reopening borders
If you’re asking yourself the question “Do I have to wear a mask in Japan?” you might want to read this first.
Visiting Japan after it’s been closed off to tourists for so long is making people see the country with new eyes.
Japan may have opened its borders, but there are still some requirements that might trip you up when visiting.
First weekend following new entry procedures sees foreign visitors picking up loads of bargains, thanks to the weak yen.
Travel restrictions finally set to be lifted as country returns to pre-pandemic entry procedures.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japanese milk carton cakes are a genius idea that the world needs to know about
New Studio Ghibli notebooks are a beautiful reason to write and draw by hand [Photos]
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Giant wagashi cushions will turn your home sweet home into home sweet Japanese sweets home
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
7-Eleven Japan now has Milk Miso Curry Ramen, but is that too much for one cup? [Taste test]
Sushi Bus starts running in Japan, but is it a tourist trap or tourist must-do?
Starbucks Japan releases new Halloween Frappuccino and drinkware, but are they worth buying this year?
Japan lodges formal complaint with China for calling Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Sanae Takaichi
Final Fantasy Fat Chocobo Curry coming to fill up fans, even if they can’t attend Fan Festival
Weekly
- Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Experimenting with making hot sandwiches in the microwave with a device from Japan’s 3COINS
Make-your-own-Totoro plushie workshop event coming to Ghibli Park park this fall
Osaka man arrested for running little pet shop of horrors with dangerous crocodile
Starbucks Japan says sayonara to the Filone for new sandwiches and a Pumpkin Soupuccino
Foreign tourist numbers drop in Osaka, despite record-setting highs from U.S. and Korea
One of Japan’s best convenience store egg sandwiches is one you won’t find at the big three chains
Japanese food hack says to soak your grapes in carbonated water, but is the fizz worth the buzz?
Monthly
- Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?- Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
RECOMMENDED STORIES
7-Eleven Japan now has Milk Miso Curry Ramen, but is that too much for one cup? [Taste test]
Sushi Bus starts running in Japan, but is it a tourist trap or tourist must-do?
Starbucks Japan releases new Halloween Frappuccino and drinkware, but are they worth buying this year?
Japan lodges formal complaint with China for calling Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Sanae Takaichi
Final Fantasy Fat Chocobo Curry coming to fill up fans, even if they can’t attend Fan Festival
Japan has convenience store fried chicken-flavor instant ramen, but does it taste like it says it does?
Free-flowing cocktails, natural onsen water, and custom pillows make this Osaka hotel a steal
Burger King serves up Pickleball Burgers in Japan, with a tasty nod to the number 11
Experimenting with making hot sandwiches in the microwave with a device from Japan’s 3COINS
Starbucks Japan unveils new Halloween goods with secret glow-in-the-dark details
New Sonic the Hedgehog figure costs 1 million yen, is made of Arita ware Japanese porcelain [Vid]
Matcha ice cream discontinued by one of Japan’s favorite ice cream brands
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
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