pilsner with a sunset view and a sea breeze. Elsewhere on the Expo site, the plaza and special stage host nighttime DJ events and traditional performances from various participating countries.

At the Gundam Next Future Pavilion, the themes of ‘life in space’ and ‘yet-to-be-realised science and technology’ are brought to life through the lens of the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam anime TV series, which has captivated fans since its first broadcast in 1979. Standing before it is a towering 17-metre-tall Gundam statue, kneeling, arms raised toward the future, and radiating an awe-inspiring presence.

While it’s impressive by day, it’s an ever greater spectacle at night. As the sun sets, its eyes begin to glow and smoke billows around it, transforming the scene into something straight out of science fiction. Bathed in light and framed by a cosmic ambience, the statue makes you feel as if the world of Gundam is just within reach.

The iconic Grand Ring is a great nighttime spot for taking in the Expo site from above. The traditional construction method of nuki bracing, with its huge interlocked wooden pillars creating large shadows, creates a solemn atmosphere after dark. Walk to the top of the ring for the best vantage point for photos.

At the Korea Pavilion, an LED display covers an entire 27-metre-wide, 10-metre-high wall, meaning the building itself becomes an eye-catching screen. The Belgian Pavilion, meanwhile, changes appearance based on the time of day; a pure white while the sun is out and glamorously illuminated with the latest projection mapping technologies at night.

Staying in the Low Countries, don’t miss the futuristically illuminated sphere at the Netherlands Pavilion, from a height of 12 metres above ground.

There are plenty of options for Expo evening eats, with pavilion restaurants eagerly promoting the culinary cultures of the participating countries. Our pick of the bunch is the multicourse menu at the Spain Pavilion that offers dishes from 17 autonomous regions and two autonomous cities of the diverse European country for ¥5,500.

It’s a true trip on your plate, and you can compare and enjoy pintxos and tapas that highlight the characteristics of each region’s cuisine. It’s a meal that tells the story of Spain’s rich history, where races, cultures and religions have mixed together over the centuries. There are dishes from Andalusia, where Islamic rule inspired the culinary techniques and traditions, and the Canary Islands, which are closer to continental Africa than Europe.

It goes perfectly with Spanish drinks such as sangria and Cava, a sparkling wine. Run by the famous Osaka restaurateur Etxola, the eatery can be entered from outside the pavilion, making it a convenient place to fill your stomach with an indulgent meal.

The night view of the pavilion itself is also a must-see, so don’t forget to take in the view of the exterior after your gastronomic tour of the country.

At dusk, the crowds of families and school groups begin to disappear, and even the most popular pavilions become easier to enter – often with little to no wait.

The conventional wisdom is to visit major pavilions first thing in the morning, in our experience crowds tend to thin out after 7pm, and during nighttime events like the drone and water shows. On a weekday evening visit to the Italian Pavilion the line had shrunk to about half of what it was during the day.

Even pavilions that typically require advance reservations may have evening availability, giving walk-in visitors the chance to enter with minimal waiting. And even if there is a queue, it’s far from boring – the Spanish Pavilion features large-screen video projections in its open plaza, while the Japanese Pavilion uses projection mapping on its exterior walls, making the wait part of the experience.

While pavilions and events wrap up by 9pm, there’s no need to rush home. A stylish and memorable way to end your day is with a leisurely walk around the Grand Ring – a two-kilometre loop elevated 12 metres above ground.

The nighttime view is breathtaking, a photogenic panorama that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. On the east side near Yumeshima Station, you’ll find plenty of eye-catching illuminations, including projection mapping at the Expo Hall “Shining Hat” and the softly glowing tricolour lights of the French Pavilion. It’s a particularly picturesque Expo exit strategy.

You can also enjoy an impromptu art walk, as even the rest areas and toilets have been designed as architectural installations, showcasing creative ideas from emerging talents. And if you didn’t have time to eat earlier, the evening is a great chance to unwind with a late picnic before the park closes.

The entry time for discounted night tickets was moved forward by an hour in May, meaning visitors can now enjoy six hours of Expo access, from 4pm to 10pm, at a lower price.

Night ticket prices are a great deal – ¥3,700 for adults, ¥2,000 for ages 12–17, and ¥1,000 for children aged 4 to 11 – about half the cost of a full-day ticket.