Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

The largest noodle festival in western Japan, Ramen Expo gathers 60 of the best ramen restaurants from Osaka and across the country for a lip-smacking celebration of Japan’s iconic noodle dish. This massive foodie event will take over the festival square at Expo '70 Commemorative Park for six consecutive weekends, offering a delicious foray into Japan’s diverse ramen culture. With a fresh set of vendors each weekend, this ramen extravaganza offers the perfect opportunity to slurp your way through a wide variety of unique, regional and inventive noodle creations. So bring a big appetite and get ready to indulge in some of the best ramen Japan has to offer Admission to the event is free, but there’s a general park entry fee of ¥260 for adults and ¥80 for elementary and junior high school students. Ramen purchases are made through special tickets, available online in advance or on-site (cash only). Here’s a preview of the mouthwatering bowls you can expect each weekend: November 22–24: Bullabaisse-style seafood salt ramen from Okayama, beef bone soy sauce ramen from Miyazaki, and Hokkaido-style miso ramen from Osaka. November 28–30: Snow crab salt ramen and sea bream dandan noodles from Osaka, and miso ramen with extra-large char siu from Sapporo. December 5–7: Lobster salt ramen from Shizuoka, Daisen chicken salt ramen from Gunma, and snow crab soup ramen from Osaka. December 12–14: Crab miso butter chicken ramen from Gunma, rich tonkotsu ramen from Fukuoka, and yuzu chicken...

If you have a good eye for vintage treasures – or just love a good bargain – mark your calendar. The Kansai Nominoichi flea market takes over the Expo ’70 Commemoration Park on the first weekend of December. Expect a wide variety of vendors from across Japan offering antique tools, furniture, tableware, clothing, home décor, books and handcrafted accessories. Families will also have plenty to enjoy, with kid-friendly activities such as face painting and stuffed-toy workshops. Foodies will be pleased to know the flea market features a dedicated food section. The on-site Wheat Festival showcases an impressive selection of breads, pastries and other baked goods. There’s even a dedicated noodle zone, more than 30 food trucks, and live performances throughout the event. Tickets are available online for ¥1,500, or ¥2,000 at the door. You’ll also need to pay for the park admission separately: ¥260 for adults and ¥80 for elementary and high school students.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is home to two of Osaka’s most popular and best-attended flea markets, one in its Festival Square and one in its East Square. The Expo Garage Sale is noted for the wide range of goods its vendors sell. Expect handmade items, accessories, antiques, bric-a-brac, and plenty of second-hand and vintage clothes.  Most importantly, expect bargains. The organisers pride themselves on the market being a true-to-its-name ‘out of the garage’ sale. That means you’ll need to bring cash, and that bargaining – albeit politely – is encouraged. If you prioritise low prices over being particular about the products, know that in the afternoon, the crowding calms down and many of the amateur vendors lower their prices.  The market also attracts food trucks, and the park has several cafés and restaurants so there are plenty of options for a picnic in the park. The Expo Garage Sale takes place up to three times a month but on irregular dates and is subject to weather conditions, so make sure to check the website for an up-to-date schedule.