A New Era of Prosperity for Osaka’s Tourism
Osaka is setting its sights on a record-breaking future. The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau has unveiled an ambitious forecast, predicting that spending by international visitors in the fiscal year following the 2025 World Expo will not only recover but will significantly surpass the all-time highs recorded before the pandemic. This optimistic outlook is anchored by the powerful combined forces of the Expo’s lasting impact and the anticipated launch of a major integrated resort (IR).
This projection signals a strategic shift for the city, aiming to cement its status as a top-tier global destination and drive substantial growth for the entire Kansai region.
The Foundation: A Look Back at Pre-Pandemic Success
To understand the scale of this forecast, it’s essential to look back at Osaka’s tourism peak. In 2019, the city welcomed a record-breaking 12.31 million international visitors. Their spending injected an unprecedented ¥1.25 trillion (approximately $8.5 billion USD at current rates) into the local economy, marking a golden era for Osaka’s tourism industry.
The global pandemic brought this momentum to a halt, but the subsequent recovery, fueled by a weaker yen and pent-up travel demand, has been robust. Now, Osaka is not just aiming to reclaim its former glory but to build upon it, leveraging two monumental projects as catalysts for unprecedented growth.
The Twin Engines of Growth: Expo 2025 and the Integrated Resort
The tourism bureau’s confidence stems from two key developments poised to reshape Osaka’s international appeal.
The “Legacy Effect” of World Expo 2025
The World Expo, scheduled from April to October 2025, is expected to draw millions of visitors from around the globe. However, the bureau’s strategy looks far beyond the event itself. The true value lies in the “legacy effect”—the long-term benefits of hosting such a large-scale international event.
The Expo is significantly raising Osaka’s global profile, showcasing its innovation, culture, and hospitality to a worldwide audience. The infrastructure improvements and international connections forged during this period are expected to create a lasting appeal, encouraging repeat visits and attracting new segments of travelers long after the final pavilion closes.
The Game-Changer: Osaka’s Integrated Resort (IR)
The second pillar of this growth strategy is the planned opening of Japan’s first integrated resort in Yumeshima, the same man-made island hosting the Expo. Expected to open around 2030, the IR, operated by MGM Resorts and ORIX, will be a destination in itself.
Featuring world-class hotels, a massive convention center, theaters, diverse shopping and dining options, and a casino, the IR is designed to attract a new wave of visitors, particularly high-spending tourists and large-scale international business events (MICE). This facility will transform Osaka’s entertainment landscape and provide a powerful, year-round draw for tourism.
A Strategy Focused on High-Value Experiences
The city is not simply waiting for visitor numbers to grow; it is actively cultivating a new type of tourism. The core of the strategy is to shift focus from volume to value, attracting travelers who are willing to spend more on unique and premium experiences.
Key areas of promotion include:
- Luxury Travel: Highlighting Osaka’s premium accommodations, bespoke tours, and exclusive shopping experiences.
- Gastronomy: Leveraging its reputation as “Japan’s Kitchen” by promoting everything from Michelin-starred dining to authentic, high-quality local eateries.
- Unique Cultural Attractions: Showcasing deep-dive cultural experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing, such as private tea ceremonies, artisan workshops, and special access to historical sites.
What This Means for the Future of Osaka and Its Visitors
This sustained tourism boom is poised to be a powerful engine for the regional economy, creating jobs and stimulating growth across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation.
For travelers planning a visit to Osaka in the coming years, this forward-looking strategy promises an even more dynamic and enriching experience. The city is evolving, preparing to offer a wider array of attractions and a higher standard of service. While this may also mean increased popularity, it solidifies Osaka’s position as a must-visit destination that continues to innovate and captivate the world.
