【Expo 2025 Osaka】What to Expect at the Security Gate – A Helpful Guide for First-Time Visitors

Planning to attend Expo 2025 in Osaka? Just like at an airport, you'll need to go through a security check before entering the venue. Here's a simple guide based on my own experience — especially useful if it’s your first time or if you're coming from overseas!

What Does the Security Gate Check?

You'll find X-ray baggage screening machines, similar to those at airports. To help things go smoothly, here's what you can do before reaching the gate:

What to prepare:

• Place everything from your pockets (especially phones and coins) into your bag
• Hold your drink in your hand (you may be asked to show or scan it)
• You can keep your jacket and shoes on — no need to remove them

About drinks:

• Only opened plastic bottles (e.g., half-drunk water bottles) are checked with a liquid scanner
• Unopened bottles, reusable bottles, and thermoses are okay — just show them
• Glass bottles and cans are not allowed, so please avoid bringing them

A Bit Different from the Airport?

Yes — one noticeable difference is the short conveyor belt space before the X-ray machine.

Only one person at a time can place items into the tray, so the line doesn't flow continuously like in most airports. Be patient!

How Many Gates Are There?

There are 20 security lanes each at both the East and West gates.

However, during my visit at 9:00 a.m. (opening time), it felt like the number of gates wasn't enough to handle the crowd quickly.

From the looks of it, organizers may be planning to have people with 9:00 reservations enter gradually — possibly aiming to let everyone in by around 10:00.

Staff Announcements: What Language?

All instructions such as “Please put your belongings into your bag” are given in Japanese, and usually spoken in a normal voice, not through loudspeakers.

There are very few signs in English or other languages. Even as a Japanese speaker, it was sometimes hard to hear.

If you're an international visitor, this might be confusing — so try to observe the people ahead of you to get an idea of what to do.

✍ Suggestion: It might be a good idea to check Expo 2025's official website for any updated multilingual resources or app-based assistance.

What If You Need the Restroom While Waiting?

If you're standing in line before the gates open, you might worry about toilet access.　Unfortunately, if nature calls, you'll need to leave the line temporarily — so it’s best to go beforehand.

Here’s where the nearest toilets are:

• East Gate: Inside Yumeshima Station
• West Gate: On the right-hand side as you face the gate

Final Tip

Knowing what to expect at the security check can ease your mind — and help you start your day at Expo 2025 smoothly. Just a little preparation goes a long way. Enjoy your visit!