Despite a surge in violent incidents and a spike in infectious gastroenteritis cases, Japan remains a top choice for Chinese travelers, particularly ahead of the upcoming May Day holiday.
Recent data from UTour and Tongcheng Travel show strong momentum in demand for Japan-bound travel, with cities like Tokyo and Osaka ranking among the top five most popular destinations. Interest has grown steadily since March, and travel numbers are expected to increase by approximately 15% year-on-year.
FlightAI forecasts even more robust growth, projecting over a 20% year-on-year rise in travel to Japan and South Korea during the holiday period.
However, surging demand has led to hotel room shortages and price hikes across major tourist hubs including Kyoto, Okinawa, and Osaka — underscoring the continuing appeal of Japan’s cultural landmarks and shopping districts, even amid growing public health and safety concerns.
For now, Chinese outbound tourism remains a critical driver of Japan’s travel sector, highlighting the resilience of wanderlust against a backdrop of caution.
