Expo '70 Commemorative Park

In short

A cultural park covering approximately 258 hectares, developed on the former site of the Japan World Exposition (Expo '70), held in 1970. The first world exposition held in Asia attracted over 64.21 million visitors during its 183-day run. Around the facilities from the time of the expo extends a lush forest, newly created on the artificial ground of the former site, where no plants grew.

• ​Retracing Expo Memories​​: Visitors can also tour the interior of the Tower of the Sun, designed by Okamoto Taro (advance reservation required by the day before). The EXPO'70 Pavilion, the building that served as the Steel Pavilion at the time, introduces the expo through footage and materials
• ​Japanese Garden​​: This garden was exhibited by the Japanese government during the expo, with gardens that reflect the characteristics of each era: ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern
• ​Forest and Rural Scenery​​: The row of cherry trees is a popular springtime destination. There is also an area dotted with tea fields, plum groves, bamboo groves, and cedar woods, where plum festivals and tea-picking events are held

History and Highlights

​Expo '70 Commemorative Park​ is a cultural park developed on the former site of the Japan World Exposition (Expo '70), which was held in 1970. Expo '70 was the first world exposition held in Asia; themed "Progress and Harmony for Mankind," it attracted over 64.21 million visitors during its 183-day run from March 15 to September 13.

After the exposition ended, most of the buildings were dismantled and removed, but the Tower of the Sun, designed by artist Okamoto Taro, was preserved along with facilities such as the EXPO'70 Pavilion, and it remains a beloved symbol of Osaka today. The park covers an area of approximately 258 hectares. A lush forest extends around the structures remaining from the expo, including the Tower of the Sun, the EXPO'70 Pavilion, and the Japanese Garden. This forest was newly created on the artificial ground of the former expo site, where no plants grew.

Sights and Activities

• ​Retracing Expo Memories​​: Visitors can also tour the interior of the park's iconic Tower of the Sun. The EXPO'70 Pavilion, which served as the Steel Pavilion during the exposition, is now a memorial hall that introduces the expo from its preparation through its closing using footage and materials from that time.
• ​Japanese Garden​​: This garden was exhibited by the Japanese government during the expo. The long, narrow east-west site is divided into four sections, showcasing garden styles representative of four distinct eras: ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern.
• ​Forest and Rural Scenery​​: The park features a row of cherry trees representative of Expo '70 Commemorative Park, making it a popular springtime destination. There is also an area inspired by traditional Japanese rural landscapes, dotted with tea fields, plum groves, bamboo groves, and cedar woods, where plum festivals and tea-picking events are held.

Travel Tips

The park is about a 5-minute walk from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail. Exit the ticket gates, go down the ramp, cross the Chuo Bridge, and enter through the Central Gate to see the Tower of the Sun directly ahead. Touring the interior of the Tower of the Sun requires advance reservation by the day before your visit.

The park grounds also house cultural facilities such as the National Museum of Ethnology and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Osaka. With play equipment enjoyable even for small children—such as an athletic climbing tower, a giant maze, and cycle boats—as well as facilities where visitors can enjoy a barbecue without bringing their own gear, families can easily spend an entire day here. About 400 to 550 meters south of the Tower of the Sun, you will find NIFREL and LaLaport EXPOCITY.