As the summer heats up, Japan is positively abuzz with art, innovation, and a wide range of cultural festivals! From world-class exhibitions to immersive digital art, the entire country is evolving into a showcase of creativity and progress. This is especially true in Osaka: the festive, foodie city that serves as the star of the Kansai region and host of the exciting Expo 2025.
Whether you’re a curious traveller or a forward-thinking explorer, there’s never been a better time to experience all that Japan has to offer. In this month’s newsletter, we go in-depth and delve into the summer’s latest attractions, from Tokyo to Tottori.
Expo 2025: The Future is Now in Osaka
At the center of the excitement in Japan this summer is Expo 2025 in Osaka, a truly global event that showcases novel ideas, breakthrough technologies, and collaborative solutions for a better tomorrow. Running for 184 days from April 13 to October 13, Expo 2025 is more than just a living blueprint for its theme this year: “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” It takes place on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, which is now fully transformed with cutting-edge infrastructure, including the newly opened Yumeshima Station. The station’s development was driven by the need to support the large number of visitors expected at the Expo. With an overarching membrane roof made to naturally break down organic dirt, this station is designed to be clean, bright, and welcoming. It officially opened in January of 2025, connecting central Osaka to the island of Yumeshima.
The Expo itself features a wide array of attractions, welcoming approximately 150 countries and organizations together to share their visions for a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future. It is built around the concept of People’s Living Lab, meaning that the innovation is not just displayed at the Expo, but actively tested and experienced by visitors.
One of the major highlights of the Expo is the Future Society Showcase, which allows visitors to experience a realistic vision of a future society. Within it lies the Smart Mobility Expo, a pavilion filled with advanced transportation technologies. Visitors can experience Japan’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger ship, autonomous electric buses that charge while moving, and over 50 robots from 25 companies that assist with tasks like navigation, delivery, and cleaning throughout the venue. There are even next-generation “flying cars” known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which will operate from a dedicated on-site vertiport, though entry to those areas requires reservations. Personal mobility vehicles will also be available for visitors with limited mobility, offering a slow, single-person transport option as part of a mixed-use pedestrian system.
The Expo is filled with national pavilions from participating countries around the world, all of which offer interactive exhibits and visionary approaches to global challenges such as climate change, health, and urban development. For anyone interested in what lies ahead for humanity, the Expo 2025 is a must-see! Find all the information you need at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website.
Champions Rise in Tokyo
While Osaka hosts the world’s thinkers and dreamers, Tokyo is preparing to welcome the world’s top athletes. The World Athletics Championships will take place in Japan’s capital from September 13 to 21, 2025. As one of the most prestigious global sports events, it will showcase elite athleticism and those electrifying, unifying moments that only international sports competitions can bring! With 70% of the available tickets priced at 10,000 JPY (approximately 96 CAD) or less, the event is accessible to a broad audience.
For more details on ticketing and event information, please visit the official World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 website. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a casual observer, the Championships promise to deliver unforgettable performances and a vibrant celebration of international unity.
Art Comes Alive Across Japan
Beyond these global events, Japan is also unveiling a series of exciting attractions that are reshaping the way locals and visitors experience the country. Over in Western Japan, the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art now features enhanced exhibitions and a renewed focus on connecting local culture with global artistic trends. The museum’s diverse exhibitions—including the “Art of the Real” showcase—feature works from renowned artists such as Jakuchu, Warhol, and Richter, running until June 15, 2025. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ space, complete with nursing rooms and family-friendly amenities, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Visitors of all kinds are also encouraged to engage in creative workshops at the on-site studio, which also serves as the base for the A.L.L. (Art Learning Lab) initiative: a project designed to inspire and educate through hands-on art experiences. The museum shop and café are also must-see spots, perfect for finding unique souvenirs and enjoying local refreshments. With free general admission, the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art promises an enriching trip to all who are interested. Take a look at the official website to plan your visit.
Back in Tokyo, one of the most exciting developments is the expansion of teamLab Planets TOKYO, a multi-sensory museum that blurs the line between observer and participant as the exhibits shift and respond to presence, movement, and imagination. It’s a place most widely known for its Infinite Crystal Universe or the Falling Universe of Flowers, but on January 22, 2025, they introduced a massive, large-space expansion. Visitors can study extinct animals in the “Catching and Collecting Extinct Forest” and take home their drawings on original products from the Sketch Factory, including everything from tin badges to tote bags! Then, in the Athletics Forest, movement and art converge as visitors traverse through interactive installations. For instance, the bouncing spheres in the Caterpillar House spin rapidly, but slow down as people approach them. The colourful Aerial Climbing area challenges your balance as you navigate a rainbow of suspended rods, but as some rods are linked, the path before you changes with every movement someone makes! This expansion, inspired by nature and technology, creates an immersive space that redefines what art can be. Plan your visit now at teamLab Planets TOKYO and experience a place designed to stimulate both body and mind!
Into The Wilds of Okinawa
Looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Japan instead? Opening on July 25, 2025, is Junglia Okinawa, Japan’s newest (and greenest) theme park. Nestled in the lush Yanbaru Forest of Northern Okinawa, this estate spans 60 hectares and offers over 20 attractions that blend adventure with the island’s gorgeous natural environment. Highlights include the exhilarating Dinosaur Safari, where guests take a Land Rover through the savannah to encounter life-sized dinosaurs, and the Horizon Balloon ride, from which you can see the emerald green forests and the warm sunset from a comfortable basket in the sky. For those seeking a more relaxing trip, Spa Junglia houses the world’s largest infinity public bath, certified by Guinness World Records ™ on January 31, 2025! Coupled with a sauna, gazebo, and a waterfall shower, this luxurious spa is sure to melt all your stress away. Afterwards, you can enjoy exquisite cuisine at Panorama Dining, Tropical Oasis, or even Wild Banquet, which each utilize local ingredients to enhance the experience. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons!
A Trip to the Future
With so much happening across the country, planning a visit to Japan has never been more exciting. Whether you’re exploring the wondrous technological exhibitions of Expo 2025, cheering at the World Athletics Championships, or immersing yourself in gorgeous art and natural beauty, one thing is certain: the future is here and ready to be experienced on your next trip to Japan.
