Chinese tourist footfall in Japan falls 45% as overall visitor numbers remain high

Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan fell sharply in December, a decline linked to recent diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing . Official data showed a steep year-on-year drop, even as overall tourism to Japan continued to perform strongly.

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan plunged 45 per cent in December compared with a year earlier, according to the transport ministry. The drop coincided with an ongoing diplomatic row between China and Japan.

Tensions escalated in November after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily in the event of an attack on Taiwan. The remarks prompted a strong backlash from Beijing, which subsequently urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan.

Overall tourism remains resilient

Despite the decline in Chinese visitors, overall tourist numbers remained high. Inbound tourism from Asia continued to account for the largest share of visitors in 2025.

Tourism minister Yasushi Kaneko said foreign visitor numbers exceeded 40 million last year for the first time, setting a new record.

Japan remained a popular destination for travellers from the US and Australia. Officials said strong global interest in the country helped offset the fall in Chinese arrivals.

The weakness of the yen against the dollar also contributed to the surge in tourism, making travel and spending more attractive for overseas visitors.

Foreign tourists spent a record ¥9.5 trillion in Japan in 2025, providing a significant boost to the economy. Visitor numbers have risen steadily since Japan reopened its borders after the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2024, Japan recorded 36.87 million foreign visitors, marking a strong recovery that continued into 2025 despite regional diplomatic challenges.