Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan — July 2025
As Japan gears up to host Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, one of the world’s most anticipated international exhibitions, the nearby Awaji Island is set to emerge as a dynamic cultural epicenter with OMATSURI EXPO 2025. Held from July 19 to July 21, 2025, this vibrant three-day celebration will unfold at Awaji Yumebutai Sustainable Park, showcasing the timeless spirit of Japanese matsuri (festivals) through music, dance, cuisine, and regional artistry.
A Cultural Extension of Expo 2025 Osaka
OMATSURI EXPO is part of the AWAJI EXPO ROAD, a large-scale cultural initiative spearheaded by Pasona Group Inc., the Exclusive Official Pavilion Partner of Expo 2025. Designed to spotlight Japan’s intangible cultural heritage and promote regional revitalization, this off-site festival invites global travelers to explore the living traditions of Japan in an immersive, scenic environment.
With its proximity to Osaka and Kobe, Awaji Island offers a peaceful yet accessible retreat from the urban bustle, making it an ideal stage for a festival that aims to bridge ancient customs with modern values of sustainability, inclusivity, and cross-cultural exchange.
OMATSURI EXPO 2025 Highlights
Set against the architectural brilliance of Awaji Yumebutai, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, the event promises a rich lineup of performances, interactive activities, and culinary discoveries.
🎭 Live Cultural Performances
- Taiko Drumming – Powerful and hypnotic, these live percussion performances draw from Japan’s ceremonial roots, evoking energy and unity.
- Yosakoi Dancing – A lively blend of traditional and modern movement, combining colorful costumes with upbeat choreography.
- Awa Odori – One of Japan’s most iconic traditional dances from Tokushima, featuring rhythmic footwork and festive flute and shamisen melodies.
- Oendan Cheerleading – Unique to Japan, this dynamic and coordinated cheerleading artform delivers high-spirited support through chants and precise movements.
🍱 Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Food lovers will be treated to regional specialties and street food favorites from across Japan. Booths will serve freshly grilled skewers, traditional sweets, and rare local dishes. Local sake brewers will also be present, offering tastings of award-winning rice wines.
🎎 Cultural Exhibits & Interactive Booths
More than just entertainment, OMATSURI EXPO 2025 will serve as an educational journey through Japan’s diverse regions:
- Local government and tourism representatives will host booths showcasing traditional crafts, folk stories, and regional development projects.
- Interactive experiences like yukata dressing, origami workshops, and calligraphy demos will offer hands-on insight into Japanese customs.
Rekindling the Spirit of Expo 1970
Drawing inspiration from the historic Festival Plaza of Expo 1970 Osaka, which celebrated peace and cultural exchange through art and performance, OMATSURI EXPO 2025 seeks to rekindle that same spirit for a new generation. This time, the focus expands to embrace climate awareness, cultural preservation, and rural innovation—hallmarks of Japan’s current global identity.
Awaji Island, once known as Japan’s mythical first land, is now emerging as a national leader in wellness tourism, agricultural innovation, and sustainable urban development. By hosting OMATSURI EXPO, the island aims to cement its role as a living cultural corridor—connecting Japan’s historical roots with its forward-looking vision for the future.
Why Visit Awaji Island During Expo 2025?
Located just an hour from Osaka by road via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island is a lesser-known gem in the Seto Inland Sea, offering visitors natural beauty, spiritual significance, and an ever-growing list of creative attractions.
By attending OMATSURI EXPO 2025, international travelers will not only enrich their experience of Expo Osaka 2025, but also gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s soul—through food, performance, storytelling, and hospitality. It’s an invitation to go beyond the pavilions and experience a true cultural immersion in one of Japan’s most enchanting islands.
📍 Event Information – OMATSURI EXPO 2025
- Dates: Saturday, July 19 to Monday, July 21, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Location: Awaji Yumebutai Sustainable Park, 1-32 Yumebutai, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
- Access: Approximately 1 hour from Osaka or Kobe by bus or car
As the world turns its eyes to Japan for Expo 2025, OMATSURI EXPO on Awaji Island promises to be an unforgettable side journey. Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time or returning with a deeper curiosity, this festival is a celebration of Japan’s enduring spirit—joyful, inviting, and profoundly human.
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