Join the world together in Osaka! Discover Expo 2025 and Kansai for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience

Why Have an Incentive Trip to Kansai in 2025?

Osaka will be home to Expo 2025 from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on the artificial island of Yumeshima. The city and surrounding Kansai region not only have unique culture and attractions but also three MICE cities, the perfect setting for an incentive trip for your business or organization.

Connect with the world at Expo 2025 in Osaka

While Osaka will be welcoming the world in 2025, it is not its first time. In fact, the city previously hosted the Expo back in 1970 and was the first city in Asia to do so. Also, Nagoya, not far from Osaka, had the honor to host the 2005 edition.

Discover and explore the Kansai region in Japan

The Kansai region is home to the major cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. All are a reasonable distance from Kansai International Airport, and their Shinkansen train stations make it possible to get to Tokyo in only two hours. Each city has its unique charm and attractions that make for a fun yet convenient trip.

Hold meetings and events in the Global MICE cities of Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka

Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe have been designated as Global MICE cities and have a range of venues, from standard convention halls to more uniquely Japanese locations, to hold meetings and events.

What Awaits at Expo 2025 in Osaka

The World Expo is a major international event held every five years. Each edition encompasses a universal theme that frames the various activities the participating countries and corporations deliver to visitors, whether they focus on culture, new technologies, or other forms of offerings. Below is what awaits at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Explore a new man-made island in Osaka

The World Expo will be held on the newly constructed artificial island of Yumeshima (Dream Island), situated in Osaka Bay in the heart of Osaka. Formerly a waste disposal site, it is being reimagined as the location for the Expo and future major projects.

Visit the country and corporate pavilions

One of the main attractions of the World Expo is the country pavilions represented by many countries around the world. Participating countries showcase their ideas for the future and their unique cultures. Several major corporations are also invited to share their ideas and technologies that fit within the main theme of the Expo.

Learn about future technologies and social systems

The theme to be showcased in 2025 is that of a future society imagined through the concept of “People’s Living Lab; A laboratory for a future society.” Cutting-edge technologies, such as carbon neutrality, digital technology, and next-generation mobility will be on display for the public to see how visionaries are planning to utilize these innovations in the future.

Enjoy different kinds of entertainment

The Expo is not only an event for showcasing the culture and new technologies of countries around the world, but for providing some top-notch entertainment as well. Projection mapping, music and performing arts, water shows and more will be held along with traditional Japanese festivals and parades that represent the best of Japan.

What to See and Do in Osaka

With its unique character and more rebellious spirit, Osaka is considered the rival city to Tokyo. It is commonly said that people from Osaka are more down-to-earth and boisterous than their counterparts in Tokyo and it is these traits that give the city its unique charm. Below are a few reasons to visit this exciting metropolis.

Visit local Osaka attractions

Osaka is a compact city with plenty of sights on offer. Experience the intensity of the city in Dotonbori, a popular area known for its lights, food, and entertainment. Lovers of history should check out Osaka Castle to learn about the history of the Kansai region in the days of the samurai and the shogunate. The castle and its surrounding park make for a nice stroll to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Enjoy food, food, and more food

Osaka is a hotbed of cuisine and is known as “the nation’s kitchen.” The area is famed for its hearty street food such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and yakisoba, as well as high-end fine Japanese dining. There is always some delicious food nearby wherever you are in Osaka.

Take in the passion of baseball in Osaka

Osaka is baseball crazy, and fans are particularly fervent in their support of the local team, the Hanshin Tigers. The baseball season will be happening around the same time as the Expo, so make sure to catch one of their games for a sporting experience like no other.

What to See and Do in Kobe

While Osaka is known for being an overwhelming place, the nearby port city of Kobe is a more elegant and stylish city with a Westernized feel. For a relaxing day out, Kobe is highly recommended. Below are a few reasons why you should check this beautiful city out.

Try the famed Kobe beef

For many outside Japan, Kobe beef represents one of the finest examples of wagyu (Japanese beef). Make sure to visit a teppanyaki restaurant in the city to experience the fine flavor and texture of this delicacy prepared and served to the highest standards.

Explore the traditional hot spring town of Arima Onsen

A short trip away from Kobe and one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns is Arima Onsen, which also happens to be Japan’s oldest, having been operating for 1,300 years. Bathe in its natural hot spring water for a truly relaxing experience or stay at a ryokan or inn for the opportunity to witness a geisha performance.

Ride the Nunobiki Ropeway

The Nunobiki Ropeway offers a comfortable ride over Kobe, passing Nunobiki Waterfall and the Nunobiki Herb Garden as it makes its way to the observation deck at the top station for spectacular views of the city.

What to See and Do in Kyoto

The world-famous historical city of Kyoto is probably on most visitors’ itineraries in Japan. As the former capital of Japan, its historical architecture, culture, and cuisine have attracted visitors from all over the world and is second only to Tokyo in its popularity among tourists. Below are a few reasons why.

Visit local shrines and temples

Kyoto is home to an incredible number of historical shrines and temples – so many it is pretty much impossible to see them all in one visit. Among the highlights that cannot be missed include Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizudera Temple.

Enjoy food at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and is a fresh food street market located in central Kyoto. Experience the local side of Kyoto in this lively and bustling market of fresh produce, kitchenware, and local specialties.

Explore the Gion District

The Gion District is a charming area home to shops, restaurants, and tea houses along narrow streets and alleys. It is also known for its geisha culture. You may even catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko on their way to work.

Find Unique Venues Around Kansai for Meetings and Events

With Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe being designated as MICE cities, there are plenty of venues to hold meetings and events, from standard halls to more unique locations. Below are a few examples in each city that will take things to another level.

Around Osaka

Osaka has a rich range of unique venues that showcase Osaka’s culture, whether they be historical buildings or more lively locations. Ohtsuki Noh Theater and Katsuoji Temple are great examples that highlight the finer side of Japan, while the Nakanoshima Museum of Art and the Creative Center Osaka represent Osaka of the present day.

Around Kobe

Osaka has a rich range of unique venues that showcase Osaka’s culture, whether they be historical buildings or more lively locations. Ohtsuki Noh Theater and Katsuoji Temple are great examples that highlight the finer side of Japan, while the Nakanoshima Museum of Art and the Creative Center Osaka represent Osaka of the present day.

Around Kyoto

With experience in hosting major international summits, Kobe also has a wealth of choices for convention centers and hotels for meetings and events. For large-scale gatherings, the Kobe Convention Center and World Hall are ideal, while famous hotels, including the Hotel Pearl City Kobe and Kobe Portpia Hotel, have experience in hosting more intimate meetings and events.

Summary

2025 will be a big year in Japan, particularly for the Kansai region. As it welcomes the world to the Expo, take advantage by having an incentive trip there to embrace the past, present, and future of culture, society, and business. JTB USA will be happy to help you plan that special incentive trip to Japan in 2025.