The "Aikasa" umbrella sharing service has newly installed rental spots (umbrella stands) near ticket gates and exits at stations like Namba Station.

After downloading the app and registering as a member, you can scan the QR code on the umbrella stand to rent an umbrella. "Aikasa" is available at 14 stations (17 locations) including Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Yotsubashi Line, as well as at Tanimachi Line stations such as Minamimori-machi, Tenmabashi, and Tanimachi Rokuchome. You can return the umbrella to a different spot from where you rented it.

The rental fee is 140 yen per umbrella if used within 24 hours. It’s more affordable than buying a new umbrella after an unexpected downpour, and it saves you the hassle of carrying a bulky umbrella back home. Additionally, with the unlimited plan for 280 yen per month, you can rent up to two umbrellas at once.

During the rainy season in June and July, when there are more rainy days, it's reassuring to know in advance where the rental spots are located!

Shobunsha, a publisher known for maps and travel guides, launched the "RAIL MAP OF KANSAI AREA" on April 11, 2025, specifically designed for inbound travelers. This map covers railway routes and key tourist spots in the Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe areas, with details provided in both English and Japanese.

The map is a 46-page size (788mm x 1091mm), with the front side featuring the railway routes in the Kansai region and the back side displaying the main stations and tourist spots in the area. Both sides include information in Japanese and English, and include readings for kanji characters that may be difficult for foreign travelers to understand. The map is available for purchase at major bookstores and online stores nationwide for 1,650 yen.

A revised edition of the "MAP OF JAPAN" English map, covering the entire country, is also available.

The luggage storage app "Bounce" allows you to store your bags at various locations, including hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. The service is available in over 4,000 cities worldwide, including Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, London, and Los Angeles.

Starting from April 2025, more than 90 new locations are being set up near major tourist spots like Osaka Station and Namba Station. With the app, you can reserve your storage spot in advance, saving time by avoiding the need to search for coin lockers while carrying heavy bags. Additionally, it’s a convenient option for storing large luggage that may not fit in regular coin lockers.

The sharing service "LUUP" allows you to rent electric assist bicycles, electric kickboards, and other electric, compact, single-passenger mobility devices with just your smartphone. The service was launched in Osaka in April 2021, and currently, there are over 1,300 ports available.

With the upcoming 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, new electric micro-mobility ports have been introduced near the event venues, including Yumeshima and Palm Garden Maishima, with a total of 8 new ports.

It is expected that around 28.2 million people will attend the Expo, which will lead to heavy congestion in public transportation. By using LUUP to travel from the Expo venue to central Osaka, you can avoid the crowds and travel more comfortably. Be sure to follow Japan's traffic rules and etiquette for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Here are a few of the newly installed posts:

There are plenty of convenient services designed to make your visit to the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo more enjoyable, such as electric bicycle rentals to avoid the crowds and umbrella-sharing services for those unexpected rainy days. Be sure to take advantage of these services to ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience at the event!

*The information in this article is as of April 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.