Just outside the center of Osaka, in the city of Suita, lies a place where history, nature, art, and modern entertainment come together: Banpaku Kinen Koen (万博記念公園), or Expo ’70 Commemorative Park.
At first, the park may simply look like a vast green space perfect for a relaxing walk. But its history is much more remarkable. The park was created on the former site of Expo ’70, the Japan World Exposition held in Osaka in 1970, one of the most important international events in Japan’s post-war history.
Today, visitors can explore beautiful gardens, museums, seasonal flowers, and the iconic Tower of the Sun, while just next door, the enormous EXPOCITY complex offers shopping, restaurants and entertainment at LaLaport EXPOCITY.
Together, these two destinations tell a fascinating story of how Osaka transformed the vision of the future from 1970 into a vibrant destination for visitors today.
From Expo ’70 to Banpaku Kinen Koen
In 1970, Osaka hosted the Japan World Exposition, commonly known as Expo ’70. It was the first World Expo held in Asia and took place from March 15 to September 13, 1970.
The theme of the Expo was “Progress and Harmony for Mankind.” At a time when Japan was experiencing rapid economic growth and technological development, the event offered a glimpse into what the future might look like.
The scale of the Expo was extraordinary. The site covered approximately 330 hectares and featured 116 exhibition pavilions. Seventy-six countries and numerous international organizations participated, and more than 64 million people visited during the 183-day event.
The Expo brought together architecture, technology, art and ideas from around the world. Although most of the temporary pavilions disappeared after the event, some elements of Expo ’70 remain and continue to shape the identity of the area.
After the Expo ended, the site was transformed into what is now Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, preserving part of the memory of the historic event while creating a large public space dedicated to nature, culture and recreation.
The Tower of the Sun: The Symbol of Expo ’70
No visit to Banpaku Kinen Koen is complete without seeing its most famous landmark: the Tower of the Sun (太陽の塔).
Designed by the renowned Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, the tower was created as part of the Theme Pavilion of Expo ’70. Standing approximately 70 meters tall, it dramatically rose through the Expo’s enormous Grand Roof and quickly became one of the event’s most memorable symbols.
The Tower of the Sun has three distinctive faces. The golden face at the top represents the future, the face on the front represents the present, and the black sun on the back represents the past.
Inside the tower is the remarkable Tree of Life, a huge structure representing the evolution of life, from early organisms to humans. After remaining closed to the public for decades, the interior was restored and reopened to visitors in 2018.
There is also a story behind a mysterious fourth face. During Expo ’70, a huge artwork known as the Sun of the Underworld was displayed in the underground section of the Theme Pavilion. The original disappeared after the Expo, and a reconstruction is now displayed inside the tower.
In 2025, the Tower of the Sun was designated an Important Cultural Property, further recognizing its significance as an important piece of Japan’s architectural and artistic heritage.
More Than Just the Tower
Although the Tower of the Sun is undoubtedly the park’s most recognizable feature, Banpaku Kinen Koen has much more to offer.
The park combines large natural areas with cultural facilities, making it possible to spend several hours simply walking and exploring. One of its highlights is the Japanese Garden, which was originally created as part of Expo ’70. The garden was designed to showcase Japanese landscaping techniques, and many of the trees planted for the Expo have continued to grow and mature over the decades.
Visitors can also discover the EXPO ’70 Pavilion, which was created using the former Steel Pavilion from the 1970 Expo. Opened as a commemorative museum in 2010, it preserves documents, models and objects connected to the original event.
A newer annex also allows visitors to see the original Golden Face that once stood at the top of the Tower of the Sun during Expo ’70, as well as audiovisual exhibits recreating the atmosphere of the Expo.
For visitors who simply want to enjoy the outdoors, the park also provides recreational areas, walking routes and spaces for families and children. The extensive grounds make it particularly enjoyable during Japan’s changing seasons.
A Park for Every Season
One of the most appealing aspects of Banpaku Kinen Koen is that it changes dramatically throughout the year.
In spring, cherry blossoms attract visitors looking for one of Osaka’s classic hanami experiences. As the weather becomes warmer, flowers and fresh greenery fill the park.
Summer brings colorful flowers and seasonal events, while autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant foliage. The park’s gardens and large open spaces also make it a pleasant place to escape the busy atmosphere of central Osaka.
Events and Activities Throughout the Year
The park is also a lively event venue, with a calendar that changes throughout the year.
Current and upcoming events in 2026 include the EXPO ’70 Pavilion “Before & After” exhibition, which looks at what happened to the pavilions from the original Expo after it ended. Other activities include an Expo-themed stamp rally, nature and craft workshops, seasonal observation events, markets and cultural events.
During summer 2026, the park is also hosting Banpaku Summer Festival 2026, taking place on selected dates from late July through September, as well as a seasonal sunflower photo spot.
The park also hosts many concerts and festivals such as the Osaka Summer Sonic. This variety is part of what makes the park interesting even for repeat visitors: there is often something different happening depending on when you visit.
From Expo Heritage to Modern Entertainment: EXPOCITY
Just beside the park is another destination that represents a completely different side of the area’s development: EXPOCITY.
Opened in November 2015, EXPOCITY was created as a large-scale entertainment and shopping complex next to Banpaku Kinen Koen. The approximately 172,000-square-meter complex combines shopping with entertainment facilities, restaurants and attractions.
At the heart of the complex is Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport EXPOCITY, a large shopping mall with around 300 stores.
The mall offers a wide variety of fashion, lifestyle, sports, beauty and everyday goods, as well as restaurants and cafés. There are also more than 150 tax-free stores, making it particularly convenient for international visitors.
But EXPOCITY is much more than a shopping mall.
Visitors can combine their shopping trip with several entertainment attractions, including NIFREL, an innovative museum combining elements of an aquarium, zoo and art museum, and the OSAKA WHEEL, a 123-meter-high Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of Osaka. The complex also includes VS PARK, a cinema complex and other family-oriented attractions.
A Perfect Combination for a Day Trip
The proximity of Banpaku Kinen Koen and EXPOCITY makes the area particularly convenient for visitors.
A day could begin with a walk through the park, a visit to the Tower of the Sun and the EXPO ’70 Pavilion, followed by lunch or shopping at LaLaport EXPOCITY. Visitors can then enjoy one of the entertainment facilities or finish the day with a ride on the OSAKA WHEEL and a view of Osaka from above.
The area can easily appeal to different types of travelers: history and architecture enthusiasts can explore the legacy of Expo ’70, nature lovers can enjoy the gardens and seasonal landscapes, while families and shoppers can spend the afternoon at EXPOCITY.
Where the Past Meets the Future
Perhaps what makes Banpaku Kinen Koen and EXPOCITY particularly interesting is the contrast between them.
The park preserves the memory of a moment when Japan and the rest of the world gathered in Osaka to imagine what the future might look like. The Tower of the Sun still stands as a bold reminder of that optimistic vision.
Next door, EXPOCITY offers a more contemporary interpretation of the same idea: a place designed for shopping, entertainment, discovery and new experiences.
More than half a century after Expo ’70, the area has not forgotten its past. Instead, it has continued to build upon it.
For visitors to Osaka, Banpaku Kinen Koen offers the opportunity to step into the history of one of Japan’s most important World Expos, enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, and then experience one of the region’s largest modern entertainment and shopping complexes — all within the same destination.
Written by Caroline