The site of the 1970 World’s Fair, Suita is a dynamic city near the cutting-edge Church of Light. Its Expo Park has been transformed with landscaped gardens, outstanding museums and entertainment complexes.

Things to do

Explore the sprawling recreational destination of Osaka Expo Park where the iconic “Tower of Sun” sculpture by Okamoto Taro stands. Stroll between the seasonal flower displays of the Natural and Cultural Gardens, then witness the juxtaposition of ancient, medieval, early modern and contemporary landscape styles in the Japanese Garden.

The Osaka Expo Park is home to the National Museum of Ethnology where prehistoric Jōmon-era artefacts, vintage farming equipment and early sound recordings are exhibited. Visit the nearby Japan Folk Crafts Museum to admire traditional ceramics, textiles and handicrafts.

Want to ride Japan’s tallest Ferris wheel? Head to the shopping and entertainment complex of Expo City where the Red Horse Ferris Wheel is located. Expo City also boasts an IMAX cinema and a Shaun the Sheep-themed children’s play area. Don’t miss the Orbi Osaka centre, where you can be immersed in a multi-sensory encounter with Earth's diverse ecosystems.

A short walk north of the Osaka Expo Park is the Church of Light, considered one of the most famous designs by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Learn about the Zen philosophies incorporated into its design, with the contrast between light and dark symbolic of the spiritual and secular sides of humans.

Getting around

Suita is a 25-minute train ride from central Osaka and around 30 minutes from Osaka International Airport. Trains travel throughout Suita and buses access most of its sights.