Local Trip Info offered by
Washington Hotel and Hotel Gracery

A journey through Osaka Expo throughout the years.

The Osaka Expo was held in 2025. Along with the excitement of this comes the memories of an “Osaka Expo” (Osaka Bampaku) that was held in 1970. During a time of huge economic growth, this expo was the subject of attention from all around the world. Feel the baton of time being passed down through history as you remember the days of the past.

A place to think about the beauty of life – The Tower of the Sun

太陽の塔(The Tower of the Sun)
Photo by @moka_maron_mm

A mark of the 1970 Osaka Expo is the Tower of the Sun. This monument was built by artist, Taro Okamoto, and still stands at the center of Osaka Expo Commemorative Park. The 70-meter monument has three faces representing the past, present, and future. It signifies human evolution and the power of life. There is an exhibit inside where you can see the evolution of humanity from DNA to human being. Seeing the predicted future of the past before the new expo is sure to be a special experience.

Hours10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita-shi, Osaka Prefecture
AccessHotel Gracery Osaka Namba: From Namba Station, get on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and get off at Senri-chuo Station. Transfer to the Monorail and get off at Banpaku Kinen Koen Park Station
URLhttps://www.expo70-park.jp/facility/taiyounotou/

A futuristic museum for the senses – NIFREL

ニフレル(NIFREL)
Photo by @churarinko_o

NIFREL is near the Expo Commemorative Park. It is an experience-based museum for the senses. This futuristic space blends aquarium, zoo, and museum all into one. You can see white tigers and capybaras here. The museum has 7 zones of that stimulate different senses. You can experience the theme of the Expo here. Come with friends, come with partners. It’s sure to be a special time.

Hours10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:00 PM)
Open year-round
AddressEXPOCITY
2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita-shi, Osaka Prefecture
AccessHotel Gracery Osaka Namba: From Namba Station, get on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and get off at Senri-chuo Station. Transfer to the Monorail and get off at Banpaku Kinen Koen Park Station
URLhttps://www.nifrel.jp/en/

Discover the “world” in a world of art – The National Museum of Art, Osaka

国立国際美術館(The National Museum of Art, Osaka)
Photo by @kojika7e8e

The National Museum of Art, Osaka is strictly for modern art, making it a rare museum in Japan. With influences from the Osaka Expo, there are plenty of exhibits that blend modern art of the world with Japanese artistic elements. The exhibits continue underground and are extraordinary. Dive into the world of art and see what “modern” means all around the world. From Yayoi Kusama to Yoshitomo Nara, there are pieces from many famous Japanese artists. The museum is fun for art novices and art experts alike. It’s the perfect getaway for a rainy or quiet day. Come and enjoy an elevated moment in the heart of the city.

Hours10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
Closed on Mondays (and days after holidays)
Address4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
AccessHotel Gracery Osaka Namba: From Namba Station, ride the Osaka Metro Yotsuhashi Line to Higobashi Station
URLhttps://www.nmao.go.jp/en/

Base of this trip

  • Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
    Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba

    3-min walk from Namba station on the Midosuji line / 6-min walk from Namba station on the Nankai Electric Railway