Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Explore the legacy of Osaka's 1970 World Expo in Japan's largest cultural park
The site hosted Expo '70, the first World's Fair held in Asia, which attracted 64 million visitors from March to September 1970. The exposition showcased Japan's post-war economic miracle and technological advancement under the theme 'Progress and Harmony for Mankind.' Artist Taro Okamoto created the iconic Tower of the Sun as the symbol of the expo, a 70-meter tall sculpture that became one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks. The exposition left a lasting impact on Japanese culture and international perception of modern Japan.
After the expo closed, the 260-hectare site was transformed into Expo '70 Commemorative Park, opening in phases from 1972. The park preserved key structures including the Tower of the Sun and incorporated extensive gardens representing various climates and cultures. The Japanese Garden, originally created for the expo, remains one of the park's highlights with traditional landscapes spanning 26 hectares. Various museums and cultural facilities were added over the decades, making the park a comprehensive cultural destination.
Today, the park serves multiple functions as Osaka's largest green space, cultural center, and historical monument. It houses the National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka Japan Folk Crafts Museum, and seasonally opens the Tower of the Sun's interior for public viewing. The park features cherry blossoms, plum groves, and autumn foliage attracting locals year-round. It remains a testament to Expo '70's vision while providing contemporary recreational and educational experiences for over 2 million annual visitors.
Key Highlights
- Tower of the Sun - Taro Okamoto's 70-meter iconic sculpture from Expo '70
- 260-hectare park combining natural landscapes with cultural facilities
- Extensive Japanese Garden with traditional landscapes and tea ceremony venues
- National Museum of Ethnology with world cultures collection
- Seasonal flowers: 5,500 cherry trees, plum groves, cosmos, hydrangeas
- Tower of the Sun interior viewing (advance reservation required)
- Free entry park area with admission fees for specific gardens and museums
- Easy access from Osaka city center (20-30 minutes)
Access Information
Location
1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826
Nearest Stations
- • Banpaku-kinen-koen Station (Osaka Monorail) - Direct entrance to park
- • Koen-higashiguchi Station (Osaka Monorail) - East entrance
Opening Hours
Park: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (extended to 7:00 PM on summer weekends). Closed Wednesdays (except holidays, spring, and summer seasons). Japanese Garden: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (closes 4:30 PM in winter). Tower of the Sun interior: viewing by advance reservation only, times vary.
Admission Fee
Natural & Cultural Gardens: Adults ¥260, Children ¥80. Japanese Garden: Additional ¥260 adults, ¥80 children. Tower of the Sun: ¥720 (advance reservation required, often sold out weeks ahead). Museums have separate admission. Some areas free entry.
How to Get There
From Osaka/Umeda
Take Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Senri-Chuo Station (25 minutes, ¥330), transfer to Osaka Monorail to Banpaku-kinen-koen Station (10 minutes, ¥260)
35 minutes
From Shin-Osaka
Take Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Senri-Chuo (15 minutes), transfer to Osaka Monorail to Banpaku-kinen-koen (10 minutes)
25 minutes
From Kyoto
Take JR to Shin-Osaka (30 minutes), then subway and monorail as above (25 minutes)
60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Tower of the Sun Reservations
Interior viewing requires advance reservation (online only, in Japanese). Reservations open 4 months ahead and sell out quickly, especially weekends. Check availability immediately when planning your trip. Tours run every 30 minutes with time-limited entry.
Best Seasonal Visits
Late March-early April for 5,500 cherry blossoms. February-March for plum blossoms. June for hydrangeas. October-November for autumn foliage and cosmos flowers. Each season offers different landscapes. Summer can be very hot - visit early morning or late afternoon.
Photography Spots
Tower of the Sun is best photographed from the plaza in front with surrounding gardens. Cherry blossom season creates spectacular scenes. Japanese Garden offers traditional landscape photography opportunities. Autumn foliage around the pond is particularly beautiful.
Park Layout & Routes
The park is huge (260 hectares) - plan which areas to visit. Tower of the Sun and Natural & Cultural Gardens require tickets. Japanese Garden is separate admission. Free forest and meadow areas for picnics. Rent bicycles (¥100/3 hours) for easier exploration.
Museum Highlights
National Museum of Ethnology (separate building, ¥580) has comprehensive world cultures collection - allow 2-3 hours. Osaka Japan Folk Crafts Museum (¥710) displays traditional crafts. EXPO'70 Pavilion museum (free) covers expo history. Each museum requires separate time.
Dining & Facilities
Several restaurants and cafes throughout park serving light meals (¥800-¥1,500). Picnic areas available - many locals bring bento boxes. Convenience store near monorail station. Vending machines throughout park. Re-entry allowed same day with ticket stub.
Family-Friendly Features
Large playground areas for children. Wide paths suitable for strollers. Bicycle rentals including family bikes. Clean facilities throughout. The vast open spaces allow children to run freely. Popular with local families on weekends for picnics and outdoor activities.
Visit Duration & Planning
Basic visit (Tower of the Sun exterior, gardens): 2-3 hours. With Tower interior and Japanese Garden: 3-4 hours. Adding museums: full day needed. Seasonal flower viewing can be done in 1-2 hours if focused. Avoid Wednesdays when closed (except special seasons).
FAQ
How long should I spend at the park?
A casual visit covering the Tower of the Sun, Japanese Garden, and main walking areas takes 2-3 hours. To fully explore all gardens, museums, and facilities, allow a full day. Families with children using the playground areas often spend 4-5 hours. The park is large, so pace yourself.
Can I go inside the Tower of the Sun?
Yes, interior tours are available but must be reserved in advance through the official website (reservations open 4 months ahead). Tours are limited and often fully booked, especially weekends. The interior features Taro Okamoto's Tree of Life artwork spanning multiple floors. Tours last about 30 minutes.
When is the best season to visit?
Spring (late March-April) for cherry blossoms is most popular with over 5,000 trees. Autumn (November) brings beautiful foliage in the Japanese Garden. Summer offers lush greenery but can be very hot. Winter is quiet and pleasant for walking. Each season offers distinct beauty.
Is there an admission fee for the entire park?
Basic park admission is required (separate from museum and garden fees). The natural and cultural gardens, Japanese Garden, and Tower of the Sun require additional tickets. Some areas like the plaza around Tower of the Sun are accessible with basic admission. Combination tickets offer savings.
What facilities are available for children?
Extensive children's playgrounds include adventure areas, water play zones (summer), and wide open spaces for running. Seasonal events often target families. Cycling facilities offer bike rentals including family bikes. The park is very family-friendly with restrooms, nursing rooms, and picnic areas throughout.
Can I bring food and have a picnic?
Picnicking is permitted in designated areas, particularly popular during cherry blossom season. Several restaurants and cafes are scattered throughout the park. Vending machines are available. During peak seasons, bringing your own food avoids restaurant crowds. Please take trash with you.
How do I get there from Osaka city center?
Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Senri-Chuo Station, then transfer to the Osaka Monorail to Banpaku-kinen-koen Station (park entrance). Total journey is about 40-50 minutes from central Osaka. The monorail ride itself offers nice elevated views.
Are there bicycle rentals in the park?
Yes, various types of bicycles including standard bikes, tandem bikes, and family bikes with child seats are available for rent. Cycling is a great way to cover the large park area efficiently. Rental locations are near main entrances. Weekends and holidays can see bikes fully rented.
What is the Japanese Garden like?
The traditional Japanese Garden is beautifully landscaped with ponds, streams, tea houses, and seasonal flowers. It requires separate admission. The garden is especially lovely during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Allow 45-60 minutes for a leisurely walk through the garden.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Most main paths are paved and wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair rentals are available at entrances. The Japanese Garden has some stairs but alternative routes exist. The Tower of the Sun interior has limited accessibility. Overall, the park is navigable for wheelchair users with some planning.
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