Published date: July 6, 2025
Travel to the Expo: Go Hands-Free with Pre-Reserved Luggage Storage
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
I stayed with an elementary school student for the expo.
The hotel is right in front of the Tennoji Zoo, with a Lawson and many restaurants nearby, making it an ideal place for sightseeing. The hotel is also very close to Exit 1 of the Zoo Station, which has an elevator, making it convenient for those with rolling luggage or children.
The hotel offers pre-reserved luggage storage, and there was coffee available in the lobby, with light snacks sometimes offered if the timing is right.
Day 1 of the Expo:
I had a ticket for 17:00, so I reserved the shuttle bus in advance. Since luggage is not allowed in the expo, I arrived at the hotel before 15:00 to drop off my things.
I used the shuttle bus departing at 16:00 from Abenobashi Station to the expo venue. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the hotel to the bus stop. Although it's possible to take the train from Zoo-mae to Tennoji, it was just one station away, so I walked.
Reservations for tickets are necessary, and I booked through KANSAIMaas with no child fare.
The bus stop was right in front of Abeno Harukas; I went down the pedestrian bridge and it was right there. Each seat has a power outlet, allowing for charging phones and fans.
It took about 30 minutes to reach the expo venue with a non-stop ride to the west gate, and I was able to enter by 16:30.
While the return time was undecided, I pre-reserved a shuttle bus to Sakurajima after the drone show, boarding the shuttle bus from the west gate to Sakurajima at the timing of the show’s end. Although it was said that I could board without a reservation, purchasing in advance allows for a smoother experience. Additionally, the bus from the west gate to Sakurajima has limited seating; I was unable to sit.
After the bus stop at Sakurajima, there was a bit of walking to the station, and since many passengers returning from Universal Studios were on board, the train was very crowded.
Day 2 of the Expo:
I took the train from Zoo-mae to Yumeshima, with a reservation to enter at the East Gate at 9:00. I arrived at Yumeshima Station by 8:20 and was able to enter around 9:30. Since there was time until entry, I ate the rice balls I brought and acquired heat-beating items before departure. I couldn't find anywhere to buy light snacks at Yumeshima Station.
Not knowing my return time, I did not reserve a bus, but there were no spaces available for last-minute reservations on the shuttle bus from the expo to Osaka Abenobashi Station, so I took a taxi back to the hotel. The last shuttle bus to Abenobashi is at 20:00, so I wanted to decide my return time based on the day’s energy levels.
If I had more energy, I planned to use the shuttle bus back to Sakurajima, but lacking stamina, I chose the taxi option. Coincidentally, I returned as the drone show was starting, and taxis were available for boarding without reservations. It did cost a bit, but I arrived at the hotel in about 30 minutes.
The route from the west gate to Sakurajima Station to Zoo-mae takes about an hour and involves walking, so if your energy is running low, a taxi is also recommended.
Experiences during the trip
This hotel was ideal for visiting the expo. If I go to the expo again, I will use the shuttle bus from Abenobashi Station. Although a reservation is required, being able to return home non-stop from the west gate is fantastic when you are tired from walking a lot at the expo.
The ice pack I brought to combat the heat can be frozen in the freezer, and small ice packs also froze. There's a nearby Lawson where frozen PET bottles are sold, so it's recommended to purchase them in advance for use as ice packs.
I prepared three rice balls and three PET bottles. While there are convenience stores and water stations in the expo venue, as well as vending machines, I often ended up eating rice balls while lining up since I couldn't predict when I would be hungry. I drank all the PET bottles and also got some supplies on-site.