Expo 2025 Virtual Expo: A Complete Guide (PC, VR & Mobile)

While the “EXPO 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo” is garnering global attention as it approaches its closing, some people may find it difficult to travel to Yumeshima, the host location. Furthermore, popular pavilions frequently require advance reservations or lotteries daily, leading to reports of difficulty in visiting desired locations.

For these individuals, the “Virtual Expo” app, which can be enjoyed for free, offers a true experience of the future of expos.

This digital platform is accessible via various devices, including smartphones, PCs, and VR goggles, allowing users to dive into the world of the Expo from home. Here, we will detail the appeal, ways to enjoy, and an actual experience review of “Flying Yumeshima,” the virtual venue of the Osaka/Kansai Expo.

【EXPO 2025】What is the Virtual Expo? Explaining the Basics of “Flying Yumeshima”

(Source: EXPO2025)

The Virtual Expo is positioned as the virtual venue for the Osaka/Kansai Expo. It pioneers the possibility of a new era of expos where people worldwide can participate, transcending the constraints of time and space.

The concept of the virtual venue is, as the name suggests, “Flying Yumeshima”. Visitors participate as customized avatars and can tour real pavilions and event facilities reproduced in 3DCG.

Similar to the example of the Turkish Pavilion, the Virtual Expo allows users to visit pavilions with the same exterior design as their physical counterparts, as well as the interiors of pavilions specifically designed for the virtual space.

A Metaverse Space Connecting the World

(Source: EXPO2025)

The Virtual Expo utilizes metaverse technology, enabling users to interact with other users through their avatars and communicate via chat. This platform pushes the limits of digital technology, offering a unique event experience that brings together millions of people from around the globe.

The virtual venue is based on the concept of “Diverse yet One” and is composed of an archipelago (a group of islands), likening it to Japan, an island country. Visitors act as “Crew” exploring these islands, engaging in quests and encounters with other Crew (users), and embarking on an adventure to seek an inclusive future society.

The primary islands within the virtual venue include the East Gate Island, West Gate Island, Island of Light, Island of Harmony, Island of Water, Island of Progress, Island of Earth, Island of Sky, Island of Forest of Life (Inochi no Mori no Shima), Island of Gathering, Island of Encounter, and Island of Welcome. For instance, the “Island of Forest of Life” hosts facilities related to Signature Pavilions, such as the Forest of Tranquility, the Jellyfish Pavilion, and EARTH MART.

How Long Can I Enjoy It? Virtual Expo Duration and Platform

The Virtual Expo is held in alignment with the actual Osaka/Kansai Expo period, and the closing date is rapidly approaching.

Duration: Until 11:00 PM on October 13, 2025

The Virtual Expo service will terminate at 11:00 PM on Monday, October 13, 2025, which is the same day as the closing of the physical Osaka/Kansai Expo.

A major feature is that users can enjoy the experience 24 hours a day at any time they wish, without requiring a reservation during the exhibition period. This global digital expo experience anticipates approximately 150 million visitors over six months and is supported by a powerful infrastructure.

Supported Platforms and App Acquisition Methods

The Virtual Expo app is free to download and play.

Since it supports a wide range of devices, many people can easily access it.

Device	Supported Content
Smartphone/Tablet	Supports iOS (iOS 16.0 or higher) and Android (Android 11 or higher).
PC	Supports Windows 10/11 and macOS Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia (Apple Silicon only).
VR Goggles	Supports Meta Quest 2 / Meta Quest 3.

To download the app, smartphone users should search for “Virtual Expo” or “Flying Yumeshima” on the Apple Store or Google Play and install it. PC users can download the application from the official website.

＞ Click here for the Virtual Expo App Download Page

[Expo ID Registration Recommended for Play Data Retention]

While it is possible to start immediately without user registration (“Start Now”), it is recommended to acquire and log in with an Expo ID for continuous use, as the play data will be lost if the app is deleted or the device is changed.

Differences from the Real Osaka Expo and Virtual Appeal

The actual Osaka/Kansai Expo (Yumeshima venue) is enriched with pavilions, events, gourmet food, goods & shops, and addresses global-scale challenges. However, it is constrained by issues like venue access, ticket preparation, pavilion reservations, and unavoidable congestion.

In contrast, the Virtual Expo eliminates these time and geographical constraints.

Future Experience for Those Unable to Attend the Physical Venue

The greatest benefit of the Virtual Expo is the ability to experience the Expo world from home.

This digital platform is made available even to people who find it difficult to go out or physically travel to the Osaka venue.

While many popular pavilions at the real Osaka Expo venue require reservations for entry date/time or even a lottery reservation, the Virtual Expo is basically enjoyable 24 hours a day without reservation.

Free Experience Unique to the Virtual Space

The Virtual Expo offers free and innovative exhibitions and experiences unique to the metaverse, disregarding physical constraints.

For example, the Turkish Pavilion has the same exterior as the physical pavilion, but its main hall offers content fusing digital innovation (such as “Earth Hologram” and “Knaia Theme”) with Turkey’s cultural and historical heritage. Additionally, sub-halls are designed for meetings and interviews, and for experiencing Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage sites like Göbekli Tepe and Ephesus.

Furthermore, the following pavilion experiences unique to the virtual space are possible:

• The “Jellyfish Pavilion,” where the user can become a fireworks display.
• The “Jordan Pavilion,” where users can explore the magnificent Petra ruins.
• The “Mitsubishi Future Pavilion,” where users can control movement to venture into the deep sea or Mars.
• The “Electric Power Pavilion,” where users can experience the energy of the future through games unique to the virtual space.

Global Interaction and Multilingual Support

The Virtual Expo allows interaction with Crew (users) from around the world:

• Avatar Interaction: Users can experience the feeling of passing by other people’s avatars or watching exhibits together.
• Chat Function: Communication is possible via text chat, which includes a feature where messages are translated when the translation toggle button is turned on, allowing for enjoyable cross-border interactions.
• Emotes: Users can share fun moments using “cute movements” (emotes) they’ll want to use, such as *tsukkomi* (straight man reaction), lively dancing, and blowing a kiss.

“What Can I Do?” Avatar Experience and Ways to Enjoy the Virtual Expo

The Virtual Expo offers diverse content to experience the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

Touring the Pavilions

Users can enjoy the Osaka/Kansai Expo anytime within the virtual venue, which replicates the actual Yumeshima site. They can experience Virtual Pavilions prepared by the Expo exhibitors.

Beyond enjoying the pavilion exteriors, one way to enjoy the expo is to aim for the completion of all pavilions, as completing the Pavilion Picture Book rewards users with special items.

[Warp Function Between Pavilions]

A warp function between pavilions was implemented in app version 16.0.0 to make pavilion touring more comfortable. This allows users to experience many pavilions in less time without spending time on movement, making it easier to complete the Pavilion Picture Book.

Participating in Events

The virtual venue allows users to directly experience some National Days and special events held at the real Yumeshima venue. Users can participate as avatars in some local events and events exclusive to the virtual space.

The event plaza is scheduled to host music concerts and lectures, with an automatic announcement system when they commence. A special parade celebrating lives worldwide is held monthly, featuring the official character, Myaku-Myaku.

Customizing Avatars

Users can freely customize (coordinate) their avatar, which acts as their digital representation, including clothing, hairstyle, and face.

In addition to freely customizing the avatar’s color and features, users can obtain coordination items as they tour pavilions, adding the joy of completing their unique style.

Quests and Games

The Virtual Expo offers many quests and games with learning elements.

• QuizKnock Collaboration EventThe collaboration event, “Touring the Expo Real x Virtual! A Quiz Journey with QuizKnock,” is currently ongoing. QuizKnock is a special supporter of the Osaka/Kansai Expo. Users solve AR quizzes found by walking around the Yumeshima venue and VR quizzes challenged within the app (two stages) to find limited items.
• SNS Posting EventAn event is held where users share their “surprise,” “realization,” and “emotion” felt in the Virtual Expo on SNS using the hashtag “#MyDiscoveryAtVirtualExpo”.

[Experience Review] Visiting the Virtual Expo: PC Operation Feel and Pavilion Experience

This section delivers a review of playing the Virtual Expo app after installing it on a PC (Windows).

Installation and Startup: Necessity of Expo ID

App installation was completed smoothly, like a normal PC application.

Upon startup, an opening video plays, leading to the title screen. The title screen has two buttons: “Start Now” and “Start by Registering User ID”. Selecting “Start Now” begins the experience without registration, but since the data depends on the device, it is advisable to acquire an Expo ID and register if planning continuous use.

The reviewer chose “Start Now” to test it immediately.

First, the user creates an avatar and enters a nickname, country/region, and birthday. Avatar creation was quick because the variations were not extensive.

Initial Operation and Venue Impression

Operation instructions appear first, and reading them thoroughly ensures users won’t struggle with the controls.

PC operation utilizes common PC gaming keyboard controls (e.g., W/A/S/D keys for movement), making it easy for those accustomed to PC games. However, those unfamiliar with keyboard gaming may take time to adjust.

Upon moving around the venue, the reviewer received the impression that the venue is extremely large and very thoroughly constructed. Avatars can walk or run by tapping the movement button at the bottom of the screen. Pressing the Shift key allows for dashing.

Pavilion Experience and Item Collection

When approaching a pavilion in the venue, a button to enter the building appears, starting the exhibition video or experience content.

The reviewer visited the “NTT Pavilion”. The reviewer noted that while they had visited the physical NTT Pavilion, the virtual version felt different and provided a fresh experience.

Inside the pavilions, users can obtain avatar coordination items and other items, making item collection one of the ways to enjoy the Virtual Expo.

Movement Comfort and Challenges

Visited pavilions are recorded in the “Pavilion Picture Book,” where icons become colored, making it visually easy to see which ones haven’t been visited yet.

Furthermore, warping directly to a pavilion is possible from this Picture Book, allowing comfortable navigation of the vast venue. This utilizes the warp function implemented in the app update.

A challenge noted was that, on rare occasions, a bug-like phenomenon occurred where the user went to a place where they shouldn’t be and had difficulty returning. However, it is generally possible to return to the original location with some effort.

Given the very large volume of content for a single pavilion, seeing all exhibits requires considerable time. Considering the closing date, utilizing the warp function from the Pavilion Picture Book is essential for efficient touring.

Until 11:00 PM on October 13, 2025! The Last Chance to Enjoy the Expo from Home

The Virtual Expo (“Flying Yumeshima”) is an excellent system that allows even those who are interested in the Osaka/Kansai Expo but find it difficult to actually attend to experience the future Expo.

This virtual venue offers a new, digital-specific experience that differs from the real Expo. Therefore, even those who have already visited the real Osaka Expo venue can enjoy it differently through unique digital exhibits, events, and interactions with global avatars.

The Virtual Expo is full of game-like elements, such as completing the Pavilion Picture Book and collecting avatar coordination items. However, the service termination date is rapidly approaching: 11:00 PM on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Since admission and the app are free, interested individuals are encouraged to install the app early and embark on an adventure to “Flying Yumeshima” for the Osaka/Kansai Expo from home.

＞ Click here for the Official Page of Virtual EXPO Virtual Expo ~ Virtual Venue ~