It's almost over! I went to the super crowded Expo!

I went to the World Expo for the first time at the end of September. I visited all the pavilions and saw what I saw. I'd like to share what I saw despite the overwhelming crowds.

I reserved tickets for the World Expo at the end of September in June. I won the Mitsubishi Miraikan in a lottery three months in advance. I didn't win anything else until the day itself.

This time, I went for two days.
On the first day, I entered the East Gate at 8:20 AM.
On the second day, I lined up at the West Gate at 8:40 AM.
On both days, it took a little over 40 minutes to get in.

Day 1
Arrived at the gate at 8:20 AM
Entered at 9:45 AM
9:50 AM Entered the Mitsubishi Miraikan, which I won in a lottery three months in advance.
11:30 AM Wait in line for a few minutes at the souvenir shop near the West Gate
11:00: Line up at the Qatar Pavilion
11:30: Enter the Qatar Pavilion
12:00: Stroll around the large roof ring
1:00: Line up at the Germany Pavilion
2:00: Enter the Germany Pavilion
3:30: Purchase German beer and sausages at the entrance to the Germany Pavilion
4:00: Enter the Earth at Night without waiting
4:30: Line up at the Brazil Pavilion
5:30: Enter the Brazil Pavilion
6:00: Enter the International Organizations Pavilion without waiting
6:35: Watch the fireworks
6:40: Watch the drone show
6:50: Enter the ANIMA! Adventure of Life, available on the same day
7:10: Watch the Ao Fountain Show and the Night Rainbow Parade
8:30: Return home by bus from the West Gate

Day 2
8:40: Arrive
9:20: Enter
9:30: Line up at the Italy Pavilion
1:30: Waited 4 hours to enter the Italian Pavilion
3:30 PM: Entered the Earth Mart I'd booked that day
5:10 PM: Returned home by bus from the west exit

⚠️ No one was even allowed to line up at any of the pavilions on the day.
What happened was that there was nowhere to line up. They only let people in after a certain number of people had left, so it was unclear when or how they would line up. Everyone was waiting nearby, but even then, security yelled at them for blocking the aisle and telling them not to wait there. 🥹 Everyone was keeping a certain distance and watching the situation, and as soon as the announcement was made that people were allowed to line up, It felt like people hiding in various places were rushing in. 😅
I guess they were allowed to line up by bargaining with the security guards. 😅

⚠️ I recommend lining up before noon to buy souvenirs.
There were two souvenir shops at the West and East Gates.
It seems that the collaborations vary by store. On my way out, I received a QR code with a passcode that allowed me to purchase items online until the next morning, but most of the items were sold out.
If you want something, it's best to buy it in-store.

Waiting in line for four hours at the Italian 🇮🇹 Pavilion was tough, but it was very worthwhile.

By some miracle, I managed to get a reservation for Earth Mart, which I wanted to go to that day.

⚠️There were almost no same-day reservations left, and you couldn't choose the time, and even if there were, they were taken while you were choosing. 😅 If there was an opening, I'd book it immediately! That's how it felt.
I was constantly staring at my smartphone while waiting in line at the Italian Pavilion, and by chance, I managed to snag a canceled slot.
That was the only reservation I was able to make on the day.

I also entered the lottery for the Sumitomo Mitsui Pavilion, which I booked via LINE, every time, but I didn't win.

It was a very tough Expo, but in the end, I'm really glad I went.

It was a valuable experience. ✨

The only sausage I had at the German Pavilion was so incredibly delicious! I was surprised.
For me, it was the best sausage I've ever had in my life.
I think it was even more so because we had beer 🍺 with it. 😅
The beer was also very smooth and delicious. The beer was 1,300 yen, and the sausage was 1,500 yen. Priceless. 🥹
#OsakaKansaiExpo #MyTravelPlan #Expo