The island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay has long been considered one of the most popular potential locations. The city of Osaka is also among the bidders for hosting World Expo 2025 and if it wins the bid, it will be namely Yumeshima that will welcome the major event.
According to proponents of the idea for an integrated resort on the artificial island, a property of this kind would only boost interest in Osaka as the potential future host of the trade show.
And while Yumeshima may be the location that has gained the greatest media attention, Japanese media The Japan Times reported that the Osaka Prefecture and the neighboring Wakayama Prefecture have other suitable locations in mind.
Located at the center of Osaka Bay, the Yumeshima Island is a 390-hectare area of reclaimed land, 140 hectares of which fully developed. The artificial island is around 40 minutes by car from the Kansai International Airport, and 15 minutes by car from downtown Osaka.
Osaka officials and casino lobbyists have pointed out that
The idea has attracted the attention of international casino developers and operators, including US gambling giants Las Vegas Sands and MGM Resorts International as well as Melco Resorts & Entertainment, which has recently told local media that it preferred Osaka over Tokyo for future casino development.
