Recently we decided to visit Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, the site of Japan’s first world fair in 1970. It felt right to do with the Osaka Expo ‘25 starting soon! I had heard about the Tower of the Sun, a strange-looking sculpture that had become an Osaka landmark, and had to see it for myself. The commemorative park is huge, with a mix of open spaces, museums, and gardens. It turned out to be a quiet place to walk around, away from the busier parts of the city. It costs just ¥250 (£1.30!) to enter the park, which is amazing value for money. I recommend purchasing the ticket at the gate, and make sure to bring cash as some of the machines don’t accept card payments.
How to get there:
Getting to the park was straightforward. We took the Midosuji Line from Osaka Station to Senri-Chuo, then switched to the Osaka Monorail for a short ride to Bampaku-Kinen-Kōen Station. The monorail stops right by the entrance, which makes access pretty convenient. The ride on the monorail itself was exciting (and perhaps a little daunting an experience if you’re not used to travelling this way!).
Exploring the Park
One of the first things I saw upon entering was the Tower of the Sun, an unusual sculpture standing at 70 meters tall. Designed by artist Taro Okamoto, it was originally created for the Expo and has been preserved ever since. The tower has a distinct look, with large outstretched arms and multiple faces representing different aspects of time. We didn’t book a tour to see the inside, but were surprised to find out that this is an option. Admission to the Tower of the Sun Museum is by reservation only. (A minimum of a 1-day advance reservation is required.)
After walking past the tower, we headed toward the Japanese Garden. It was well-maintained, with ponds, bridges, and a mix of different landscaping styles. Depending on the season, you can see cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn foliage (November-December). You can also see bamboo swaying gently in the breeze, which I personally found more relaxing than the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto which has become a tourist hotspot.
The gardens are fun for all ages and there is an interactive stamp collection activity, if you collect just 5 stamps on your way around you will get a lovely gift! I won’t spoil the surprise for you…
For those interested in history and culture, the park has a couple of museums. The National Museum of Ethnology showcases cultural artifacts from around the world, while the Expo ’70 Pavilion focuses on the history of the 1970 World Expo. We walked through the Pavilion, which had exhibits on the futuristic designs and ideas presented at the Expo. It was a small but interesting look into Japan’s post-war era of rapid growth.
For those who enjoy activities, the park has something called “Banpaku BEAST”, an athletic facility that utilises a hexagonal platform using unique technology from Germany. You can enjoy various activities such as climbing, slacklining, and aerial bicycles at this facility. There are 121 types of activities. With a high level of safety, people of all ages, from elementary school students to seniors, can experience them. The athletic area is on four floors, and there is also an observation deck on the rooftop that offers a panoramic view of the park. An additional fee is required to enter the BEAST!
Food wise, there were a few food stalls inside the park selling mostly selling snacks and drinks. Vending machines are also there (of course). If you’re looking for more options, Expo City, a large shopping and entertainment complex right next to the park, has restaurants, an aquarium, and a shopping mall. This includes a buffet-style KFC… yes you read that right!
Is a visit to the Commemorative Park worth it?
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park isn’t typically a tourist attraction, but it’s a lovely place to visit if you enjoy open spaces, walking trails, or learning about Osaka’s history. The Tower of the Sun was the main highlight for me, and the gardens make for a relaxing day out. I would highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for a break from the city, a day out with family relaxing with a picnic, or have an interest in the legacy of the 1970 Expo. Just make sure to take sunscreen and hats as the park is a large open space, with not much shelter. We will definitely be back!
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