From travel warnings to visa fees: why Chinese tourism to Japan is in free fall

Mainland Chinese tourist arrivals in Japan have fallen for an eighth consecutive month in July, with group tours declining and visa costs increasing. This decline is largely due to deteriorating ties between Beijing and Tokyo, which have made travel to Japan less appealing to Chinese tourists. As a result, tourist arrivals from mainland China plunged 56.1 per cent year on year in July, extending a downward trend that began in December 2025. This decline is significant for the Japanese economy, as mainland China has traditionally been a major source of visitors.

Why it matters

Deteriorating ties between China and Japan are causing a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals. This decline could negatively impact Japan's tourism industry and economy.

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