Post by : Rameen Ariff

Tokyo, Japan – Business leaders in Tokyo are witnessing a decline in Chinese visitors after Beijing issued a travel advisory amid rising tensions with Japan. Still, many local shops and restaurants report that the decrease has not severely affected their overall sales figures.

Shiina Ito, who oversees a jewelry store in the historic Asakusa area, stated that Chinese tourists normally represent nearly half of her clientele. “With fewer Chinese visitors, it’s become slightly easier for Japanese shoppers to come in, allowing our sales to remain stable,” she remarked.

The diplomatic strains were exacerbated by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan, prompting China to advise its citizens against travel to Japan. Despite this, many businesses in Tokyo maintain a positive outlook.

In the upscale shopping district of Ginza, Yuki Yamamoto, who manages a popular udon noodle establishment, mentioned he has not observed a major shift in his daily customer flow. “Naturally, a decrease in customers would be disappointing. However, we still see Japanese patrons regularly, so we're not overly worried,” he noted.

China remains the largest source of international tourists to Japan, with approximately 7.5 million arrivals from China recorded in the first nine months of 2025, constituting about a quarter of total foreign visitors. These tourists are known for their high spending, particularly on shopping and entertainment.

While there are concerns, the impact on all sectors is not uniform. Wu Weiguo, who runs a travel agency in Shanghai, shared that most cancellations pertain to group tours, making up roughly 12% of Chinese visitors to Japan. “Most Chinese travelers prefer independent travel, and their desire to visit Tokyo remains intact,” he explained.

Conversely, hotels that rely heavily on Chinese guests are feeling the strain. Keiko Takeuchi, manager of Gamagori Hotel in central Japan, indicated that around 50–60% of her guests are from China, leading to numerous cancellations. “I hope for a swift resolution to this situation, but it appears we have a long wait ahead,” she expressed.

Japanese authorities have attempted to approach the scenario with poise. Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko stated that the situation remains manageable, emphasizing a rise in arrivals from other nations. Meanwhile, Kimi Onoda, Japan’s minister for economic security, cautioned against over-reliance on a single country for tourism and trade, labeling China’s actions as “economic coercion.”

Despite the current downturn, experts predict that Chinese tourists will continue to flock to Japan in the future, attracted by high-quality services, unique shopping experiences, and appealing prices.

#Asia News #Global