Experience Another Kyoto Like Never Before At Osaka’s 2025 World Expo

The Kyoto zone at the Expo embodies the spirit of “Ichiza Konryu.”

The phrase Ichiza Konryu is a treasured principle in tea ceremony. It refers to that special, meaningful moment of connection between host and guest, founded on harmony, respect, and sincere exchange. This shared experience fosters a feeling of unity and understanding, creating a truly comfortable and integrated space.

This philosophy guides not just the exhibits, but also the live demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and interactive events, all designed to foster connections between exhibitors and visitors. Every experience in the Kyoto Zone aims to be a precious shared moment, rooted in the spirit of “Ichiza Konryu.”

Throughout the Expo, you’ll see six different themes that show many sides of Kyoto. Each theme invites you to explore, touch, taste, and learn about Kyoto’s past, present, and future. These themes include: Culture, Food, Industry, Environment, Life, and Tourism, with exhibits changing roughly every week.

Here’s a taste of what to expect:

・Tourism: Ready to explore beyond Kyoto’s city center? Let’s discover the captivating landscapes and vibrant communities of what’s known as “Another Kyoto.” You’ll find inspiration for your next trip as you experience the region’s lush mountains, renowned tea-producing areas, and beautiful seaside towns.

This theme features three immersive exhibits that showcase Kyoto’s diverse beauty:

・Kyoto by the Sea: Explore the charm of coastal fishing villages, take in sweeping seascapes, and admire traditional Tango-ori weaving.

・Woodland Kyoto & Otokuni Bamboo Grove: Wander through lush forests and rolling hills. Try forest bathing, take a VR journey, or stroll peaceful bamboo paths.

・Kyoto Tea Country: Immerse yourself in tea culture. Savor local brews and discover why this region is the heart of Japanese tea.

The other themes include:

・Culture: Experience Kyoto’s performing arts, local festivals, and even manga culture. Enjoy traditional hospitality like tea ceremonies and flower arranging, especially during the opening events.

・Food: Savor dashi (soup stock), the heart of Kyoto’s cuisine, alongside sake and teas from diverse regions. This exhibit explores the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern innovation, showcasing both time-honored techniques and surprising developments, like the application of these methods to emergency rations.

・Industry: See how old crafts meet new technology. Discover how local communities are developing sustainable manufacturing and startups.

・Environment: Learn about Kyoto’s unique approaches to meeting SDGs through engaging exhibits and experiences. Rediscover the value of “furoshiki” and see how sustainable products are created using previously neglected bamboo forests.

・Life: Discover health, aging, life, death, and dementia through interactive exhibits designed to build empathy and understanding.

The Expo offers a fresh perspective on this iconic city, revealing the stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the dynamic industries that support people’s daily lives.

By joining workshops, tasting local flavors, or chatting with creators, you uncover stories and traditions you won’t find in mainstream guidebooks.

In the Kyoto Zone, Sandwich, led by the world-renowned sculptor Kohei Nawa, and Asada Kawara Co. created “Kimono Tiles” using kyo-gawara, a beautiful material with a 1,400-year history. These tiles are laid out to resemble the overlapping folds of a kimono, with a whopping 12,000 of them, in all sorts of sizes, seamlessly covering the floors and walls.

Their soft, smoked silver color and subtle geometric pattern create a minimalist, peaceful space. This quiet backdrop helps you pause and really focus amidst all the hustle and bustle of the Expo.

This design also brings the exhibit’s soundscape to life. Enjoy the layers of piano, natural sounds, and gentle electronic tones by composer Marihiko Hara.

Meanwhile, the main screen features video art by Aozora Inc., led by Shinpei Yamada, a graduate of Kyoto University of the Arts. This art layers Kyoto’s rich blend of tradition and innovation right before your eyes. You’ll see scenes of city life, nature, and tradition flow and overlap, reflecting the city’s rich history and its constant mix of old and new.

By the time you step out of the Kyoto Zone, you’ll have experienced a side of Kyoto you don’t usually see, thanks to your interactions with exhibitors and the hands-on experiences. Interactive moments, sensory design, and the philosophy of Ichiza Konryu come together to offer a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences Kyoto has beyond the city.

For more information, please visit the EXPO KYOTO Official site: https://expokyoto.jp/