In March 2027, Yokohama will host Japan's biggest flower festival — the 2027 International Horticultural Exposition, GREEN×EXPO 2027. It will be the first International Horticultural Exposition held in Japan in 37 years.
The official brand tagline is "With the Earth — let's bloom" (in Japanese: 地球と。咲きに行こう。). The English brand line is "Bloom of Future." It's a deliberately collaborative message — not "the Earth as a resource," but standing alongside the Earth.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go: tickets, getting there, highlights, food, and hotels — written by someone who visited the 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo 29 times.
- Dates: March 19 – September 26, 2027 (192 days)
- Venue: Former Kami-Seya Communications Facility site, Yokohama (~100 hectares)
- Scale: 64+ participating countries & 5 international organizations, 10 million+ paid visitors expected
- Theme: Scenery of the Future for Happiness
- Class: A1 (AIPH-approved & BIE-recognized — the highest classification)
- Mascot: Tunku Tunku
- Ambassadors: Mana Ashida (actress) / Yuzu (musical duo)
3 Things to Decide First
- Tickets: 1-day or Season Pass / Early bird or regular
- Timing: Balance between flower seasons and crowd levels
- Where to stay: Choose from major stations near the venue (Shin-Yokohama, Yokohama, Futamatagawa, etc.)
Basic Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | 2027 International Horticultural Exposition (GREEN×EXPO 2027) |
| Dates | March 19 – September 26, 2027 (192 days) |
| Venue | Former Kami-Seya Communications Facility site, Yokohama (Seya & Asahi wards) |
| Site Area | About 100 hectares |
| Theme | Scenery of the Future for Happiness |
| Brand Tagline | With the Earth, let's bloom (Bloom of Future) |
| Class | A1 (AIPH-approved & BIE-recognized — the highest classification) |
| Expected Visitors | 10 million+ paid visitors |
| Participants | 64+ countries & 5 international organizations (as of April 2026) — expected to exceed the official target of 70+ |
| Official Mascot | Tunku Tunku |
| Official Ambassadors | Mana Ashida (actress) / Yuzu (musical duo) |
What kind of expo is this?
There are different types of world expos. The 2025 Osaka/Kansai Expo was a large-scale "Registered Exposition" covering broad themes like technology and the future. GREEN×EXPO 2027 is an "International Horticultural Exposition" — a specialized expo focused entirely on flowers, plants, and green living. The last time Japan hosted one was the Osaka Flower Expo (EXPO '90) in 1990, so this is a very rare event.
5 Villages — What to See
The venue is divided into 5 themed areas called "Villages."
| Village | What's There |
|---|---|
| Urban GX Village | Latest technology for a greener society. Explores how cities and nature can coexist. |
| Craft Village | Traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets the natural world. A great place to see artisans at work. |
| Farm & Food Village | Food, farming, and wellbeing. Most of the restaurants and food stalls are located here. |
| Kids Village | A fun, hands-on area where children can learn about nature. Great for families. |
| SATOYAMA Village | "Satoyama" refers to the traditional Japanese way of living in harmony with nature — forests, fields, and villages. This area recreates that peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere. |
Flowers to Look Forward To
During the expo, over 10 million flowers will be in bloom across the venue. In April especially, you can expect around 600 cherry trees (40 varieties) and colorful tulips. The 6-month season is designed around the traditional Japanese calendar of "24 solar terms and 72 micro-seasons" (二十四節気七十二候), so different flowers and atmospheres unfold throughout the run.
Host's Pavilion: Horticultural Culture Pavilion (Tentative Name)
The flagship pavilion presented by the organizing association is the Horticultural Culture Pavilion (tentative name), with design supervision by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
The pavilion showcases Japan's distinctive horticultural aesthetic and techniques passed down from the Edo period — through large-scale exhibits of traditional ornamental plants and bonsai, recreations of Edo-era plant nurserymen's daily lives, and seasonal customs woven through the year. The mission: to share Japan's horticultural culture from Yokohama as an international cultural hub.
The pavilion's official website launched on April 30, 2026, with exhibition details to follow.
Official Ambassadors: Mana Ashida and Yuzu
The official ambassadors of GREEN×EXPO 2027 are Mana Ashida — one of Japan's most prominent young actresses — and Yuzu, a beloved Japanese folk-pop duo. Both will help promote the expo before, during, and after the run.
GREEN×EXPO vs. the Osaka/Kansai Expo — what's different?
The Osaka Expo was fast-paced and full of futuristic technology. GREEN×EXPO feels more relaxed — it's all about flowers, greenery, and slowing down. That said, with 70+ countries expected to participate, the international pavilions will keep things exciting.
Ticket Prices
Advance tickets went on sale from March 19, 2026. Buying early saves you money.
| Ticket Type | Adult (18+) | Youth (12–17) | Child (4–11) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Ticket (Early Bird / Advance) | ¥4,900 | ¥3,000 | ¥1,400 |
| 1-Day Ticket (Regular) | ¥5,500 | ¥3,300 | ¥1,500 |
| Evening Ticket (from 5 PM) | ¥3,500 | ¥1,900 | ¥900 |
| Season Pass | ¥28,000 | ¥16,000 | ¥6,500 |
| Summer Pass (July 1 – August 31) | ¥12,000 | ¥7,000 | ¥3,000 |
※ Children aged 3 and under are free. A paper ticket fee of ¥100 applies if you choose a physical ticket. Group and special discounts are also available.
※ Advance ticket sales end on March 18, 2027.
Is the Season Pass worth it?
¥28,000 ÷ ¥4,900 (advance 1-day ticket) = about 6 visits. If you plan to go 6 or more times, the Season Pass pays for itself. At the 2025 Osaka Expo, the Season Pass was absolutely worth it for repeat visitors.
Official Store at Yokohama Station
For grabbing tickets and merchandise in person before the expo opens, EXPO 2027 Official Store at Sogo Yokohama opened on April 29, 2026 — the 4th permanent official store within Yokohama City. It's directly connected to Yokohama Station, the city's main transport hub for both Shinkansen-area transfers and local trains, making it a convenient drop-in location.
👉 More details on ticket types, how to buy, and tips
👉 Keep It Forever — GREEN×EXPO 2027 Commemorative Ticket Guide
Participating Countries & Food
As of April 2026, 64+ countries and 5 international organizations have confirmed participation. The final number is expected to exceed the official target of 70+. The Kingdom of Bhutan, for example, signed its participation agreement on April 23, 2026 — and the list keeps growing.
Some Confirmed Participating Countries
USA, Italy, Qatar, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Jordan, Egypt, Kenya, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Palau, Bhutan, Luxembourg, Nepal, Serbia, Morocco, Ethiopia… and more.
The full official list is updated regularly on the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Food & Restaurants
The Farm & Food Village will be the main hub for restaurants and food stalls. Many international pavilions will also serve traditional dishes from their home countries. Prices will likely be on the higher side — this is a world expo, after all — but that's part of the experience.
| Country / Region | Food to Expect |
|---|---|
| Italy | Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu |
| Qatar | Middle Eastern spice dishes, dates, Arabic coffee |
| Thailand | Tom yum, pad thai, tropical fruit desserts |
| Middle East & Africa | Spiced dishes, exotic fruits and drinks |
| Japan | Sustainable dining by Suntory, Kindai University tuna, and more |
Spotlight: Multiple Kengo Kuma buildings on-site
Qatar — the first country to confirm participation — has a pavilion designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium. The Qatar Pavilion blends desert greening technology with traditional Qatari aesthetics.
With the host pavilion (Horticultural Culture Pavilion) also being supervised by Kengo Kuma, GREEN×EXPO 2027 will feature multiple Kengo Kuma buildings within the same site — a rare highlight for architecture enthusiasts.
Lesson learned from the Osaka Expo: eat it when you see it
At the Osaka Expo, I kept putting off trying a dessert at the Azerbaijan Pavilion — "I'll come back for it next time" — and never got the chance. It was sold out every single time after that. Don't make the same mistake. If something looks good, order it right then and there.
Best Time to Visit
The expo runs for about 6 months, from March to September. The flowers, the weather, and the crowds all vary a lot depending on when you go.
| Period | Flowers | Predicted Crowd Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Late March (Opening) | Early spring flowers | Relatively quiet |
| Early April | Cherry blossoms (Somei Yoshino) may be in bloom — a classic Japanese spring scene | Moderate |
| Mid-April ★ Recommended | Tulips and nemophila (baby blue eyes) at peak. Comfortable weather. | Manageable |
| Late April – Golden Week | Spring flowers continue | Very crowded. Golden Week (late April to early May) is a major Japanese holiday period — one of the busiest times of the year. Weekday visits strongly recommended. |
| May – June | Roses and early summer flowers | Quieter after Golden Week ends |
| July – August | Summer flowers and evening events | Busy during summer school holidays. The Summer Pass is a good option. |
| September (Closing) | Autumn wildflowers. Final weeks get very crowded. | Expect heavy crowds near the end, similar to what happened at the Osaka Expo. |
What to bring
The venue is a large, open site with little shade. On sunny days, the sun can be intense.
- A UV-blocking parasol / sun umbrella (make sure it has UV protection — a regular black umbrella just absorbs heat and makes you hotter)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat
👉 Beat the Heat at the Expo — what actually worked at the Osaka/Kansai Expo
Getting There
The venue is located at the former Kami-Seya Communications Facility site in Seya and Asahi wards, Yokohama. If you're coming by Shinkansen (bullet train), Shin-Yokohama Station is your starting point.
From Tokyo / Other Cities
Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) network connects major cities to Shin-Yokohama Station. From there, follow the train route below.
| From | Shinkansen | Approx. Travel Time to Shin-Yokohama |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tokaido Shinkansen | ~17 min |
| Osaka / Kyoto | Tokaido Shinkansen | ~2 hr 15 min |
| Nagoya | Tokaido Shinkansen | ~1 hr 20 min |
| Hiroshima | Tokaido / Sanyo Shinkansen | ~2 hr |
Train Route from Shin-Yokohama Station to the Venue
Shin-Yokohama Station → (Sotetsu Shin-Yokohama Line) → Nishiya Station → (Transfer to Sotetsu Main Line) → Seya Station or Mitsukyo Station
The Sotetsu Line is a private railway serving the Yokohama and Kanagawa area. Total travel time including the transfer is about 25–30 minutes.
Shuttle Bus Stops
Shuttle buses will run from these 4 stations directly to the venue:
- Seya Station (Sotetsu Line)
- Mitsukyo Station (Sotetsu Line)
- Minami-Machida Grandberry Park Station (Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line)
- Toka-ichiba Station (JR Yokohama Line)
Shuttle Bus Fare (not yet announced as of May 2026)
As of May 2026, the official shuttle bus fare has not been announced. The reservation system is also expected to be required. We will update this article as soon as the official information is released.
👉 Detailed access guide from Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama, airports & major Japanese cities
👉 How to Get to GREEN×EXPO 2027 from Overseas — Flight Information & Airport Access Guide
Where to Stay
The area immediately around the venue (Seya and Asahi wards) is mostly residential, with few large hotels. Staying near a major station with good train access is the way to go.
Recommended Areas (Overview)
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Around Shin-Yokohama Station | Best for Shinkansen travelers. Plenty of hotels. |
| Around Yokohama Station | Convenient for sightseeing too. Direct Sotetsu Line access. |
| Minato Mirai / Sakuragi-cho | Sightseeing, harbor views, luxury hotels. |
| Chinatown / Kannai | Food, history. OMO7 Yokohama (newly opened April 2026) is a highlight. |
| Minami-Machida / Machida | Easy access from central Tokyo, great for shopping. |
| Yamato / Ebina | Closest to the venue, budget-friendly. |
Hotels in Yokohama will fill up fast during the expo, especially during Golden Week and summer school holidays. Book as soon as you have your dates confirmed — don't leave it too late.
👉 Where to Stay for GREEN×EXPO 2027 — 6 Best Areas Compared by Access, Sightseeing & Budget
Other 2027 Expos to Watch
2027 is a big year for international expos — alongside GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, there's also a Specialised Expo happening in Belgrade.
- EXPO 2027 Belgrade: May 15 – August 15, 2027, themed "Play for Humanity"
- Expo 2030 Riyadh: Opens October 2030, themed "Foresight for Tomorrow"
👉 EXPO 2027 Belgrade — Complete Guide
👉 Expo 2030 Riyadh — Complete Guide
Summary
Three golden rules for enjoying GREEN×EXPO 2027:
- Buy tickets early — advance prices are significantly cheaper
- Book accommodation early — hotels fill up fast, especially during busy periods
- Eat it when you see it — popular food items can sell out. No regrets!
64+ participating countries, 10 million+ paid visitors expected, multiple Kengo Kuma buildings, ambassadors Mana Ashida and Yuzu — there's a lot to look forward to. More detailed articles on each topic are coming soon. Check back for updates, and enjoy the expo.
※ Information in this article is current as of May 2026. Please check the official website (expo2027yokohama.or.jp) for the latest updates.
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