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Expo 2031's Design team visits Yokohama 2027 the site of the next International Horticultural Exhibition
- Wendy Meadley
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
September 26, 2025
While in Japan for Osaka Expo 2025, we couldn't resist taking the day trip and ending my Japan stay in Yokohama, the location of the next International Horticultural Exhibition.
The Theme of Yokohama Expo 2027 is Scenery of the Future for Happiness.
Expo Design Team Tours Yokohama Site in Preparation for Expo 2031
This week, members of the Expo 2031 Minnesota USA Design Delegation traveled to Japan for an inside look at the future grounds of Expo 2027 Yokohama. As the next International Horticultural Exposition on the global calendar following Expo 2025 Osaka, Yokohama will carry the theme “Scenery of the Future for Happiness” and showcase new models for urban horticulture, sustainable city life, and human–nature balance.
Our design team toured the planned site in Yokohama’s coastal district, where world-class gardens, technology-driven pavilions, and cultural programs will come together over six months in 2027.
Highlights of the visit included:
Master Plan Walkthrough – Reviewing the central gardens, waterfront corridors, and thematic zones that will frame the visitor experience.
Sustainability Focus – Seeing how Yokohama is embedding green infrastructure, water management, and carbon-neutral energy into the site’s construction.
Horticultural Inspiration – Exploring early designs for demonstration gardens that will connect Japanese horticultural traditions with global innovations.
Infrastructure / Transportation Integration – Learning how the Expo will tie into Yokohama’s urban fabric, leaving a lasting green legacy for residents long after closing day.
For our Minnesota team, this visit was more than a site tour—it was a chance to observe best practices in expo design and operations that will inform our own planning for Expo 2031 Minnesota USA. By walking the grounds, engaging with Japanese organizers, and experiencing firsthand the city’s approach to integrating culture, nature, and technology, we are building knowledge and relationships that will strengthen our work back home.
As Expo 2027 Yokohama prepares to welcome millions of visitors from around the world, we celebrate Japan’s leadership in horticultural exposition design—and look forward to carrying this momentum forward to the first-ever World Horticultural Expo in U.S. history in 2031. We especially appreciated the warm hospitality of the Ex;po 2027 Organizing Team.
Stay tuned for more updates as our delegation continues to gather insights and inspiration from the world stage.
International Horticultural Exhibitions are governed by the AIPH and A1 Class are sanctioned by the BIE. When you click on the AIPH link you will see our AIPH Approval announcement.
Here are handy links to learn more about Yokohama's Horticultural Expo >