I’ve Visited Osaka Expo 2025 and This is Why It Should Be In Your Bucket List!

If you’ve ever wondered whether a global event like the Osaka Expo 2025 could cater to your travel dreams and your lifestyle needs as a Muslim visitor—spoiler alert: it can! 🙌

The expo venue from the Grand Ring

I just got back from not one, but two days at the Osaka Expo 2025. Yup, I had to go twice because one day is seriously not enough. This place is huge—think massive futuristic pavilions, endless food spots, sustainability showcases, and of course, miles of walking.

Pro tip: wear your most reliable walking shoes. Your feet will thank you later.

Let’s Talk About the Expo Vibe ✨

The Expo theme this year is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” and that message echoes across every corner, from the immersive tech experiences to the design-forward food trucks. On my two-day journey, I managed to explore the Kansai, Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Nordic Circle pavilions, while I couldn’t manage to visit some highly-recommended such as Japan Pavilion, Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, or Gundam Pavilion. Some pavilions require an advance reservation, so make sure to check the official app and plan ahead.

First, make sure to get your ticket quickly! There is a lottery for pavilion visit which starts from 2 months before your visit, 7 days before your visit, and at the same day. If you purchase ticket faster, you have a higher chance to apply for reservation more. You can purchase the ticket here and I recommend to have the weekday ticket as the price is cheaper.

Crowds? Oh yes. Especially at the weekend and at the East Gate via Yumeshima Station. Day 1 was hectic. On Day 2, I tried the West Gate entry, which was much smoother—but required a shuttle bus ride (you’ll need to book this through the Kansai MaaS app) or a taxi. Totally worth it for the calmer start!

As the tips, you may consider to purchase early ticket on the day you wish and come like an hour after the time slot on your ticket, so that you can enter from special line for those who come late, to avoid the crowd.

I ride a Expo shuttle bus from Sakurajima Station

I recommend to also book the shuttle bus as soon as possible. Why? Because the time slots especially before noon are sold out quickly!

Faith-Friendly Spaces: Yes, There’s a Prayer Room 🕌

Located near the East Gate in the Forest of Tranquility Zone (what a name, right?), you’ll find a quiet, clean, and spacious prayer room split for men and women. It’s complete with wudu’ space and tatami mats that add a very Japanese touch to your spiritual time. Honestly, the calmness inside is almost surreal given it’s right next to a kids’ playground!

Expo’s prayer room

Prayer room with tatami prayer mat

But What About Food? 😋

Okay, now the real talk—halal food is limited inside the Expo. But here’s the good news: vegan options are your best friend here. Many are completely plant-based and can be suitable for Muslim visitors, if eaten with some discretion (watch out for mirin and alcohol-based seasonings—ask when in doubt).

Here are some of my favorite finds:

🌱 QBB Diversity-Friendly Kitchen (East Gate)

Located in the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion, this is a must-visit!

  • Vegan kushikatsu (750 yen): crispy skewers, Osaka-style

  • Vegan cheese pudding (750 yen): sweet, creamy, dreamy

  • Gluten-free donuts (500 yen): yes, they had me at donut 🍩

Everything here is VegeProject certified—just ask about alcohol-based seasonings and you’re good to go. English menu available.

Vegan Kushi-katsu topped with vegan cheese

Vegan cheese

🚚 Vegan Café Truck (West Gate – Future Life Zone)

  • Vegan tantan noodles (1,500 yen): rich, spicy, warming

  • Colorful gyoza (900 yen): different colors = different flavors!

  • Sesame red bean balls (500 yen): chewy, sweet, satisfying

Certified by the Japan Vegetarian Association, and yes, English menus are available!

Vegan tantan nooodles, colorful vegan dumpling, and vegan red-bean sesame cake

🍦 NISSEI Softcream (Near QBB Kitchen)

Four vegan soft cream flavors: vanilla, strawberry, espresso, and earl grey. No dairy, no egg, just smooth, filled by soy-based deliciousness.

⚠️ Heads up: It melts quicker than regular ice cream, so eat fast!

The ice cream served in so-entertaining way!

While the espresso flavor doesn’t available to be served in self-serving, you can choose other flavor to try the experience.

The espresso flavor is subtle and light, with a slightly thick texture and for those who concern, you may feel the soy’s unique after-taste.

Dairy free soft-served ice cream in espresso flavor

🍔 NATUREVERSE Kitchen by PASONA (West Gate)

Craving something savory and filling? Their soy-based karaage and burgers hit the spot with the brand of “Karuage”. Looks like fast food, but 100% plant-based! They are a lot of people lining even before noon!

There are a lot of plant-based options!

I didn’t have a chance to try their Karuage this time but will make sure to have one next time!

🥢 F Fields Café (Forest of Tranquility Zone)

Sadly, their rice ball bento sold out when I arrived (they must be that good) and the staff recommend me to come in the morning to make sure to get one. While the cold vegan curry udon still available at the time of my visit, I couldn’t have it because I was full already. So I got the halal-friendly Hatakeno steamed buns instead.

The steamed bus is unique soy-based filling and fluffy bun, though the texture and flavor might not be for everyone.

What Surprised Me? 🤯

  • The pavilions’ architecture are jaw-breaking impressive! Each design represents the country, and showcases how the country take effort in sustainability environment in unique, impressive way. I wouldn’t reveal how the showcase like here, it’s your surprise on your visit.
  • How inclusive vegan options are becoming (thank you, Japan 🙏). Vegan could be the best option for Muslims when there is no halal foods nearby, however I truly hope that halal options could be mushroomed in Japan as the vegan options (Insya Allah😊).

  • Some places were already sold out by noon—so go early!

Tips in Visiting Osaka Expo 2025

As a Muslim visitor, I went in with cautious expectations—and left genuinely impressed. While fully halal meals are few and far between, vegan options provide a flexible (and tasty!) alternative. Just remember:

✔️ Plan your visit as early as possible so that you have time to reserve pavilions’ visit and event because some are determined by lottery.
✔️ When you’re concern, feel free to ask about alcohol-content, such mirin in the seasoning to the staff.
✔️ Bring your own snacks if you’re unsure (bags are checked but food is allowed!).
✔️ Don’t skip the prayer room—it’s beautifully done!
✔️ Use Personal Agent App to navigate your location seamlessly.
✔️ Make sure to bring along a power bank!
✔️ Prepare credit card or digital money as cash is not allowed.

📅 About Osaka Expo 2025

Held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island, the Expo features over 160 countries coming together to shape the future. It’s not just an event—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

So—would I recommend visiting? Absolutely. Whether you’re a foodie, explorer, or just someone curious about what the world’s future could look like… this Expo is your stage 🌍

Halal Restaurant in Osaka

1. Gyukotsu King
2. Asian Dining
3. Halal Kobe Beef Coorin