LaLaport EXPOCITY — Attraction in Suita

Expocity is much more "city" than the name implies. This place is kinda crazy. It's not an amusement park. It's not a shopping mall. It's...everything. Literally everything under the sun thrown into a huge confined space in Suita, an hour from Osaka by monorail. While I don't think it's the best representation of "local flavour" for foreign visitors, it's a sure hit with locals, families and kids, and anyone who wants a chill day.

Touted as "Japan's largest complex" on their site, I can definitely agree with the "largest" and "complex" part. On top of having one of the biggest shopping malls (Lalaport), it's got a giant ferris wheel, aquarium, VR play area, IMAX theater, education/entertainment facilities, dozens of food options including a Gundam cafe and an all-you-can-eat KFC...to name a few things. You absolutely can spend a whole day here.

Something about this place is very nostalgic and wholesome. Yes, amusement parks tend to have that effect on you but this is less of a traditional amusement park (think Disney) and more of an edu-tainment centre. The aquarium, NIFREL, is very modern and beautiful. There is an English education centre that provides fun activities against the backdrop of famous American landmarks. Even the Gundam cafe brought back a lot of those childhood memories, as they played different theme songs on loop. And of course, Expocity also hosts a lot of conventions and, you guessed it, expos. It's really a perfect blend of family friendly activities.

Did I have fun? Sure! There are some extremely unique things to do here, such as Japan's tallest ferris wheel and the all-you-can-eat KFC. However, I believe the intended audience is not young adult travellers, unless they're young adult travellers who want a break from the travelling. If you're travelling with kids, without a doubt, this is would be an amazing day activity...

It can be a little inaccessible since it’s quite inconvenient to get to if you were to be staying around city area or even taking a public transport.

Made my way here since this is the only place with Abercrombie and Hollister then there’s Snoopy Café.

It’s a fairly huge place to shop and dine at. In order to get your tax free, you’re required to go to the customer service counter with your receipts. Too bad I missed the closing time.

They even have a KFC restaurant! From what I’ve gathered, their KFC restaurant is unlike the typical fast food restaurant we know. Never got to try it maybe next time. In case you’re wondering how you can get onto Snoopy‘s bus for photo you are required to dine in the...

Expo City is a large complex located inside Expo'70 Commemorative Park. With an easy two minute access from the Banpaku Kinen Koen-mae station on the Monorail or Expocity-mae bus stop from JR Ibaraki station, this is a great place to shop and explore for all ages. There are various entertainment and learning facilities such as Pokémon Gym, aquarium, ferries wheel, English learning center, mobile amusement park, movie theater etc. Lalaport has a wide selection of both local and foreign shops, restaurant and cafes, bookstore, etc. Although you can easily spend a day just at Expo City, there is also the large Expo park, Japanese garden and museums that you can explore...