Anyone been in the last week or so (since tsuyuake) ?

I have family member in Osaka right now, she says the weather is brutal. But not sure how it will be at the Expo. She says its imperative that I walk around with umbrella to avoid sun exposure, but I’ve never done such thing ever (I don’t even use umbrella in rain).

I have heard that there are many shaded chairs to cool off in. I’m supposed to go in mid-July, but still have not bought tix.

I also saw one person say that it’s always cool (not hot) under the ring… is that really true?

I can’t fathom standing in any line for more than 10min if it’s going to be 35C with 60% humidity, unless the wait area is shaded or cooled off.

Right now I am trying to decide if I should just buy the tix so I can participate in the 7-day advance reservation lottery… vs just go to Osaka with no tix no reservations so that I have the flexibility to go or not go (in which case if I do go, it will be without any pavilion reservations).

What are some pavilions with likely no wait on a weekday that might be worthwhile?

If you score same day pavilion registration, what are the chances that you still have to wait 10+ minutes in heat once you get to that pavilion?