Gundam Osaka

The door to the Universal Century opens once again in Osaka.

Venue: Yumeshima, Osaka (Expo 2025 Venue)

When: April 13, 2025 – October 13, 2025

The wait is over for fans of the legendary mecha franchise. As part of Expo 2025 Osaka, the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION offers an immersive glimpse into a future where humanity and Mobile Suits coexist. This isn't just an exhibit; it’s a journey to the "Star Jaburo" space station via a simulated orbital elevator. Whether you are a lifelong Gunpla builder or a curious traveler, seeing a life size Gundam in person is a bucket-list experience. Osaka is transforming into the ultimate destination for fans, featuring a brand-new 1:1 scale Gundam statue and exclusive merchandise only available during this six-month global event.

Gundam Osaka 2025 Key Details 

What to Expect at Gundam Osaka

The highlight of the event is the new life size Gundam statue, model RX-78F00/E. Unlike the previous moving model in Yokohama, this Gundam statue is fixed in a striking "kneeling" pose with its hand pointing toward the heavens, symbolizing humanity's reach into space.

Inside the pavilion, you will experience a "walk-through" attraction using Unreal Engine 5 graphics and Sony’s haptic floor technology. This creates a physical sensation of being inside a spaceport. You’ll follow the mascot Haro through a story set in the year A.D. 2150, showcasing how Mobile Suits might be used for peaceful space exploration and debris removal.

Who Is Gundam Osaka For?

This event is a dream come true for anime fans and sci-fi enthusiasts, but it is also designed to be highly accessible for:

• Families: The interactive visuals and Haro guides make it engaging for children.

• Solo Travelers & Photographers: The 16.72-meter statue offers unparalleled photo opportunities.

• Tourist-Friendly: The pavilion features English signage and an English-speaking assistant option via specialized tours.

Pro Tips

• Best arrival times

Aim for early morning or late afternoon (after 5:00 PM) to avoid the peak midday heat and crowds.

• Items to bring (cash, water, power bank)

Bring a power bank (interactive exhibits drain phone batteries), refillable water bottles, and cash, as some small merchandise stalls may not accept cards.

• Navigation tips inside the venue

Use the official event app for real-time maps. The Gundam Pavilion is located in the West Gate Zone, so enter via the West Gate to minimize walking time.

• Crowds and wait times

Popular photo spots for the life size gundam can have 30–60 minute waits. Check live congestion updates on the app before heading to the pavilion.

• Accessibility notes

 The entire site is wheelchair and stroller friendly with dedicated elevator access and flat, paved pathways leading to the statue.

What to Wear at Gundam Osaka

Since Yumeshima is a reclaimed island, it can get very windy and hot. Wear breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking between the West Gate and the pavilion. If visiting in July or August, a portable fan and UV-protection gear are highly recommended.

How to Get to Gundam Osaka

The Expo venue is located on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay.

• Closest train/subway stations

Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line directly to Yumeshima Station.

Using a JR Pass: If you are coming from Tokyo or Kyoto, use your JR Pass to reach JR Osaka Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro.

• Transfer information

Using a JR Pass: If you are coming from Tokyo or Kyoto, use your JR Pass to reach JR Osaka Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro.

• Maps or linked directions

https://www.expo2025.or.jp/expo-map-index/access/

Nearby Recommendations

Nearby spots for:

• Food (cafes, local restaurants)

After visiting the Expo, try some classic Osaka street food like takoyaki in Dotonbori.

• Attractions or sightseeing

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is located directly across from the Expo site.

• Hotels or ryokans

 On JapanDen, you can find hotel information in the Umeda or Namba areas, which have good access to the Expo site.

More About Gundam Osaka

History and origin

This project began as the "Gundam Next Future Pavilion" at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo to commemorate the 45th anniversary of "Mobile Suit Gundam." Based on the theme of a "space port" envisioning future space life, the series' first life-size statue landed in Kansai. It was held as a limited-time event for the 2025 Expo. Whether it will continue beyond 2026 remains to be seen; an official announcement is awaited.

Attendance numbers

Since the Expo, it has become an iconic spot in the Osaka Bay Area, attracting millions of fans and tourists from around the world.

Fun facts & trivia

The installed RX-78F00/E is made using some parts reused from the "moving Gundam" previously exhibited in Yokohama. Instead of movement, it features a unique "kneeling pose" pointing to the sky, breathing new life into it.

Cultural significance

More than just an anime exhibition, it is highly regarded both domestically and internationally as a symbol of humanity's future expansion into space and a message about sustainable society (sustainability).

Planning Your Visit

Everything you need to know for your visit to Gundam Osaka 

Booking accommodation early 

With millions of visitors expected at the Expo, advance hotel reservations are essential. Accommodation:Convenient locations include areas along the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, such as Bentencho Station, or around Osaka and Umeda Stations. Search for nearby hotels to suit your travel style.

Using JR Pass or local transport to reach events 

Choosing the right rail pass can save you significant time and money. Your choice depends mainly on your itinerary:

 JR Pass (Nationwide): Ideal for long-distance travel on major lines, such as Tokyo to    Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. If you plan to visit multiple  major cities in addition to Kyoto, this pass is usually worth the purchase price.

Regional Pass: If you're concentrating your visits in a specific region, a regional pass is more economical. For such a concentrated itinerary, the Kansai Area Pass (1-4 days), which includes the Kansai area through Kyoto Station, is a better option than a nationwide pass. It has a lower initial cost and offers unlimited travel on JR lines within the designated area.

  *Note: The Kansai Area Pass allows unlimited travel on JR buses in the Kansai area.

Stay connected 

Staying connected is seamless with two main options. For traveling with a group and needing fast, unlimited data, a [Pocket Wi-Fi] is often recommended. Alternatively, a [SIM card] is excellent for solo travelers.

*Note: the SIM card can be bought together with the JR Pass and Regional Pass at the check-out

Get assistance upon arrival 

We can arrange a [Meet & Greet service] where an English-speaking guide will meet you directly at the airport upon arrival. They will assist with luggage, currency exchange, activating your transport pass, and provide guidance on transferring from the airport rail link to your accommodation. This service provides peace of mind and personalized support from the moment you arrive.

Japanese etiquette basics

Show respect to elders; exchange business cards and cash with both hands; tipping is not expected.

Cash and credit card usage

Outside major cities, cash is essential; always carry sufficient Japanese yen.

FAQs About Gundam Osaka

Q: Do I need a separate ticket for the Gundam Pavilion?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

A: No, but you do need a valid Expo 2025 admission ticket and a time-slot reservation made through the official Expo app.

Q: Is the Osaka Gundam statue the same one from Yokohama?　　　　　　　　　　　

A: It uses many of the same parts, but it is a new model (RX-78F00/E) and it does not move like the Yokohama version.

Q: Are there English signs?　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

A: Yes, the Expo and the Gundam Pavilion are designed for international guests with multilingual support.

Q:Where is the new Gundam statue in Japan?　
A:The newest 1:1 scale statue is in Osaka for the World Expo. Other permanent statues are in Tokyo (Unicorn Gundam) and Fukuoka (v Gundam).

Q:Can you go inside the Gundam in Osaka?
A:You cannot go "inside" the robot itself, but you can enter the pavilion which features immersive screens and high-tech displays surrounding the Gundam's story.