Japan is undoubtedly one of Singaporeans’ favourite vacation countries, thanks to its yummy eats and vibrant culture. But there’s always that one moment mid-trip when you start missing the taste of home – like, wouldn’t some chicken rice hit different right now?
Turns out you won’t have to look too far. At the Osaka Expo 2025 on Yumeshima Island, a bold red orb, the Singapore Pavilion, stands out among its angular neighbours. This 3-storey showcase is packed with immersive, multi-sensory experiences that’ll give you a slice of home while you’re away. Here’s what you need to know:
Osaka is playing host to the Expo 2025 till 13th October 2025. It’s a massive international fair where over 150 participating countries construct pavilions to showcase their culture, innovation, and vision for the future.
Each one is like a mini world of its own, featuring futuristic tech showcases to immersive cultural experiences, all designed to create conversations about what’s next for humanity.
Our very own Singapore Pavilion – officially called the Dream Sphere – is designed by DP Architects and made with sustainability in mind from start to finish. It stands at 17m tall and consists of 3 storeys.
Image credit: Finbarr Fallon Creative Office
The “little” red dot’s round, glittering facade is clad with around 17,000 recycled aluminium Dream Discs. In honour of SG60, 60 of the discs are inspired by Japanese ema wishing plaques and contain the written hopes and dreams of various communities in Singapore.
Don’t let its size fool you – the pavilion sits on just 1,700m² of land, making it one of the smaller pavilions at the Expo – but the striking design demands just as much attention. The message it sends is clear: small as we are, Singapore can still make a big impact.
Screenshot from: Expo 2025 Singapore
The Dream Sphere is designed with the 4Rs in mind: Renew, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It’s made with locally sourced materials for minimal waste, and pulls double duty as a mini power station. Thanks to rooftop building-integrated photovoltaics, the sphere is estimated to generate around 15,000kWH of renewable energy over the 6-month Expo – enough juice to power 77 electric cars for 1,000km each.
What’s more, the components of the structure are made to be reused after the Osaka Expo 2025. The very blueprint of the Dream Sphere embodies Singapore’s goal of a zero-waste future.
Upon entering the Dream Sphere, you’ll walk through multi-media installations by Singaporean artists such as Zul Mahmod and Melissa Tan. This is where you’ll experience an immersive story of Singapore’s hopes and dreams – told through sound, touch and visuals – focusing on themes like sustainability and technology.
At the Dream Repository, draw or write your own aspirations onto a touch panel and watch them soar into Singapore’s animated skyline on a dome screen.
Head up to the top floor and you’ll find a lush indoor garden, filled with tiered arrangements of native plant species and orchids from Singapore and Japan – a little slice of our “City in Nature” abroad. The space, called the Dream Forest, is also decked out with paper-cut artworks from local artist Fern Wong, creating a blend of nature and human creativity.
If all that’s got you feeling sentimental, swing by the Dream Boutique, where you can grab adorable souvenirs featuring our Merlion mascot, Merli. There are also snacks, plates, and even fashion pieces to choose from, all from local brands.
And if you find yourself missing flavours from home, drop by the Shiok! Cafe for some authentic local fare, including our beloved and famous Chicken Rice (¥2,000, ~S$17.40) and Laksa (¥1,800, ~S$15.66).
End your journey at the Cloud Bar, which serves up Singapore-inspired cocktail concoctions like the Singapore Sling.
Image credit: @kingsmenexperience via Instagram
Catch Singapore’s very own Merlion mascot at the Merli Meet N’ Greet, happening 3 times a day at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm. Don’t forget to snap a pic – his adorable antics are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Image credit: Expo 2025 Singapore
Stay until dark to enjoy Dream Rhythms, where you’ll get to groove to songs by renowned indie artist Shye from 11th to 13th October 2025, at 6.30pm, 7.15pm, and 8pm.
Enter the Dream Forest during the Magic Hour at 7pm, 7.45pm, and 8.30pm daily to watch it transform. Glowing orbs of Fern Wong’s paper-cut artworks will shine along to the musical tunes of Avik Chan, a celebrated Singaporean composer.
Tickets for the Osaka Expo 2025 can be purchased on Klook, with prices starting from S$30.59 for a night ticket, which only allows admission from 4pm onwards.
After purchasing your ticket, you’ll have to book an admission date and time through the Osaka Expo 2025 official site, where you can also reserve entry to the pavilion of your choice. Those with children 3 years old and below can also book a free ticket on the website along with their adult/junior ticket.
We recommend booking early in order to enter a lottery for a higher chance of securing your reservation. As the event ends on 13th October 2025, you’ll only be able to enter the 7-Day Advance Lottery if you purchase a ticket now.
Get tickets to Osaka Expo 2025.
Image credit: Expo 2025
Take the train and alight at Yumeshima Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. There are also direct shuttle buses from JR Sakurajima Station to the Expo site. Take note that the nearest entrance to the Singapore Pavilion is the West Gate.
Find out more about transportation options to the Osaka Expo 2025.
Image credit: Finbarr Fallon Creative Office
Whether you’re drafting a travel itinerary or are currently in Osaka, the Singapore Pavilion at the Osaka Expo 2025 is a little slice of home abroad. From lush greenery to futuristic projections, this Little Red Dot shows the world the big dreams we have in store.
More things to do in Japan:
Cover image adapted from: Singapore Tourism Board, Expo 2025 Singapore, Finbarr Fallon Creative Office
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