The other day few of us from the Freeplus team made a quick trip to the Expo. We only had the final three hours of the day, but it was more than enough to get hooked. If anything, it left us wishing we could stay longer and dive deeper.
We arrived through the west gate after getting off at Sakurajima Station and hopping on the shuttle bus. By 6pm, the entrance area was practically empty. That in itself was a bit of a surprise. Our first impression? The space felt vast and clean. It set the tone right away. Entry was smooth and organized, even for a small group like ours. A quick QR code scan and we were in.
Right away, we passed some familiar faces; Astro Boy, Gundam, and then walked under some incredibly beautiful wooden beams. The Grand Ring by Sou Fujimoto Architects really stood out. It’s a massive wooden structure that wraps around the site using traditional Japanese joinery techniques. It also happens to be the largest wooden architectural structure in the world, holding a Guinness World Record. The craftsmanship was remarkable, and the scale of it is something you have to see in person to fully appreciate.
Our first stop was the Netherlands Pavilion, where we got to take part in an interactive activity using glowing orbs. Each visitor receives a small ball that reacts to the environment and installations, guiding you through themes like water management and renewable energy. It was thoughtful and playful at the same time. We even got a friendly wave from Miffy at the end, which was a sweet touch.
As evening settled in, the atmosphere shifted. A water show lit up the night while we headed toward the pavilion called Null2. We were lucky to be able to go inside. The space was immersive… full of buzzing vibrations and flickering lights. It felt futuristic, though it might be a little intense for younger children due to the darker ambiance and sensory stimulation.
We also stopped by the Czech Pavilion. Its spiral design made from CLT panels and topped with Bohemian Crystal was striking. The experience inside guided visitors upward through an exhibit that blended tradition and innovation. It felt like walking through an artistic statement about national identity and global creativity. Definitely one of the more artsy pavilions we visited.
One personal highlight for me was the Jellyfish Pavilion. I really enjoyed interacting with the displays. It felt like being a kid again. There was space to explore freely and engage with the exhibits in a hands-on, almost whimsical way.
As the night came to an end, the Expo capped it all off with a closing drone show. It featured some fun and clever designs, and then, in a surprisingly helpful touch, it formed an arrow to guide visitors toward the exits. The drone show takes place daily after sunset and is free to view, which makes for a perfect closing moment. Even with just a few hours on-site, there was plenty to take in. If this was just a taste, I can only imagine how much more there is to see and experience. We’re already talking about when we can go back.