Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, the excitement from last year’s Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is still fresh in our minds. On January 2nd, I visited the EXPO’70 Pavilion in Suita City to experience the “fever of 1970″—the origin of it all. This report covers the crowd status, highlights, and tips from my 2026 New Year’s visit.
1. What is the EXPO’70 Pavilion? (The Former Steel Pavilion)
The EXPO’70 Pavilion is a memorial museum that repurposed the “Steel Pavilion,” one of the most popular exhibits from the 1970 Japan World Exposition. It’s a perfect spot where “retro-future” design meets history, making it a favorite for both nostalgic generations and younger fans of vintage aesthetics.
| Facility Name | EXPO’70 Pavilion (Former Steel Pavilion) |
| Location | Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Natural and Cultural Gardens area) |
| Key Highlights | Space Theater, The Golden Face, Works by Taro Okamoto |
2. Access and New Year Crowd Status (Jan 2026)
How to Get There
About a 10-minute walk from the Osaka Monorail “Banpaku-kinen-koen Station.” With the Tower of the Sun in front of you, walk towards the “Higashi-oji” (East Avenue) on the right side to find the iconic red geometric building.
How crowded was it?
On January 2nd, the park was buzzing with families and visitors due to New Year events. However, the Pavilion was surprisingly a “hidden gem.”
- Park Area: Very crowded with New Year visitors.
- Inside the Pavilion: While the interior tours of the Tower of the Sun were fully booked, the Pavilion allowed for walk-in entry, providing a quiet atmosphere to enjoy the exhibits.
Travel Tip: Opening hours may change during the New Year period. Always check the official website before your visit.
3. Exhibit Report: Stepping Back into 1970
① The Immersive Red Corridor
The interior is unified in “Expo Red.” You can find original footage from 1970 and rare pavilion blueprints. The analog craftsmanship of the architectural drawings is truly impressive.
② Experiencing Taro Okamoto’s Art
One of the best parts is that you can interact with some of the art.
- “Hand Chair”: Though it looks purely artistic, it’s surprisingly comfortable! It perfectly fits the human body.
- “Key of the Pavilion”: A massive, 1-meter-long key designed by Taro Okamoto. It symbolizes opening the door to the future.
③ The “Golden Face” (Annex)
In the Annex (opened in 2023), you can see the original “Golden Face” that was actually used on the Tower of the Sun during the 1970 Expo. Its scale and texture are overwhelming up close.
*Note: Photography from the 2nd-floor balcony requires a rented “Safety Smartphone Case” (500 JPY) to prevent accidental drops.
4. Time Required and Tips
- Duration: Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes to read through the detailed panels.
- Photography: Most areas are photo-friendly. The red hallways and stairs are perfect for portrait shots.
- The Courtyard: Don’t miss the outdoor lawn area where you can photograph the EXPO’70 monument and the Tower of the Sun together.
5. Summary: Recharge Your “Future Energy”
Visiting the EXPO’70 Pavilion during the New Year of 2026 was a powerful reminder of Japan’s post-war energy and optimism. It’s not just a museum; it’s a place to charge your own energy for the year ahead.
Visitor Information
- Admission: 500 JPY for Adults (Separate park entry fee required)
- Closed: Wednesdays (Following day if Wednesday is a holiday), New Year holidays
- Official Website: Please check the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park website for the latest info.
Note: Information is based on a visit in January 2026. Please check the latest details before your trip.
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