If you have been longing to travel to Japan but were put off by having to be on a package tour, start planning your itineraries as the country will abolish a slew of Covid-19 border controls from Oct 11.

The moves include allowing individual visitors to enter, and reinstating visa waivers.

This will be the country’s latest round of easing travel restrictions. Earlier this year, it reopened its borders to leisure travellers on guided and non-guided tour packages.

Now that you can enjoy Japan with more freedom, here are some ideas about what you can see and do there.

Step into video game at Super Nintendo World, heart-stopping sky observatory in Osaka

Want to be surrounded by buildings created in the likeness of those in the Super Mario game such as Princess Peach’s castle and Yoshi’s house? 

Head to Super Nintendo World of Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.

There are human-size pipes, reward blocks, piranha plants all in the hyper-saturated hues of the original game. It makes even fully grown, sensible adult visitors feel like jumping in the air just like the main characters Mario and Luigi.

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Take a trip back in time in Shizuoka with waterfalls, yakisoba feasts

While Shizuoka is home to places on the global tourist radar such as the Gotemba Premium Outlets for shopping and the Atami hot springs resort town, it is also well regarded for its beautiful treks.

Shizuoka, located between the major cities of Tokyo and Nagoya, is home to both Japan’s highest peak and lowest point. Mount Fuji rises from the country’s deepest point in Suruga Bay, a trough that is 2,500m deep.

It also is home to one of Japan’s most beautiful villages. Travel via winding...