3 Must-see Pavilions at the Osaka Expo—USA, France, Italy

Maido! Osaka Bob here.
Have you been to the Expo yet? Do you now where to go? Let me introduce some of the pavilions so you can have an amazing time when you visit Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai.

The United States of America—A Journey into Space without Leaving Earth

Let me introduce the Pavilion for the United States of America, which just happens to be my country of origin. The theme here is Co-Creation and you can experience interactive exhibits featuring many different fields such as Technology, Aerospace Development, Education, Culture, and Entrepreneurship. Let me show you what some of the excitement is about!

Dynamic Images of the Present and Future in the United States

At the American Pavilion, you can see video and still exhibits showcasing the country’s aspirations for medical care and education in each room. Throughout the entire building, there is a distinct feeling of being in an amusement park. The other visitors were clearly excited to be there. The US certainly lives up to its reputation as the makers of entertainment.

The official USA Pavilion mascot, Spark, guided us through many different video experiences.

We even got to see the Statue of Liberty! There was a room built like an observation deck so we could see the statue from all angles. Something you can’t even do if you visit the real thing. 
The footage looks like it was shot by drone. What a special chance to see the statue from so many different angles.

And there he is! The one and only Shohei Ohtani!!!
You can see his swing and a hit. Just look at what a beautiful line that ball travels. Of course all the Japanese visitors were excited to see Ohtani.

Take a Trip Through Space in this 360 Degree Dome-roofed Theater


I can’t imagine the United States without thinking of outer space exploration. At this pavilion there is a dome-shaped theater that extends all 360 degrees. Experience what it’s like to be in space with this immersive experience.

First comes the countdown, then blastoff!
This is so incredibly exciting.

First you pass the international space station, then the moon, then Jupiter. It’s such a romantic trip through space. Someday I’d like to get on a real space ship and make the trip for real.

Other exhibits in the USA Pavilion were made in collaboration with NASA so they will thrill anyone who is even mildly interested in space.

Moon Rocks from the 1970 Osaka World Expo

The moon rocks were a huge hit at the 1970 World Expo and so moon rocks are on display here again. These lunar souvenirs embody just how deeply the USA is connected to outer space.

By the way, the rocks that are on display here were collected during the Apollo 17 mission, the final manned Apollo lunar landing mission. The rocks displayed during the 1970 Osaka Expo were the ones collected during the Apollo 12 mission. So they are not exactly the same.

For a little trivia, the moon is roughly 380,000 kilometers from the earth. If you traveled 200 km/h, which is approximately the speed of the bullet train, it would take you about 80 days to reach the moon. It feels otherworldly to see rocks from so far away, right before your eyes. The USA is amazing.

Polite and Friendly Staff


Another thing I’d like to mention about this pavilion is how nice and friendly the staff are.

Another thing I’d like to mention about this pavilion is how nice and friendly the staff are.

When I visited, the staff asked everyone where they were from. “Anyone from Tokyo?” “Osaka?” “Overseas?” My friend Kim yelled out “Korea” and the staff responded with “Annyeonghaseyo!”
I was so surprised! I wonder if they have mastered basic greetings from every country in the world.



It is also very nice that you don’t need a reservation to go inside the USA pavilion. But that means there’s always a line outside. And the pavilion staff are friendly and entertaining from morning to night. If you don’t believe me, check the official pavilion Instagram account.


https://www.instagram.com/worldexpousapavilion

Republic of France—Spot-on Branding Illustrating the Franco-Japan Relationship

The next pavilion I want to recommend is the French one. It’s right next to the USA pavilion, so many people visit both.

And the theme here is a hymn of love. They propose a vision of the future guided by the meaning of life and love. 

Love is defined as
Loving yourself…Taking care of yourself
Loving others…Re-envisioning your relationship with others
Loving nature… Being conscious of our connection with earth’s environment
The combination of these three things will build our future. 
Alright, let’s take a look at exactly what’s inside the pavilion.

Expressing France’s through its Well-known Brands

The French pavilion has gotten rave reviews for the exhibits featuring its signature fashion brands. And they are brimming with the charms of French culture that they love so much.

I found these gorgeous blue, white, and red suits in the room which showcases Dior’s production process. They represent France with the tricolor combination that’s on the French flag. They were brightly colored and absolutely stunning.

On the wall, there are hundreds of white muslins, three-dimensional representations of silhouette sketches. Apparently there are around 400 of them! Visitors get a strong sense of Dior’s commitment to the pursuit of beauty and style.

Here is the Louis Vuitton room. The shining gold lighting creates a luxurious atmosphere.

The exhibit was inspired by the brand’s roots—its founder, Louis Vuitton, was a trunk maker. Surrounding the sculpture The Cathedral, by Auguste Rodin, the sculptor known for his sculpture The Thinker. The Cathedral features two intertwined hands and the entire walls surrounding it is filled with Louis Vuitton trunks. Apparently, 85 trunks were used to make this!

When I asked one of the pavilion staff members about The Cathedral and they said, “This exhibit is meant to convey that all technology begins with the hands.” Hands as a gesture of love and a symbol of craftsmanship… Sculptures of hands are displayed throughout the pavilion, so be sure to look for them.

Now, while the Dior and Louis Vuitton exhibits are often featured in various media and are quite well known, the charm of the France Pavilion doesn’t stop there!

Art and Nature: France’s Deep Respect for History and Culture

The France Pavilion includes an outdoor area called “Miracle Garden” created by NINAPHARM, a pioneer in the field of microbiome and mitochondria research.

Beyond the hexagonal pond you’ll see the “Tree of Youth,” a miraculous symbol of longevity that is supposedly over 1,000 years old. Amazing, right?

This tree is one of eight millennia-old Senju Olive trees, each sharing the same microbiome as the wild 2,300-year-old olive tree “Zeus,” discovered by NINAPHARM in 2005. The tree was specially transported here for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

They said that the microorganisms discovered in the olive tree are releasing energy into the surrounding trees and even the air. Sounds like a source of positive vibes to me!

Also, France is famous for wine!
In this cave-like room, you can see an animation introducing the entire process of wine-making in the Alsace region—located in northern France. It starts with grape cultivation and progresses all the way through wine production.

Round lights hang from the ceiling represent grapes. And if you look closely, even the exit leading to the next room is shaped like a wine bottle. The attention to detail and commitment to style, down to the smallest detail, is so quintessentially French!

A Story Connecting the Hearts of Japan and France

The highlight of the France Pavilion may very well be the deep connection between Japan and France.

The large tapestry displayed in the back depicts a scene from Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, titled “Ashitaka Healing the Cursed Wound”. The craftsmanship by French artisans is absolutely incredible!

In front of the tapestry stands a chimera statue that miraculously survived the 2019 fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The chimera appears to be watching over Ashitaka and the others in the tapestry, creating a truly breathtaking collaboration.

And there’s even more to see!

On the left is France’s Mont-Saint-Michel, and on the right is the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture. The two World Heritage Sites are connected by a sacred shimenawa rope, creating an incredibly mystical scene.

Both are historic structures surrounded by the sea, forming a beautiful “love installation” symbolizing the connection between the two countries. By the way, Mont-Saint-Michel and Hatsukaichi City (where Itsukushima Shrine is located) are officially partnered as tourism friendship cities.

Republic of Italy—A Stunning Combination of Italian Art and Cuisine

Finally, I’d like to show you around the Italian Pavilion

With the theme “Art Regenerates Life,” the exhibition is divided into four areas that showcase the beauty of various regions across Italy. Highlights include a special Vatican space featuring Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Entombment of Christ.”

Now, let’s dive into some of the other highlights!

Experience the Beauty of Authentic Art Up-close

What truly sets the Italy Pavilion apart from the others is its remarkable display of rare and priceless art.

The Farnese Atlas statue, said to have been created in ancient Roman times, is a powerful work inspired by Greek mythology. It depicts the mighty Titan Atlas, punished by the gods to bear the weight of the heavens after his defeat.

This is the very first time it’s ever been exhibited, right here at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai! The sheer presence and energy it radiates is absolutely breathtaking.

Here we have Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Entombment of Christ. The dramatic use of light and shadow, as if a spotlight pierces the darkness, is a signature technique of Caravaggio. This marks the first time the painting has ever been exhibited in Japan. It’s an absolute must-see for art lovers.

But that’s not all. You’ll also find original notes and sketches by Leonardo da Vinci on display, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a true genius.

Another highlight generating buzz is Apparato Circolatorio, an installation featuring 32 ceramic hearts that appear to beat in unison, symbolizing the infinite continuity of life.

The pavilion is filled with artwork by talented artists. Everywhere you turn you see masterpiece after masterpiece. It’s a rare chance to encounter so much stunning art in one place.

Artwork Showcasing the Connection between Italy and Japan

At the Italy Pavilion, you’ll also find artworks that highlight the connection between Italy and Japan, created with the Osaka-Kansai Expo in mind.

The young man depicted in this painting is Itō Manshō, who was just 13 years old when he traveled to Rome in 1582 as part of the Tenshō embassy—the first Japanese diplomatic mission to Europe. It took the group three years to reach Italy and they were reportedly met with a warm, enthusiastic welcome from the people of Rome.

Displaying a figure who served as a cultural bridge between Japan and Italy? What a thoughtful and meaningful touch!

And while the pavilion is filled with captivating works of art, there’s something you might miss if you’re too swept away by the visual beauty…

The airplane model hanging from the ceiling might blend into the surroundings, so it’s easy to miss. Look up!

This model represents Arturo Ferrarin’s historic 1920 flight from Rome to Tokyo, marking a significant milestone in friendship between Italy and Japan. Fun fact: Ferrarin inspired the name of Porco Rosso’s friend, Ferrarin, in Studio Ghibli’s film Porco Rosso!

The Italy Pavilion itself is designed with inspiration from the Renaissance city of Urbino. After the theater screening, the screen moves aside to reveal exhibition rooms—an innovative blend of classic Italian culture and cutting-edge technology that’s really captivating.

Visitors also rave about the showcase of Italy’s patented technologies and groundbreaking projects. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!

When you think of Italy, you can’t forget Ferrari!
A legendary name in Formula 1 and a dream brand for any car enthusiast — it’s a symbol of passion and speed that captures the hearts of fans worldwide.

Enjoy Traditional Italian Food from Every Region

There’s one more important thing to know about the Italy Pavilion—you’ll want to check out the restaurant while you’re there!

Take the elevator up to the third floor, and you’ll find the rooftop restaurant. You don’t even need to go inside the pavilion to visit the restaurant. It’s open to all and loved for serving traditional dishes from all over Italy. They even hold workshops on Italian food culture!

The menu features classics like pasta, meat and fish dishes, pizza, tiramisu, cannoli, panna cotta, and gelato. When I asked the waitstaff for their top recommendation, they didn’t hesitate to say Bolognese!

If you want a lighter bite, there’s also a café on the first floor. Gelato is especially popular here, and many visitors are thrilled they can enjoy authentic ILLY coffee right here in Japan.

I tried the amarena gelato (amarena is a type of cherry), and it was absolutely delicious! Such a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors!

Here is the pinsa and bomboloni.

Pinsa is a dish made from wheat flour, but it includes soybean and rice flours too, giving it a lighter, airier texture compared to regular pizza. I went for the Nutella topping, a favorite among Italians.

On the right is bomboloni, a fried pastry that originated in Italy. I chose the pistachio flavor and it was amazing!

Of course, I had to try the pizza!

It might be a bit challenging to get inside, but opportunities to see priceless artworks up close, and outside of a glass case, are rare. The staff explained how transporting these masterpieces to Japan required countless permits and approvals. Some pieces even traveled on multiple flights to get all the way to Osaka. It took a huge amount of effort, but they wanted visitors to truly experience the beauty of authentic art.

For example, I heard that moving the Atlas statue alone took about 10 days!

The line may be long, but I believe the Italy Pavilion is worth the wait.

Well, that’s it for my recommendations on overseas pavilions! If I’ve captured your interest, be sure to check out the pavilions from the USA, France, and Italy. And don’t forget to enjoy your journey!

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