The Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held in April 2025.
The concept is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
It will run from April 13 to October 13.
The event will be held on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay.
Yumeshima had been accessible only by car.
On January 19, Reiwa 7 (2025), the Osaka Metro Chuo Line was extended to Yumeshima.
This has made it even easier to get to Yumeshima, which used to be close and far away.
In this article,
I will give you two-part reports on Yumeshima, the site of the Expo, and the surrounding area.
In Part 1,
I will talk about Yumeshima and Maishima, which is located to the north of Yumeshima.
In Part 2, I will talk about Sakishima, located south of Yumeshima, and its surrounding area.
This information is also useful for not only those who are interested in Osaka/Kansai Expo,
but also those who are interested in Yumeshima, the venue of the event, and its surrounding area.
I hope you will enjoy reading it to the end.
Yumeshima Overview
Yumeshima is a man-made island with an area of approximately 390 hectares located in Osaka Bay at the westernmost tip of Osaka City.
It belongs to Konohana Ward, Osaka City.
After the landfill was reclaimed, various use proposals were made.
The best example was Osaka’s bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Yumeshima was to be used as an Olympic athletes’ village.
However, Osaka was quickly eliminated as a candidate site at the 2001 IOC General Assembly.
As you all know, the 2008 Summer Olympics were held in Beijing, China.
I hiikun did not think that Osaka would be selected.
In fact, that is exactly what happened.
I wonder how many people in Japan currently know
that Osaka campaigned for the Olympics.
Even the people of Osaka Prefecture have probably forgotten about it.
Until I hiikun also started writing this article,
I had completely forgotten that Osaka was bidding for the Olympics.
Here is the logo for the Osaka Olympics.
I wrote it myself from memory.
I believe it was inspired by cherry blossoms…
To answer the question,
I compared it to the actual logo for the Osaka Olympics that I found on Google.
It was mostly right.
It made me realize how bad I am at drawing.
This is a photo that I took on a previous ride on the sightseeing cruise ship Santa Maria.
The area where several huge cranes are located in the back is Yumeshima.
“There’s nothing but containers. I wonder if the construction will be completed by the time of the Expo…”
I thought so when I saw it up close.
Yumeshima was even called a symbol of “negative legacy”.
Yumeshima has been used as a container terminal in a small way,
A major event occurred for Yumeshima.
As the site of the Osaka/Kansai Expo and the development site for the IR (Integrated Resort) project,
Yumeshima was selected.
And this year, the Osaka-Kansai Expo will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
After the Expo, an IR is scheduled to open for business.
I know there are pros and cons to the Expo and IR projects.
I, hiikun, also have many thoughts about the holding of the Expo.
However, I would like to provide you, my readers, with as much fun information as possible on my blog site.
So, I will refrain from elaborating on my hiikun’s personal views on politics.
It would be a waste not to make the most of this vast land.
I was a little relieved when I learned that Yumeshima is now being used for purposes other than container logistics.
Now that it has been decided to host the Expo, I do hope that the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Yumeshima will be a big success.
In the next section,
I will show you some scenes from my actual visit to Yumeshima
after the opening of Yumeshima Station on January 19.
What is Yumeshima like?
Let’s take a look at what Yumeshima is like.
The Osaka Metro Chuo Line completed the Yumeshima extension on January 19, 2025.
Here is an overview of my visit to Yumeshima on the newly extended subway line.
Date of visit: January 21, Reiwa 7 (2025)
Route to Yumeshima
First, let’s take a look at the route to Yumeshima.
Finally, we take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Yumeshima.
The Chuo Line runs east-west through the center of Osaka City.
However, it does not pass through major terminals in Osaka City such as Umeda, Namba, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, etc.
Therefore, you will always be forced to change trains at some point.
Several railroad lines running in Osaka City are connected to the Chuo Line station.
From among them,
I will introduce the route from Shin-Osaka Station, the gateway to Osaka, to Yumeshima.
Shin-Osaka Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
From here, head for Yumeshima.
Don’t worry about the destination.
You may take any train that arrives at Track 1.
Head to Honmachi, a transfer station with the Chuo Line.
I arrived at Hommachi Station.
Here you can change to the Chuo Line.
If you are heading toward Shin-Osaka or Umeda, it is easier to change trains if you get on the front car.
On the other hand, if you are heading toward Namba or Tennoji, it is easier to change trains if you get on the rear car.
If you continue in the direction of the arrow, you will reach the Chuo Line boarding area.
I arrived.
Hommachi Station Chuo Line platform.
Do not take the train on line 1.
Please take the No. 2 train.
Except for a small portion at night,
all trains arriving at Track 2 are bound for Yumeshima.
Even during off-peak hours during the day,
a relatively large number of trains are secured.
Well, here comes the train.
Riding a train with a face like a wristwatch,
let’s head for Yumeshima.
This is what the inside of the “wristwatch” train looks is like.
*I took these photos on the train that stopped at Yumeshima station just before I returned home.
Information boards in four languages are also installed directly above the doors of each car.
As the information board says,
the trip to Yumeshima takes about 20 minutes.
After leaving Awaza, the next station after Honmachi, the train runs above ground until it reaches “Osaka Port”.
This photo shows the area in front of Osaka Port Station.
You can see the river in the back.
Universal Studios Japan is located on the other side of the river.
Many locals refer to Universal Studios Japan not as “USJ”.
We call it “Yuniba.”
We are almost there to Yumeshima.
I was supposed to head for Yumeshima.
But, this was where I stopped on the way.
On this day, I used the Enjoy Eco Card, a one-day pass sold by Osaka Metro.
However, in using this Enjoy Eco Card,
there are a few things you should be aware of.
One of them is,
Not available between Cosmosquare Station and Yumeshima Station.
Therefore, it was necessary to exit the ticket gate once.
I needed to go to the bathroom, so it was just fine.
I headed to Yumeshima using the ICOCA transportation system IC card.
From Cosmosquare Station to Yumeshima Station is ￥330.
I think it is expensive for the first fare.
Most passengers get off at Cosmosquare Station.
I think it is to transfer to the Nanko Port Town Line.
As you can see, the inside of the car is empty.
There was no one in this car except me, hiikun.
Because the Expo has not yet been held,
the only people heading to Yumeshima Station are those involved in the construction of the Expo site or those who want to see what Yumeshima looks like.
After leaving Cosmosquare Station, it took about 3 minutes to finally arrive at Yumeshima Station.
I got on a rounded train, different from the “wristwatch” train I saw earlier.
This is a Kintetsu train that operates directly with the Chuo Line.
In the next section, I will introduce Yumeshima Station.
Yumeshima Station
Let’s take a look at Yumeshima Station.
The black color scheme creates an impressive, relaxed atmosphere.
The ceiling imitates origami,
It’s very Japanese and very nice.
The black walls are painted with green lines, the line color of the Chuo Line.
I have never seen a station designed like this before.
Simple,
but very cool!
The wristwatch train fits the atmosphere of the station very well.
A green beam appears to be emitted from the train.
It is as if the train is looking to the future of Osaka, Japan, and the world.
Let’s head for the ticket gate.
Very spacious.
Huge digital billboards are placed on the walls.
I already knew about this existence through news and other media.
When I saw it in person, it was much larger than I had imagined and overwhelming.
The ticket gate is also spacious.
There is also a Lawson in the back right corner.
Beside the Lawson store,
a machine for WiFi rental and smartphone charging are also available.
This is a shot I took from the ticket machine toward the ticket gate.
Not too dark and not too flashy.
This level of calmness is just right.
It has a futuristic atomosphere.
It was better than I had expected.
The ceiling is what you should pay attention to.
Including the origami ceilings on the station platforms,
the interesting ceiling design moderately reduces the brightness of the lighting.
It also adds a nice accent to the entire station.
Now let’s go outside the station.
I left the station.
Let’s see what is in the vicinity.
Around Yumeshima Station
Let’s take a look at what is around the station.
The Expo site can be seen right in front of the station entrance.
It is crazy close.
Construction is still ongoing.
Many areas are off-limits to all parties concerned.
Let’s change the location a little.
We were able to photograph the Expo site from the front.
Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai will be the last Expo to take place in Japan during my lifetime.
Even if it takes place somewhere in Japan in the future,
I, hiikun, will not be in this world by then.
Seeing the venue under construction
made me go to the Expo.
I read an article in The Japan News (January 13), an English-language newspaper to which I subscribe.
A wood manufacturing company in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, which was hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake,
The company manufactures laminated wood for use in the construction of the roof that will be the symbol of the Expo.
By being involved in the construction of the Expo site, they hope to make lumber from Fukushima Prefecture a symbol of reconstruction.
Knowing that companies in Fukushima Prefecture, far away from Kansai, are also helping to host the Expo,
I am very glad.
I hiikun have not been to Tohoku yet.
Someday I would like to travel around Fukushima and other parts of Tohoku.
In fact, there is another reason for visiting Yumeshima.
I am on my way to a place now.
As you can see, other than the Expo site and Yumeshima Station, all you see are containers and cranes.
This is 7-Eleven Osaka Yumeshima store.
With the opening of Yumeshima Station, a Lawson was built inside the station.
Until then, this 7-Eleven was the only commercial establishment on the island.
Now, the desired location is in sight.
This is the Yumemai Bridge.
It connects to Maishima, a man-made island on the opposite shore.
Previously, for various reasons
pedestrian traffic was not allowed.
However, with the opening of Yumeshima Station,
pedestrian traffic is now allowed.
I had wanted to cross it for a long time,
Finally, my wish came true.
The view from the Yumemai Bridge is spectacular.
Yumeshima is on the left,
Maishima is on the right,
And Mt. Rokko can be seen in the back.
The Expo site is clearly visible from the Yumemai Bridge.
Many people came to see the Yumeshima Station area.
However, when I came to the Yumeshima Bridge, I hardly saw anyone.
Perhaps there are still many people who are unaware of the existence of this bridge.
What is in Maishima?
In the next section,
I will report on the situation in Maishima.
What’s around Yumeshima? No.1 Maishima
In this section,
I will talk about Maishima, a man-made island located north of Yumeshima.
I have been to Maishima several times.
However, I cannot remember when I last visited.
I have not visited in at least the last 5 years.
Because I had a hazy memory of what was in Maishima,
I went there to check it out for the first time in some years.
I will tell you what I saw and felt at that time.
Maishima Overview
Maishima is an artificial island located north of Yumeshima.
Like Yumeshima, it belongs to Konohana Ward, Osaka City.
As I mentioned earlier,
Osaka bid for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Maishima was to be used as the main venue.
However, as you all know, Osaka was eliminated early.
Due to the failure of the Olympic bid,
discussion was made as to how these man-made islands should be utilized.
Compared to Yumeshima,
I, hiikun, think that Maishima is the one that is being utilized.
Let me make a brief summary
about how Maishima is being utilized.
Logistics and entertainment, including sports.
In the next section,
I will share with you specifically what is in Maishima,
along with photos that I took during the visit.
What is in Maishima?
Let’s take a look at what Maishima is really like.
Date of visit: January 14, Reiwa 7 (2025).
On this day, I headed to Maishima from JR/Hanshin Nishi-Kujo Station.
I came to Nishikujo for the first time in about one year and three months.
Since I posted the article whose title is
“I’ll tell you how to get to Kyocera Dome Osaka from Nishi-Kujo for free! The first time you visit Kyocera Dome Osaka, you will see the following”
I had not come to this place.
Exit the station and go a little north.
Osaka City Bus Nishi-Kujo stop is located under the elevated Hanshin Namba Line.
If you want to head directly to Maishima,
take the No. 81 bus bound for “Maishima Sports Island” indicated by the yellow arrow.
But this time,
Follow a slightly different path.
I took the No. 59 train bound for “Hokko Yacht Harbor,” indicated by the red arrow, to the end of the line.
I arrived at the Hokko Yacht Harbor stop, the last stop.
I, hiikun, was the only passenger on the bus until the last stop.
In front of the bus stop, there was a yacht harbor with many yachts moored.
This area is not yet Maishima.
There is a bridge a little further on from here,
Cross it and enter Maishima.
The large bridge in the back is called Konohana Ohashi.
When heading to Maishima from the center of Osaka City,
it is usually more convenient to cross that bridge.
The No. 81 bus to “Maishima Sports Island” mentioned earlier
alse crosses that bridge.
I, hiikun, am crossing the Tsuneyoshi Ohashi Bridge.
I knew this bridge existed.
This is the first time I have crossed this bridge.
In the foreground is the Hokko Yacht Harbor seen earlier.
The mouth of the Yodo River can be seen in the back.
When you finish crossing this bridge,
Arrival at Maishima.
The first to greet me,
Here is a fancy structure.
What do you think this is?
This is a sewage sludge treatment plant managed by the Osaka City Construction Bureau
Maishima Sludge Center.
And one more thing,
Near the Konohana Bridge is,
there is even bigger and flashier structure.
This is the Maishima Plant of the Osaka Wide-Area Environmental Facility Association.
Sometimes abbreviated as Maishima Plant.
From the long official name,
it may be difficult to imagine what kind of building it is.
In essence, this building is a waste disposal plant.
From the flashy exterior,
it is hard to imagine
that the “Maishima Sludge Center” or “Maishima Plant” was a sewage sludge treatment plant or a waste treatment plant.
The facility is open for tours.
I am very interested in this,
I would love to take part in the tours if I have the chance.
Please refer to this page to apply for a tour of the Maishima Sludge Center.
Please refer to this page to apply for a tour of the Maishima Plant.
There are many logistics warehouses near the Konohana Bridge.
I think there were more large trucks than people.
There are two convenience stores on the island (Family Mart and 7-Eleven).
The eastern part of Maishima has only distribution warehouses, a waste treatment plant, and a sewage sludge treatment plant.
On the other hand, the western part of Maishima has several facilities related to sports and entertainment.
Let’s look at it together.
This is “Ookini Arena Maishima”.
Located right in front of the 7-Eleven in the photo immediately above.
This place is the home of
Osaka Evessa, a member of the professional basketball league “B.LEAGUE”.
This is the Osaka City Shinkin Stadium baseball stadium.
Located just a short walk from the “Ookini Arena Maishima.
There are also facilities for tennis and futsal.
I did not take any photos during this visit,
the island also has a dormitory and practice facility for the Orix Buffaloes, a professional baseball team.
Further on, there is a large park on the left.
Let’s go in.
Further in…
We arrived at a large plaza with a view of Osaka Bay.
On the opposite shore is Yumeshima.
The large bridge in the back is the Yumemai Bridge.
This is the third route leading to Maishima.
It is the world’s first floating swing movable bridge.
Only small vessels are allowed to cross under the Yumemai Bridge.
However, in case of emergency, the bridge is turned around,
turning around that bridge enables large vessels to navigate.
The yellow part is the anchorage and supports the bridge.
The area indicated by the red arrow is floating.
When passing large vessels in an emergency,
the floating part on the Yumeshima side turns toward where I, hiikun, am.
This explanation may be difficult to understand.
So that everyone can understand,
Certain photos are available.
Please look at them.
I took these photos when I visited Yumeshima on January 21.
There are three images directly below the sign that reads “Yumemai Bridge”.
This is normal.
When an emergency arises…
The bridge swings around like this.
To be precise, the tugboat pushes the floating part of the bridge.
The bridge opens,
It will allow large vessels to navigate.
I have never seen the bridge actually swivel.
Wikipedia has a photo of the Yumemai Bridge circling,
Please refer to the page if you are interested.
It is overwhelming when seen up close.
As of January 14, when I visited Maishima,
walking and bicycling were prohibited on the Yumemai Bridge.
When I visited Yumeshima on January 21,
as you can see, the fence has been removed,
and walking and bicycling are now allowed.
However, this sign remained in place.
I would like to have it removed to avoid any misunderstanding.
There is no railroad service in Maishima.
However, with the Chuo Line coming to Yumeshima,
access to Maishima will be better than before.
Back in the park from the plaza where you can see the Yumemai Bridge…
I saw a building that looked like a log house in the back.
This is the Hotel Lodge Maishima, a lodging facility.
Not only lodging,
camping and barbecues can also be enjoyed at the facility.
The log house I glimpsed earlier
is managed by Hotel Lodge Maishima.
According to the information on the official website,
It seems that you can also stay in that log house.
It also has a restaurant.
The official website is also available in English and Chinese.
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Across the street from Lodge Maishima is the Maishima Craft Center.
You can enjoy not only sports but also pottery making.
There are two bus stops near the entrance and exit of Lodge Maishima.
As I mentioned earlier,
there are no railroads running in Maishima.
Unless you walk from Yumeshima Station via Yumemai Bridge,
when going to Maishima, we have to rely on cabs or local buses.
Two bus routes exist in Maishima.
One is the Hokko Kanko Bus.
From Universal City Station or Sakurajima Station on the JR Yumesaki Line,
the bus to Maishima operates daily.
It runs every 20 minutes during the day.
Please refer to this page for timetables, operation routes, and fares.
The other is Osaka City Bus.
This is the “Maishima Sports Island” stop.
Starting from the Nishi-Kujo stop introduced at the beginning of this section,
Bus No.81 terminates here.
On the way back, I took this bus to Nishikujo Station.
There will be no additional buses. If you are in a hurry, please take the bus bound for JR Sakurajima Station from the bus stop across the street.
From what is written on this sticker,
Osaka City Bus does not seem to be putting much effort into the Maishima route.
On weekdays, only one bus runs every hour all day long.
If you want to come to Maishima by bus,
It may be better to use the Hokko Sightseeing Bus.
The hill is located directly behind the Maishima Sports Island stop on the Osaka City Bus.
Climb to the top.
I reached the top.
What a beautiful sunset.
It took us about 90 minutes to walk here, taking pictures from the stop at the Hokko Yacht Harbor.
I was very tired,
The moment I saw this sunset, my fatigue disappeared.
There is nothing obstructing the area.
I was able to enjoy the best views.
Yumeshima can be seen clearly from here.
In Maishima,
there is even a facility where you can enjoy motor sport.
This is ISK Osaka Maishima, which operates a sports kart facility.
On a weekday evening,
And it was quite cold,
No one was playing cards.
I felt like riding in a cart for a bit.
However, I had to abandon it because the time for the return bus was approaching.
I would like to ride it if I have a chance.
It is getting dark, so let’s go home.
Summary
This is the first in a series of articles on Yumeshima, the site of the Expo, and the surrounding area,
I have told you about Yumeshima and Maishima.
How was it?
Yumeshima Station gave the impression of being fashionable and calm.
The station building was futuristic and spacious.
They are ready to receive customers not only from all over Japan but also from overseas.
Seeing the actual venue,
I wanted to visit the Expo even more.
I hope that construction proceeded smoothly until the opening and
they will be able to safely make it to the opening of the festival.
Maishima has several places where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as sports and camping.
Accommodations are also available.
Even if you don’t go to Yumeshima for the Expo,
it may be worth visiting only in Maishima.
In the next installment of this series of articles, I will discuss Yumeshima, the site of the Expo, and the surrounding area.
I will inform you about Sakishima and the surrounding area.
Please look forward to it.
Thank you very much for reading this article to the end.
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