An experiment was performed to examine the mechanism of flow pattern transition from bubble flow to slug flow in a riser. The flow was measured by a double resistivity probe system, and photographs of the flow were taken using strobe lights. The negative diffusion distance of bubbles was estimated using a voidage wave equation and compared with the interbuhble distance. The flow pattern transition from bubble flow to slug flow occurred when the diffusion distance was larger than the interbubble distance. Conversely, when the diffusion distance was smaller than the interbubble distance, the bubble flow was sustained.Therefore, it is found that the negative diffusion caused by the instability of the voidage wave brings about the flow pattern transition.f Imin. The pressure was lower than the atmospheric pressure. The flow pattern transition occurred apparently at the highest but not at the lowest air flow rate. Some photographs of the flow pattern were taken along the riser, and the bubble flow characteristics (passage of bubbles, void fraction and bubble velocity) were measured using a double resistivity probe system.