From Long Rides to Off-Road—and Sometimes Even Casual Ride?
Hi, I’m Ontama Negitoro.
While most of my posts focus on off-road adventures and long-distance rides, I also have a soft spot for leisurely pottering around town, blending in with the cityscape on two wheels.

This time, I’m heading to the Osaka-Kansai Expo—happening right in my hometown—by share bike!
Believe it or not, you can actually access the Expo venue by bicycle. Fellow cyclists, after reading this article, you’ll be all set to ride there too!

I’m planning to ride my bike all the way to Yumeshima, the site of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
(Please note: If you’re using your own bike, you’ll need to reserve a parking space by the day before.)
https://www.transport.expo2025.or.jp/en/route/bicycle/

The starting point is Namba Station on the Nankai Line, with easy access from Kansai International Airport. It takes about 45 minutes from the airport via the Nankai Main Line, or about 19 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. The area is also famous for spots like Dotonbori and Amerikamura.

This time, I used a ride-share bike from Docomo.
With a 3-speed gear and an electric assist, it made for a smooth and easy ride. In Osaka City, there are rental and return ports all over, making it super convenient to pick up a bike from just about anywhere.
https://docomo-cycle.jp/?lang=en

How to rent for international visitors

In front of Namba Station, a cycling path runs along Midosuji Avenue.
Since there are many pedestrians, be sure to ride slowly and with caution.

Higobashi Intersection.
This is the heart of Osaka’s business district.
You’ll weave your way through towering buildings on both sides as you go.

Following the Yodo River from Lake Biwa, you’re almost at the end of the long journey where it flows into Osaka Bay.
Watching the gentle current while getting lost in thought is a pleasure in itself!
Around here, you’ll also find spots like art museums and the Osaka Science Museum, so leisurely sightseeing is a great option too!
Why not experience a modern side of Osaka that contrasts with its natural scenery?

After crossing two rivers, you’ll join National Route 2, which runs from Osaka all the way to Kyushu.
Head west along the JR Loop Line through Fukushima and Nishikujo.
Soon after, you’ll spot a landmark for the Osaka Expo!

You could push straight through here, but I decided to take a short break.
When you think of Osaka, you think of takoyaki!
On the way to the Expo, I spotted a takoyaki shop and stopped by.
Since shops other than convenience stores become scarce when heading toward Maishima, it’s a good idea to buy snacks early.
Takoyaki is easy to carry, so you can enjoy it wherever you like.

Takoyaki made fresh after you order is something special.
While waiting for them to cook, the aroma suddenly brings back old memories.
When I was in junior high, I often went home eating takoyaki with friends, carrying my small allowance in hand.
I think we sometimes got caught sneaking snacks and got scolded by teachers—haha.

Finally! The takoyaki is ready!!
Piping hot, saucy takoyaki—fresh off the grill!
One bite, and it’s soft and chewy—this is the taste.
The harmony of bonito flakes, sauce, and mayo is simply perfect and absolutely delicious.
Freshly made takoyaki is super hot, so take your time and don’t burn your mouth!

After enjoying some takoyaki, I passed through Hinode Shopping Street, a local Osaka arcade.
Cycling is allowed in the arcade, but be sure to ride slowly and watch out for pedestrians.

After exiting the shopping street and riding a bit farther, it’s finally time for the last stretch.
Head west along the Yodogawa Riverside Cycle Path, pushing forward into the headwind.
First, let’s cross the bridge to reach Maishima.

It’s a short stretch, but you’ll need to walk your bike.
Once you cross the bridge, Maishima comes into view.
By the way, Maishima is pronounced “Maishima,” not “Maijima.”
Yumeshima, Sakishima, and Maishima—all located along Osaka Bay—share the kanji “洲,” which is read as shima in all cases.
Now you’re one step closer to being an Osaka expert!

After crossing the bridge and entering Maishima, you’re greeted by a building that looks like something out of a flashy theme park!
At first glance, you might mistake it for the Expo venue—but it’s actually Osaka City’s sewage treatment plant.
Believe it or not, the design was created by an Austrian artist.
Turning public facilities like sewage and waste treatment plants into whimsical, fairy-tale-like architecture is truly wonderful—it really draws you in.
By the way, this facility is open for tours, so why not stop by while you’re visiting the Expo?
https://www.osaka-env-paa.jp/kojo/maishima/

After arriving in Maishima and riding a little farther, the final bridge comes into view.
The evening breeze along the river feels pleasant—and just beyond this bridge lies the EXPO2025 venue. Almost there!

There it is!
Up ahead on the right is the site of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
From above, you can still see cranes at work.

As you come down from the bridge, you’ll see the Yumeshima Bicycle Parking Lot on your right.
If you’re using your own bike, don’t forget to reserve a spot by the day before.
For share bikes, no reservation is needed—you can enter freely.

Bicycle parking at the Osaka Expo.
This parking area is for privately owned bicycles.
It can accommodate 600 bikes and costs 500 yen per day.
https://www.transport.expo2025.or.jp/en/route/bicycle/

This is the parking area for road bikes and other sports bikes, equipped with proper facilities—very convenient.
Although security is tight, make sure to lock your bike securely.
Once you enter the Expo site, it’s not easy to leave and come back.

This is convenient!
In addition to Docomo Ride Share rental bikes, LOOP and HELLO CYCLING are also available.
If it gets crowded when leaving the Expo, using a rental bike to get around might be a good option.

How was it?
Next time you visit the Osaka-Kansai Expo, trying to get there by bicycle might just add an extra layer of fun!
Discover a new side of Osaka and fully enjoy your sightseeing!
See you again soon!!

Today’s route

Text_Ontama Negitoro

🚲Articles by Ontama Negitoro

The Bike Travel Professional’s Guide Series
● Domestic Japan Edition 01
● Domestic Japan Edition 02

Gravel Enthusiasts Ride Ancient Routes
● Kii Mountain Range, Kumano Kodo, Off-Road
● Kumano Sanzan Pilgrimage, Exquisite Tuna, Cycle Train

Riding the 1000km Around Shikoku
● An Ultra-Distance Journey by a Gravel Enthusiast

Why Travel to Cape Soya by Bicycle?
● Welcoming the New Year at Japan’s Northernmost Point

Watch Out for Makibishi (Caltrops) !
● A Short Cycling Trip to the Ninja Village

To Taste Mackerel at Wakasa Bay!
A Parent-Child Ride Along the Saba(Mackerel) Kaido

Hidden Gem of Hiroshima
Cycling Through Taishaku Gorge in Tojo Town

A Hidden Route to the Osaka-Kansai Expo!?
Ride to EXPO2025 by Share Bike!

Profile

Ontama Negitoro
Hailing from Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Onsen Tamago Negitoro is a company employee, writer, and the administrator of the blog “Bicycle Travel Research Society.” They have been involved in bike camping tours from a young age, having traversed almost all of Japan’s prefectures. During their university years, they were part of a bicycle club and visited over 10 countries solo by bicycle. With extensive experience in bike travel, they undertook an extreme bike camping tour across Hokkaido during the harsh winter of 2023. Recently, they have focused on long-distance rides, earning the SR title in a brevet in 2023 and completing a 1900km brevet during the 2024 Golden Week. They aim to complete PBP and LEL in the future and are also planning to actively pursue overseas bike camping tours.

Post Date：2025.07.25