China’s New Travel Restrictions Impact Japan Tourism Amid Diplomatic Disagreement, Get the Details Here

Published on December 25, 2025

China has lately asked its domestic travel agencies to cut the flow of Chinese nationals to Tokyo by as much as 40%, and this has been a result of the increased political tensions between China and Tokyo. This was in response to a statement made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi with regard to Taiwan.

The request from the Chinese government regarding fewer tourists visiting Japan is in relation to its efforts to deal with provocative statements coming from the leaders in Japan. This move highly affects Chinese tourists as well as the tourist industry in both China and Japan.

The Catalyst: Takaichi’s Comments on Taiwan

The tension between China and Japan escalated following comments made by Takaichi during a parliamentary session on November 7, 2025. She suggested that any military aggression against Taiwan could be seen as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially involving the Japanese defense forces. The remarks were interpreted by China as inflammatory, particularly given the country’s long-standing stance on Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province.

In response to these comments, the Chinese government took a firm stance, urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan. The government claimed that Takaichi’s remarks not only damaged the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges but also created an environment that could jeopardize the safety of Chinese nationals visiting Japan.

Travel Restrictions: Reducing Japan Visa Applications and Cancellations of Flights

As part of its response to the diplomatic tension, China directed major travel agencies to reduce the number of Japan visa applications by 40%, an instruction which has had immediate consequences on tourism. Industry sources indicate that this directive was issued in late November, and it has already begun to impact the flow of Chinese tourists to Japan.

In addition to reducing visa applications, the travel industry has witnessed significant disruptions in flight schedules. According to reports, more than 1,900 Japan-bound flights were cancelled in December, amounting to over 40% of the total scheduled flights from China to Japan. This trend is expected to continue into January, with 2,195 flights set to be scrapped in the first month of 2026, further impacting the ability of Chinese citizens to travel to Japan.

These cancellations highlight the scale of the disruption caused by the diplomatic spat and underscore the level of coordination involved in implementing the travel reduction. As a result, the number of Chinese visitors to Japan is expected to fall dramatically, especially during the crucial winter holiday period.

Impact on Chinese Tourists and Travel Agencies

Japan has been one of the most popular overseas destinations for Chinese travelers in recent years, with its proximity, cultural appeal, and shopping opportunities making it a favorite choice. However, the new directive means that many Chinese nationals, particularly those who had planned their trips to Japan during the upcoming winter holidays, will be forced to either cancel or reschedule their travel plans.

For the travel agencies in China, this reduction in tourism demand presents a significant challenge. Travel agencies that specialize in international tours to Japan are now faced with a sharp decline in business. Some agencies have already reported a substantial decrease in Japan-bound tourist bookings. The restrictions also pose operational challenges, as travel agencies are now tasked with managing cancellations, handling customer inquiries, and navigating the complexities of the Chinese government’s travel directives.

Moreover, the Chinese travel industry had been enjoying a recovery from the pandemic’s impact, with the outbound tourism market gradually picking up momentum. However, this latest setback, driven by geopolitical tensions, is expected to dampen the momentum and result in significant financial losses for travel agencies in the short term. The uncertainty around travel restrictions also creates hesitation among potential tourists, further slowing the recovery of the sector.

Decline in Japan’s Tourism: A Setback for the Japanese Economy

For Japan, the reduction in Chinese tourists is a significant blow, especially given the high volume of visitors from China in recent years. Chinese tourists have long been a major source of revenue for Japan’s tourism industry, with many spending on shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. The loss of a sizable portion of the Chinese tourist market will have a ripple effect on local businesses, particularly in major tourist destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Japanese businesses that rely heavily on tourism revenue are likely to feel the immediate impact of the decrease in Chinese visitors. Retailers, hoteliers, and transport companies will see a reduction in foot traffic, while attractions and cultural sites may experience lower visitor numbers. The Japanese economy, which is still recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, could suffer further due to this decline in tourism.

Moreover, the flight cancellations also disrupt the tourism infrastructure, leading to potential financial losses for airlines and the broader travel sector. Japan’s travel agencies and airlines are expected to bear the brunt of the disruptions caused by the reduced number of flights, and some may face challenges in filling those empty seats with tourists from other countries.

Shifting Trends: Chinese Tourists Looking to Other Destinations

As China tightens restrictions on travel to Japan, Chinese tourists are likely to look elsewhere for their winter holiday travel plans. Southeast Asia, South Korea, and other countries in the region, which have traditionally been popular among Chinese travelers, may see an uptick in arrivals. These destinations offer similar experiences—shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions—that Chinese tourists typically seek when visiting Japan.

In addition, some Chinese travelers may opt for domestic tourism, as the Chinese government continues to promote domestic travel as an alternative to international trips. With the Lunar New Year approaching in February 2026, the domestic tourism market in China could see a surge, as people take advantage of the holiday period to explore local destinations.

Travel Between China and Japan: Long-Term Implications

The current diplomatic tensions between China and Japan have the potential to create long-term shifts in regional travel dynamics. If the political situation does not improve and tensions persist, the restrictions on Japan-bound travel may become a long-term issue, further diminishing the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan. This could lead to a reconfiguration of travel patterns in the region, with other countries vying to capture the Chinese tourist market.

For Japan, the focus may shift to diversifying its tourist base, reaching out to new markets to compensate for the loss of Chinese visitors. However, rebuilding the relationship with China, which historically has been a critical source of tourists, could take time.

Navigating Geopolitics and Travel Disruptions

The current diplomatic crisis between China and Japan is yet another example of the effects of political occurrences and developments around the world and how it affects tourism and travels. For the traveler and specifically the Chinese traveler in particular, the crisis constitutes a major problem in travel and holiday activities. For the travel and tourism industry in China and Japan, it is a season of uncertainty and lost revenue.

As time goes by, both the Chinese and Japanese governments are expected to find a means of bridging the gap created by the diplomatic rift. However, for the travel industry to move forward, they will have to adapt to these new changes by ensuring that their markets are diversified for continued growth. On the other hand, travelers are also expected to look for new destinations based on the new geopolitical setting.