Expo 2025 Osaka: Top 5 Pavilions for Elementary Schoolers & Kids
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The “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo (Japan International Exposition 2025)”, which opened on April 13, 2025, is becoming more popular.
The event is called the Osaka Expo. It is based on the idea of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Many adults, children, and elementary school students visit the event every day.
In this article, I will talk about the pavilions and recommended spots at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo that elementary school students can enjoy.
- Elementary Schoolers Can Enjoy! 5 Recommended Spots at Osaka Expo
- 1. Obake Wonderland (Gas Pavilion)
- 2. GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION
- 3. Asonde Ikan?
- 4. Malaysia Pavilion
- 5. Jellyfish Pavilion (Signature Pavilion)
- Osaka Expo Ticket Prices for Children
- Going to the Osaka Expo with Children Might Bring New Discoveries!
Elementary Schoolers Can Enjoy! 5 Recommended Spots at Osaka Expo
Below are recommended pavilions and spots at the Osaka Expo that children and elementary school students can enjoy.
1. Obake Wonderland (Gas Pavilion)
(Source: EXPO 2025)
The “Obake Wonderland” pavilion, run by Osaka Gas, became popular after Princess Aiko visited it. This pavilion lets visitors experience interactions with ghosts. All visitors need to do is wear “XR goggles”.
The program uses XR goggles, so it’s “recommended for ages 7 and up“. But if you can’t use the XR goggles because of age restrictions or something else, there’s a service that lends out “smart devices”. This makes it possible to bring younger children, aged 6 and under, to the event.
The estimated time required is “about 40 minutes,” which isn’t too long, making it a good option for a quick visit.
Kids in grades 3 through 6 might enjoy learning about science and the environment. They can learn about current topics like “carbon neutrality” and “methane gas”.
Since this pavilion is very popular, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance.
Official Name: Gas Pavilion Obake Wonderland
Highlights: XR goggle experience, energy-related exhibits with game elements
Location: West Gate Zone
Estimated Time Required: Approximately 40 minutes
Reservation Necessity: ★★★ (Reservations recommended)
2. GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION
(Source: EXPO 2025)
The “GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION” is extremely popular with children, partly because it greets them with a life-sized Gundam statue.
The exhibition lets children think about what a new future society in space should be like. They can do this by moving Gundam and AI simulations, and by learning about topics like AI, energy issues, and space technology. This is certainly an attractive element for elementary school children.
In addition to a simulator for piloting mobile suits, there’s also a “Future Energy Learning Zone” where parents and children can learn together.
The Gundam Pavilion operates on a pre-reservation system with designated times. It’s best to book early once you’ve decided on your visit date and time to the Osaka Expo.
Even if you can’t get a reservation for the pavilion, the life-sized Gundam statue, which is about 17 meters tall and located in front of the pavilion, is visible to everyone, so be sure to stop by!
Kids who love robots will be especially impressed by this photo spot.
Official Name: GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION
Highlights: Exhibition of a giant Gundam, latest Gundam-related technology.
Location: West Gate Zone
Estimated Time Required: Approximately 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
Reservation Necessity: ★★★★ (Strongly recommended)
3. Asonde Ikan?
(Source: EXPO 2025)
Asonde Ikan? is an indoor playground located on the second floor of the West Ringside Marketplace at “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo“. It is a place where children can play to their heart’s content.
It’s especially popular with elementary school students. It has features like one of the world’s largest crane games and the popular Slime Factory, which is a hit on social media.
There’s also a cafe where you can get light meals and desserts, making it a great place to rest.
The ice cream with its fun “Myakumyaku colors” is also a hot topic.
They say the “ice cream flavor is a secret,” so try it and guess what it is!
It’s usually not too crowded, so it’s a good place to rest when you’re tired from visiting the Expo.
Official Name: Asonde Ikan?
Highlights: Crane game, Slime Factory, eat-in area
Location: West Ringside Marketplace 2F
Estimated Time Required: –
Reservation Necessity: – (No reservation required)
4. Malaysia Pavilion
(Source: EXPO 2025)
The “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo” has many international pavilions. The Malaysia Pavilion is one of the less well-known ones. It is a good place for elementary school students to visit.
Inside the pavilion, you can learn about Malaysia’s different cultures and economy.
There are many highlights, including Malaysian food culture expressed through food samples, interactive exhibits using tablets, and animated screenings that children can enjoy. For kids who love games, there’s even a corner where you can play Roblox!
Roblox is a popular game among elementary school students. Through Roblox, children can plant trees and learn about the SDGs. This makes learning fun.
While there might be a wait to enter the Malaysia Pavilion during busy times, once you’re inside, you can enjoy the exhibits without too much of a wait. Another great thing is that you don’t have to wait in line for a long time with kids.
If you’re wondering which international pavilion to visit with your children, stop by the Malaysia Pavilion.
Official Name: Malaysia Pavilion
Highlights: Building designed by Kengo Kuma, rooftop garden, animated screenings, restaurant
Location: Empowering Zone
Estimated Time Required: Approximately 45 minutes
Reservation Necessity: – (No reservation required)
5. Jellyfish Pavilion (Signature Pavilion)
(Source: EXPO 2025)
Within the Signature Pavilions created by eight Japanese experts, the “Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion” is a space produced by Ms. Sachiko Nakajima, who is a musician and also an educator focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
It’s designed as a place for kids from toddlers to elementary school students to enjoy music together, but parents can enjoy it with their kids too.
The music experience that uses sound, light, and movement to feel “life” is refreshing for all ages. At the “Roots of Life” exhibit, you can confront yourself through 360-degree visuals and sound.
Play Mountain is a place where you can play on equipment or relax on benches. You don’t need a reservation, and you can come and go as you please. This makes it easy to visit whenever you want.
Some days, there are workshops for parents and children to take part in. These include music activities and crafts. Before you go, check the event information on the official Osaka Expo website.
Official Name: Signature Pavilion “Playground of Life: Jellyfish Pavilion”
Highlights: Music and light show, ability to touch various musical instruments from around the world, workshops for children
Location: Signature Zone
Estimated Time Required: Approximately 40 minutes
Reservation Necessity: ★★ (Playground area is accessible without a reservation)
Osaka Expo Ticket Prices for Children
(Source: EXPO2025)
At the “EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo (Japan International Exposition 2025)”, you can enjoy the exhibits for just the admission fee.
It’s great that guardians don’t have to pay extra to enter each pavilion!
Admission fees also include child rates for “Junior (12-17 years old)” and “Child (4-11 years old),” so children can enjoy the Expo for less than adults.
Admission is free for ages 3 and under, and no ticket is required. If you’re interested, please take this opportunity to visit!
| Junior (12-17 years old) | Child (4-11 years old) | |
| Weekday Ticket (1 admission on weekdays) | ¥3,500 | ¥1,500 |
| Evening Ticket (1 admission after 5 PM) | ¥2,000 | ¥1,000 |
| 1-Day Ticket (1 admission any time during the Expo period) | ¥4,200 | ¥1,800 |
| Summer Pass (Daily admission from July 19 to August 31) | ¥7,000 | ¥3,000 |
| Season Pass (Daily admission) | ¥17,000 | ¥7,000 |
Going to the Osaka Expo with Children Might Bring New Discoveries!
EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo (Japan International Exposition 2025) has exhibits about the future of the world. These include “life,” “future society”, “AI”, and “SDGs”.
Some people might worry that the exhibits are too difficult for elementary school students or that children will get bored. However, the Osaka Expo has many exhibits that are easy for children to understand. They can experience things with their eyes, ears, and bodies. There are also many pavilions that parents and children can enjoy together. Please do visit with your children.
