Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

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.

Put on your most comfortable shoes for a picturesque stroll through the massive Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Formerly the site of the 1970 World Expo, the park is now one of Osaka’s top cherry blossom destinations, boasting around 5,500 sakura trees across 12 varieties. While you’ll find cherry blossoms throughout the grounds, locals tend to flock to Higashioji Street in the Natural and Cultural Gardens. Here, around 100 sakura trees stretch on for about 200 metres to form a stunning cherry blossom tunnel. The organisers have confirmed that this section of the park will stay open until 9pm for a special cherry blossom illumination from April 1 to April 8. Throughout the festival period, this scenic spot also hosts lively street performances between 10am and 6pm, making it the perfect place to enjoy a hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnic.  While you're there, be sure to also drop by the Festival Plaza for more Sakura Expo events. One of the main attractions is the Sakura Food Court (March 26–April 8). There will be up to 40 stalls serving seasonal treats for you to enjoy alongside the cherry blossoms. On Saturday March 28, the plaza goes unplugged for the A Cappella Expo (10.30am–4.30pm). This musical showcase will surely be a feast for your ears, as 60 singers ditch the instruments for pitch-perfect vocal harmonies.  Then, on Sunday April 5, the energy gets turned up a few notches with Osaka Tensuiren taking the stage. Founded in 1995, this Awa Odori troupe will perform...

There’s something about the aesthetics and functional utility of beautifully crafted ceramic dishes that just brings you joy. If you can relate to this, you’ll definitely be interested in the Expo Tableware Market, held on the weekend of April 11 and 12 at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Offering a curated selection of kitchenware, ceramics and other home and lifestyle goods, the market features more than 100 artisans and stalls. Expect high-quality pottery, porcelain, glass and wooden items for everyday use. Tickets purchased online cost ¥700 for adults, but you can also score some at the door for ¥1,000. Admission is free for elementary school children and younger. Note that entry requires paying a separate admission fee to the Expo Park, which is ¥260 for adults and ¥80 for elementary to high school students.

The Expo Vintage Market is Osaka’s biggest vintage and antiques market. Held at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park’s East Square, the three-day market takes on a festival feel, with more than 150 stalls, food and drink, and live music. Weather permitting it takes place twice a year, in spring and autumn.  The market specialises in antiques, with almost a hundred stalls dedicated to finds with good old-fashioned charm – from swanky Scandinavian furniture, delicate china and glassware to Mexican Zapotec rugs and extensive collections of memorabilia and Americana. Around 30 of the stalls are for second-hand clothing, but don’t expect the kind of bulk-bought clothes you find in many vintage shops. Instead, the festival is a place for vendors who take pride in personally purchasing the pieces they sell and the price that comes with that. Speaking of money, many of the vendors do accept cards, but to be on the safe side remember to bring cash.   The variety of items available at the market is also reflected in the food and drink on offer. In between bargain hunting you can sample baked goods, pizza and burgers, or a drink from one of the craft breweries, cocktail bars or speciality coffee roasters on site.