夜の万博｜大阪・関西万博に夕方から行ってみた｜夜間券｜ミャクミャク｜大屋根リング｜Osaka Kansai Expo, Japan

夜の万博｜大阪・関西万博に夕方から行ってみた｜夜間券｜ミャクミャク｜大屋根リング｜Osaka Kansai Expo, Japan

“Misato’s Travel Log” begins. Hey guys! It’s Misato. I just got off at Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and am now on the ground level. I’m heading to the Osaka-Kansai Expo site. I’ll be entering through the Expo’s East Gate. Please subscribe to my channel. Incidentally, as I walk, it ‘s a little after 3:00 PM on a Friday. I’m entering late, but this time I’m using a night pass to enter the Expo. It says “opening from 5:00 PM,” but with night passes, entry is available from 4:00 PM during the Twilight Campaign. I came here at 4:00 PM , an hour earlier, so I could enjoy the experience longer . I lined up here from around 3:25 PM and waited until exactly 4:00 PM. I heard you need to bring a folding chair to the Expo, and in a situation like this, it’s really useful. Around 4:00 PM, the line started moving, and I headed to the East Gate. Here, my luggage was checked, similar to what you’d find at an airport. I scanned my QR code and passed through the gate. And so, I was through the East Gate. It was 4:13 PM. Ten minutes after entering, pavilion reservations for the day were available, but the Gundam pavilion I wanted to visit was completely booked. What a shame. The other pavilions requiring reservations were also almost fully booked, so this time I decided to visit the ones I could enter without a reservation. By the way, I’m touching my smartphone because I have a map displayed. I’m using the map by @t_tsuji Tsuji of X (formerly Twitter). It was very convenient to be able to see whether each pavilion was reserved or not. Miyakumiyaku, sitting upright in the East Gate Plaza. It’s so popular that it’s constantly packed with people. The first place I visited was the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. Reservations are required for the human washing machine, so I tried to go to the non-reservation area, but admission was limited. It must be popular. I gave up and headed toward the large roof ring. This wooden structure is truly impressive when viewed from below. The entire perimeter is 2,025 meters, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk around. Due to time constraints, I didn’t walk around it this time, but even just one lap sounds interesting. While I was looking at the map and considering where to walk, I spotted a security robot. It managed to avoid people even in this crowded area. Below the robot, I spotted a manhole cover designed like the Expo. I wish it was a coaster. I caught a glimpse of the Ireland Pavilion, but I think it had just changed to same-day reservations from this day onward. Since I didn’t have a reservation, I just walked past it. Even after 4:00 PM , the sun was still strong. I needed a parasol and a hat with a large brim. Since I was planning a quick tour this evening, waiting in line might actually make the queue longer, so I aimed for places with relatively short lines and wait times. On the right is Commons A. Commons Something Pavilion is a pavilion housing several countries. I’m walking through a forest of silence near the center of the large roof ring . By this point, the crowds had thinned out. It feels like I’m in the countryside, but this is reclaimed land, so the plants are artificially planted. This sort of place is more relaxing. I could see Sushiro and Himeji Station’s “Eki Soba” (Maneki Foods). I wasn’t hungry yet, so I didn’t go in. Past there, Commons Buildings B and C face each other. I decided to enter Commons Building B on the right. There was quite a long line here, too. I went in, but there were signs prohibiting photography, so I initially refrained. Apparently, this only applies to the booths with signs, so I resumed taking photos. This is the Tanzania booth, a country in southern Africa, south of the equator. Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak , and is also known for Kilimanjaro coffee. This is the booth of Zambia, another southern African country . One of the best parts of the Expo is being able to see folk crafts and the culture of multiple countries at once. This is President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia. This booth is from Nauru, a country located here in the Pacific Ocean. I’ve seen it often on X’s (old Twitter) account, so I’ve been wanting to see it. As mentioned earlier, it’s the third smallest country in the world, with an area roughly the size of Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward and a population of about 12,000. It feels like a southern Pacific island. There’s a mascot character called Phosphate Rock-kun, and it seems to have prospered thanks to its phosphate rock production. This is Gambia, a West African country facing the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a long, narrow country stretching east to west along the Gambia River. The exhibit asks visitors to touch and feel the texture of this textile. Not only can you see it, but you can also feel and experience Gambia. They also play drums, right? Next, we head to Commons Building C, across from Commons Building B. Although there was a line, it moved smoothly, so I was able to enter without much of a wait. This was the Ukraine booth. There was a small queue here. I didn’t go inside. I arrived at the Slovenia booth. There was a lace-knitting demonstration. I guess this is the design drawing for the lace. I admired the intricate lace while watching. I looked at other exhibits, but for now, I’ll leave Commons C. It was past 5:30 PM. It was the end of August, and sunset was about an hour away. I decided to walk outside. The Cambodian and Algerian pavilions were lined up next to each other, but the individual pavilions had quite long lines. The sea breeze seemed to be blowing in as the evening approached, but it was still hot. I could have taken the escalator up here, but I decided to do so later. Going through the large roof ring and out to the west side, I came to the Gundam pavilion. I wanted to enter the pavilion, but it was fully booked. A late-hour slot opens at 7 PM, but I’ll go somewhere else at that time. The Myakumyaku statue near Gundam. It’s located near the west side of the Pop-Up Stage. Its arms are outstretched. There’s a notice about today’s events. I’d like to see the fireworks. Since the fireworks start at 7:19 PM, I’ll have dinner early. I’ve decided to eat dinner at the Marketplace in Wind Square. Looking at the map, it’ll be about this long of a walk. So, I continue walking west. The West Gate comes into view on the right. While the East Gate is accessible by subway, the West Gate requires a bus, which is said to be less crowded. Apparently, it ‘s OK to enter from the east and exit from the west. It doesn’t seem like many people are entering at this time. Along the way, I passed the Myakumyaku stuffed animal lottery area. There’s no line in the photo, but the wait was 60 minutes. For 2,200 yen, you can win prizes of different sizes, ranging from 1st to 3rd place. So, we arrived at the ethnic fusion restaurant in the Wind Plaza Marketplace . It’s a food court offering cuisine from five countries. (The menu looks like this.) For dinner, I ordered chicken biryani. While ordering, I was wondering what to drink, and the staff kept saying lassi, lassi, so I guess they recommended that, so I went for that. Chicken biryani and lassi arrived. The prices were Expo prices (lol). The chicken biryani was different from what was on the menu, but I’ll just ignore that (lol). By the way, the lassi had a strange taste, like a cross between Calpis and Yakult? The rice in the biryani looked like finely chopped nyumen noodles. It had a strong ethnic spice flavor. Suddenly, a performance began. Listening to local music while enjoying ethnic cuisine was a unique experience. It was a truly pleasant surprise. After enjoying dinner, I went for another walk outside. It was 6:40 PM, well past sunset . Even at this time, there were still many visitors. I took photos of Miyakumiyaku-sama at dusk. I also took photos of Gundam. Afterwards, I filled my water bottle at a water station inside the venue. Water is free. Before filling up, my water bottle was so cold there was still ice in it, but after refilling, it was normal water temperature. But it was still nice. The sun had completely set, and night had fallen on the Expo site. This was the time when the Great Roof Ring really stood out. Since I had an evening ticket, the real action was about to begin. I wanted to watch the fireworks from the top of the Great Roof Ring, so I took the escalator. When I reached the top of the Great Roof Ring, the area around the handrail was already full. It was 10 minutes before the fireworks started. There were no lights on top of the ring, so it had this atmosphere. Along the way, I found a path leading into the ring, and when I went, I found an elevator. Since there was still some time before the fireworks, I decided to go to the upper ring. There are plants planted on top of the large roof ring, and you can even hear the sounds of autumn insects. Even though it’s artificially created, it seems to return to nature, which may seem natural, but it’s still a bit strange. Shall we watch the fireworks from around here? This is what it looks like from the ocean side. A large number of buses are parked there, waiting for customers from the West Gate to return. And so the fireworks began. You can see fireworks anywhere, but seeing them from the top of the large roof ring is sure to leave a lasting memory. Kobukuro’s “Expo” song was playing throughout the fireworks . The time the song was playing might have been the time for the fireworks show. It lasted about 4-5 minutes. After the fireworks, there was a temporary rush of people using the escalators going down. It was hard to get off (sweats) . After waiting for about 20 minutes, I finally got on the down escalator. I got off the nearest escalator, but I couldn’t figure out where it was (sweats). Looking at the map, it seemed like I took the escalator leading to Shinpo Square. There was Commons Building D. After this, I decided to go to an event. There was something like a railroad crossing. I wonder if it only closes when cars are passing through? The map on the Expo’s official website uses GPS to show your current location, which was convenient. My destination was Pop-up Stage North. From Progress Plaza, I passed Minami-dori and Life Park, passed Silent Forest, and emerged at Sky Plaza and Pop-up North. It was pitch black and hard to see, but I could see the words “Life Park.” I was walking on the west side of Silent Forest, near the station soba I had passed earlier. Nearby, there was a glowing Myaku Myaku statue. Myaku Myaku statues are popular, even at night. So I emerged into Sky Plaza. It seemed a little quiet around here. The event I had arrived at was “Seed’s Promise” by Kids Jazz, a storytelling concert woven with sand, light, and sound . Through sand art, music, and storytelling, it told the adventure story of a seed’s journey through life. The Expo isn’t just about enjoying the pavilions and exhibits; it’s also about enjoying the events. After this, I was also drawn to the Azerbaijan pavilion. It doesn’t require a reservation, but the line didn’t seem to be moving, so I moved on. I then came here to use the restroom, but I saw a men’s stall and wondered if I’d made a mistake. It seems I didn’t realize it was dark and entered through the exit. When I headed this way, I understood why. It was an all-gender restroom, with a one-way system. There were several women’s stalls closer, so I could choose which one to use. I used this one. After this, I headed to Commons Building A, which I passed at the beginning of the video. I returned to the east gate of the large roof ring. There was no line, so I was able to enter easily. It was just after 8:20 PM. Among the various places, I wandered into Samoa, a South Pacific island nation located southeast of Nauru, near the International Date Line . There were also interactive exhibits here, giving it the feel of a tropical island paradise. It would be interesting to visit as a tourist. Other countries include Palau in the South Pacific, the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka off the southeast coast of India, Eswatini in South Africa, and Ghana in West Africa. Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean country. This is Yemen in the Middle East . The Yemeni booth mainly featured decorations for the walls and windows of homes. Across from it was a Burundi cafe. Their canelés were apparently popular, and there was a long line. This was the Yemeni sales booth. Apparently , this booth is known for its bargaining at the Expo. So, I left Commons Hall A. Pavilions representing various countries were gathered in each Commons, giving me a little taste of traveling around the world. I was able to enter without a reservation and had a lot of fun. It was 8:40 PM. There was apparently a drone show later, but I was getting tired of walking around here. *From the left, the escalators in the large roof rings of the France, America, and Philippines pavilions . At this time, the upwards direction is clear, but soon after, a considerable queue forms. (The Malaysian Pavilion closes at 9 p.m.) I would like to see the drone show starting at 9 p.m., but it’s time to head home. I take one last look up at the large roof rings from inside, and before leaving through the East Gate, I buy some souvenirs at the official store. This is the Expo Official Store at Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store. There was a long queue just to get in. I finally entered the store, took one Myaku Myaku-sama with me (and made a purchase), and left. This is the queue at the register. I didn’t have to wait too long. (After paying the bill) I left the shop at 9:15 PM. The East Gate exit was packed with people. However, I was able to reach the gate exit in about 10 minutes. The problem was what was ahead. If so many people flooded the station at once, the ticket gates would overwhelm, so they had to detour around the plaza to Yumeshima Station, restricting entry to the station. At this time of day, six-car trains run every two and a half minutes, probably handling passengers returning from the Expo. Finally, Yumeshima Station came into view . It was 9:55 PM when I took the escalator down to the Yumeshima Station concourse . I passed through the ticket gate and got on the subway, departing for Morinomiya at 10:04 PM from Yumeshima. I got off at Awaza Station, where I needed to transfer. I took the Sennichimae Line train. I got off at Tanimachi 9-chome. I changed to the Kintetsu line here. I was able to catch the 10:52pm express train bound for Yamato-Yagi from Osaka-Uehommachi Station. It started at 4pm in the evening, and although I spent a little over five hours at the venue for 3,700 yen, I think I had a great time. Above all, I was able to learn about different countries around the world without leaving Japan, and experience a little bit of the feeling of traveling abroad and experiencing different cultures. To be honest, it made me want to go again. One visit, even a one-day pass, probably wouldn’t be enough. So, that’s all for today’s video. Thank you very much for watching until the end. Please subscribe to my channel. I would also appreciate it if you could leave a rating.

大阪・関西万博に夕方から行ってきました。

2025年8月撮影
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