Osaka-Kansai Expo opens on 4/13. So this time, we’ll share what the Expo feels like, plus seven very Nishinomiya-style photo spots, in true Nishitsu fashion.
The nearest station to the Expo is Yumeshima Station. By train, you can get there via JR or Hanshin Railway. This time, we’re heading there from Hanshin Nishinomiya Station.
Transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line at Kujo Station in Osaka.
Kujo Station is above ground! Even though Hanshin’s Kujo Station is underground, which feels kind of strange!
From Kujo, it’s 5 stops(16 minutes). If you take JR, it’s 4 stops from Bentencho
We arrived in about 46 minutes from Hanshin Nishinomiya Station! And wow, the design has such a futuristic feel. So cool!!
The station restroom. They’re bowing like crazy.
A whole row of huge monitors lined up. It really gets you excited.
A black Lawson.
Go up these stairs and you’ll reach the Expo gate. So access from the station is really convenient. It’s about a 2- to 3-minute walk.
On the day of the test run, people were saying, “It’s so crowded it’s turning into a mess,” but when I arrived at 3 p.m., there was no line and it was totally easy.
Just like before boarding a plane, you take everything out of your pockets and show what’s inside your bag.
Then you scan the QR code on your smartphone to enter.
Once inside, there’s a huuuuge open plaza. Wait, what’s that white thing over there?!
Hold on!! Isn’t that Hakushika?! Very Nishinomiya
It looks kind of like Hakushika-chan from “Hakushika,” one of Nishinomiya’s signature sake breweries, doesn’t it?
When I looked it up, it wasn’t Nishinomiya’s Hakushika, but a white deer artwork by sculptor Kohei Nawa!! Details are written here
① Nishinomiya locals should take their very first commemorative photo here! #ExpoWhiteDeer（Right near the information desk after entering through the East Gate）
A short video from when we found the white deer↓
Myaku-Myaku-sama is properly walking around too.
There’s also a non-moving Myaku-Myaku-sama, but I’m sure you’ll have to line up to take photos!
The back view is cute too. This might be a hidden spot. And! I happened to run into Ai Nakamura from Sakura FM! A personal Nishinomiya point（Around straight ahead after entering through the East Gate）
This is the Panasonic Pavilion. Speaking of Panasonic, there’s founder Konosuke Matsushita.
This Shukugawa Community Center was built by Konosuke Matsushita. So he has a really strong connection to Nishinomiya.
Look! It’s Shukugawa itself, with cherry blossoms in bloom!! ② This is another photo spot for Nishinomiya locals（Visible to the left of the plaza from the East Gate）
Across from Panasonic is “Oishii Shinise no Takarabako Osaka-mon Meihin” — a treasure box of delicious long-established Osaka specialties.
Amidaike Daikoku, which makes Osaka’s famous iwa-okoshi sweets, has its factory in Nishinomiyahama, so it’s basically Nishinomiya.
Wait, isn’t that Nishinomiya’s pride, Takayamado?!
Takayamado. If you’re feeling a little hungry, there are three kinds of easy-to-eat dorayaki. Apparently the sweet potato and chestnut one sold really well. They’re all Expo exclusives~~
You’ve probably tried Sweet Mermaid at least once, but did you know this is a very Nishinomiya product?
