Take a Trip Back in Time to the Osaka Expo of 1970! Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

This theme pavilion was designed by artist Taro Okamoto in the Expo ’70 Symbol Zone. It reaches nearly 70 meters in height and features three exhibition spaces that can fit many guests – one above ground, one below, and one in the air.

After the end of Expo ’70, the interior of the Tower of the Sun was closed off, but starting in 2018 the interior of the tower has been reopened to the public as a permanent exhibit for the first time in 48 years! Come see the still-vibrant exhibits, like the Tree of Life, a 41-meter-tall piece that represents life’s evolutionary process.

Back during the ’70 Expo, there was an escalator inside of the tower’s arm, and you were able to go out onto the large roof on the outside of the tower. Currently there is no roof access available, but you can look up into the arm from within the tower’s inner exhibit.

The Tower of the Sun has three faces: the Face of Gold at the top which represents the future, the Face of the Sun on the front which represents the present, and the Black Sun on the back which represents the past. However, the exhibit’s fourth face, the “Sun of the Underworld,” located in the underground space went missing after Expo ’70. A recreation of this mysterious fourth face, restored from past documents, can also be seen in the present day.

After you visit the Tower of the Sun, be sure to stop by the Expo ’70 Pavilion! The permanent exhibit on the second floor features displays of nearly 3,000 valuable items from Expo ’70. Come here to experience the main theme of Expo ’70: “Progress and Harmony for Mankind.”

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park is also known as a great cherry blossom viewing spot! Every year from mid-March through mid-April, the park is covered with beautiful pink blossoms. Park hours are also extended during the Cherry Blossom Festival so that guests can enjoy the trees when they are illuminated.

The Peace Rose Garden is home to nearly 5,600 roses across almost 140 different kinds, including rare varieties. The Rose Festa is held from mid-to-late-May.

On this vast 26-hectare premises, visitors can see gardens from ancient times, the middle ages, modern times, and the present day. Enjoy a relaxing walk through lush, green natural surroundings while in the city.

There is also a teahouse in the Japanese gardens, featuring a Japanese dry landscape garden. Visitors may also experience tea ceremonies during certain times.
During the spring, you shouldn’t miss out on the view of Kanzan double cherry blossoms in full bloom!