The Japan Tourism Agency has unveiled the ‘Expo Legacy Project,’ a forward-thinking initiative launched on May 20, 2026, aimed at transforming the future of tourism in the Kansai region. Building on the global attention from the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, this project seeks to guide international visitors beyond the well-trodden paths of Osaka and Kyoto, encouraging deeper exploration of the entire Kansai area. For travelers, this means a future Kansai trip could offer more authentic, less crowded, and incredibly diverse experiences.
The Challenge: Overtourism in Kansai’s Golden Spots
Before the global pandemic, Japan’s tourism was booming. In 2019, the country welcomed a record 31.88 million international visitors. A significant portion of these tourists flocked to the ‘Golden Route’ of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Osaka Prefecture alone recorded over 12 million foreign overnight guests in 2019, leading to significant challenges.
This concentration of tourists, while economically beneficial, resulted in “overtourism”—overcrowded public transport, long queues at popular sites, and a strain on local infrastructure and communities. The experience for both residents and visitors was at risk of diminishing. The ‘Expo Legacy Project’ is a direct response to this challenge, aiming to create a more balanced and sustainable tourism model for the post-Expo era. With the Expo expected to draw an estimated 28.2 million visitors, the government is proactively planning to disperse this massive influx of interest across a wider geographical area.
What is the ‘Expo Legacy Project’?
At its core, the project is a government-backed support program for local businesses and municipalities across the six prefectures of the Kansai region: Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Shiga, and Wakayama. With applications for funding open until June 3rd, the initiative will focus on two key areas:
- Developing New Tourism Content: The project will finance the creation of unique and appealing attractions and experiences that are currently off the radar for most international tourists. This could range from new cultural workshops and adventure tours to food-related events that highlight regional specialties.
- Enhancing Multilingual Support: A major barrier for travelers venturing into rural areas is language. The project will help improve multilingual signage, websites, guide services, and information counters, making lesser-known destinations more accessible and welcoming for everyone.
The ultimate goal is to showcase the full spectrum of Kansai’s appeal—from the serene shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga to the sacred pilgrimage routes of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama—and distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly.
Future of Kansai Travel: What This Means for You
This strategic shift promises to enrich the travel experience for visitors to Kansai. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Discover Hidden Gems
Instead of just navigating the crowds in Fushimi Inari or Dotonbori, your next trip could involve:
- Spiritual Hikes: Exploring the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails in Wakayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Seaside Onsen Towns: Soaking in the traditional atmosphere of Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo, famous for its seven public bathhouses.
- Lakeside Adventures: Cycling, kayaking, or camping around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake, in Shiga Prefecture.
- Journey into Ancient History: Renting a bicycle to explore the idyllic rural landscapes and ancient burial mounds of Asuka in Nara, the birthplace of the Japanese state.
A More Authentic and Comfortable Experience
By encouraging dispersal, the project will naturally help alleviate congestion in Osaka and Kyoto. This means more space to breathe, shorter lines, and a more relaxed atmosphere at major landmarks. Furthermore, with enhanced local support, you’ll have more opportunities for meaningful interactions with local communities, providing a deeper and more authentic cultural immersion. Improved language services will empower you to travel with more confidence and independence throughout the region.
The ‘Expo Legacy Project’ is not just a recovery plan; it’s a blueprint for a smarter, more sustainable future for tourism in Kansai. For travelers planning a visit in the years to come, it signals a welcome evolution: a chance to discover the heart and soul of the region far beyond its famous city centers. Keep an eye out for exciting new tours, destinations, and experiences that are sure to emerge from this ambitious and vital initiative.
