Japan Scrambling for Broader Tourist Markets as Chinese Visitors Disappear

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan has dropped sharply as diplomatic friction deters travel, though there remains a core group of “true Japan fans” in China, Yusuke Matsumura reported for Mainichi Japan.

In recent years, Japan had been the most popular travel destination for Chinese tourists.

Chinese tourists appear to have largely vanished from Japan’s streets and sightseeing spots. During China’s Lunar New Year holiday period in February, Japan typically sees an influx of visitors from China.

However, this year was different. “Demand for visits to Japan has nearly halved,” a travel industry insider said.

In recent years, Japan had been the most popular travel destination for Chinese tourists.

This year, however, it fell from the top spot. In response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks last November regarding a potential Taiwan contingency, the Chinese government has been urging its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan.

Flights between the two countries have decreased by more than 40%, and travel agencies have stopped accepting group tours.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of travelers from China decreased by 45.3% in December and 60.7% in January compared with the same months the previous year.

Where are Chinese tourists going instead?

There has been a noticeable increase in travel to nearby Asian countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The president of a Beijing travel agency said, “For clients wishing to visit Japan, we are suggesting South Korea as an alternative.”