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Expo '70 Commemorative Park

Park

Prefecture

Osaka

Type

Park

N/A

0 reviews

¥260

Entry Fee

Restaurant Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

The legacy of Japan's first World's Fair lives on in this 260-hectare park, where Taro Okamoto's 70-meter Tower of the Sun still watches over gardens, museums, and 5,500 cherry trees.

Expo '70 Commemorative Park was created on the grounds of the 1970 World Exposition, Japan's first world's fair. The park's unmistakable symbol is the Tower of the Sun, a 70-meter tall sculpture by avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto that has become one of Osaka's most recognizable landmarks. The interior of the tower, featuring the Tree of Life representing evolution, was opened to visitors in 2018 after decades of closure. The 260-hectare park includes the serene Japanese Garden with its tea houses, the National Museum of Ethnology, natural forests, sports facilities, and seasonal flower gardens including cherry trees and cosmos fields. Adjacent to the park is EXPOCITY, one of Japan's largest shopping and entertainment complexes. The park is especially popular during cherry blossom season when over 5,500 trees bloom.

Location

Prefecture: Osaka

Address: Suita, Osaka, Japan

Nearest Station: Banpakukinenkoen Station

Best time to visit: Early April for the celebrated cherry blossoms and mid-November for autumn foliage, both framed by Taro Okamoto's Tower of the Sun

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: Multiple cafes and restaurants throughout the park. Adjacent EXPOCITY has extensive dining options including food courts and specialty restaurants.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Expo '70 Commemorative Park?

From Umeda, take the Midosuji Subway Line north to Senri-Chuo (~25 min, ¥330), then transfer to the Osaka Monorail two stops to Banpaku-kinen-koen Station, a total of 35 minutes from central Osaka. The park entrance is right at the monorail station, on the south side. Free parking ¥1,500/day for 4,000 cars. The neighbouring LaLaport EXPOCITY shares the same monorail stop.

Can I enter the Tower of the Sun?

Yes. It reopened in 2018 after decades of closure. Inside is the 'Tree of Life' showing biological evolution from amoeba to humans through colorful sculptures. Reservation required (book online via tower-of-the-sun.jp); ¥720 for adults plus ¥260 park entry. Tours run 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) every 15 minutes; closed Wednesdays. Photography of the tower interior is restricted. Book 2–4 weeks ahead in busy seasons.

When are the cherry blossoms and other seasonal highlights?

Late March to early April for 5,500 cherry trees in the Sakura no Mori area, one of Osaka's biggest cherry blossom spots. Mid to late April brings tulip fields. May has wisteria and rose gardens; mid-May the Expo Pop & Rock concerts. October–November adds 5,000 cosmos blooms and autumn maples. Winter has illuminations from late November. The park is largest in Kansai by area, so expect crowds even on quieter days during peaks.

What else is in the park beyond Tower of the Sun?

The National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is one of Asia's largest anthropology museums (¥580). The 6.5-hectare Japanese Garden has stroll-style Edo-style gardens. The Natural and Cultural Garden has open lawns and forest trails. EXPO '70 Pavilion preserves original 1970 fair pavilions. Adjacent (across the canal) is LaLaport EXPOCITY mall with NIFREL aquarium. Plan a full day to combine museum, garden, and shopping.