Japan is emerging as a top destination for Chinese tourists, signaling a strong recovery in China’s outbound travel sector. As one of the nearest international destinations, Japan is leading the way in welcoming Chinese travelers back. In July 2024, short-term visits from China reached 21,000, representing more than 90% of the total 23,000 Chinese visitors to Japan, excluding overseas Chinese and international students. This data, shared by Chinese aviation expert Hanming Li, underscores the robust revival of travel between the two nations.
The resurgence of Chinese tourism to Japan is largely driven by travelers from Shanghai and the nearby provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Short-distance trips are fueling this recovery, with the Shanghai Consular District playing a pivotal role. The district has issued visas at a significantly higher rate compared to other districts like Beijing and Guangzhou, accelerating the return of Chinese tourists to Japan.
Hanming Li identifies three key factors driving this surge:
1. Close Geographical Distance:
The Yangtze River Delta region holds the advantage of being the closest Chinese region to Japan geographically. For travelers from Shanghai, reaching Japan by air is quicker and more convenient than traveling to certain cities in western China. The short flight time between Shanghai and Japan has made it an appealing choice for Chinese tourists, offering a faster and more accessible international destination compared to domestic travel within China.2. Beneficial Visa Regulations:
Before the pandemic, the Japanese Consulate General in Shanghai had a very relaxed visa policy for residents of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. The process was so straightforward that it became a common saying that “Shanghai residents could obtain a single-entry visa with just their ID and passport.” This ease of access significantly contributed to the popularity of Japan as a travel destination for residents of the Yangtze River Delta, encouraging frequent visits and reinforcing Japan’s appeal as a favored international destination.3. Similar Economic Environments:
The cost of living in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai is comparable to many regions in Japan, with the exception of Tokyo. This economic similarity creates favorable conditions for residents of these Chinese provinces to travel to Japan comfortably. The comparable expenses make Japan an attractive destination for tourists from these areas, as they can enjoy international travel without facing significantly higher costs than they would at home.The combination of geographical proximity, lenient visa policies, and similar economic environments has created a perfect storm for Japan to become a prime destination for Chinese tourists. This trend is expected to continue, further bolstering the tourism industry in both countries and strengthening the ties between the two nations.
