Hokkaido Unites with Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and More in Facing Unprecedented Tourism Fallout as Booking Cancellations Skyrocket and Travel Advisory from China Shake Japan’s Winter Travel: New Updates You Need to Know

Published on November 23, 2025

Hokkaido, along with Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and other major Japanese cities, is facing an unprecedented tourism fallout due to a travel advisory issued by China amid escalating political tensions. This advisory, urging Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan, has led to skyrocketing booking cancellations across the country, severely impacting Japan’s winter tourism economy. As China accounts for a significant portion of Japan’s inbound tourism, particularly during the Chinese New Year period, the timing of this advisory—coinciding with Japan’s peak winter season—has sent shockwaves through the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. With an estimated loss of $1.2 billion in tourism revenue, Japan’s tourism industry is bracing for a prolonged recovery as it grapples with the fallout from these diplomatic tensions.

Japan is currently facing one of its most significant tourism crises in decades. Amid escalating political tensions between Japan and China, the travel advisory issued by Chinese authorities has sent shockwaves through Japan’s tourism sector. The Chinese government urged its citizens to avoid travel to Japan due to safety concerns. This advisory comes after controversial comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan’s security, which angered Beijing. The timing couldn’t be worse for Japan, as the winter tourism season is approaching—one of the most important periods for the Japanese economy, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo.

The Impact of China’s Travel Advisory on Japan’s Tourism

Japan’s winter tourism industry has long relied on Chinese visitors, particularly during the Chinese New Year period. However, the Chinese travel advisory has caused a steep drop in bookings, with significant cancellations reported across Japan’s major tourist destinations. Chinese tourists, who were once the largest foreign group visiting Japan, now face travel restrictions, creating a massive void in visitor numbers. This situation has already led to an estimated $1.2 billion loss in tourism revenue by the end of 2025, with the potential for losses to rise to as much as $9 billion in the next year if the tensions continue.

Key Data Points:

• Tourism loss: $1.2 billion (approx. 2.2 trillion yen) by the end of 2025.
• Chinese tourist cancellations: 30% of the 1.44 million trips planned by Chinese tourists have been canceled.
• Immediate cancellations: About 70% of these cancellations have been made in the near term, particularly affecting the critical winter months.
• Projected long-term impact: Potential cumulative losses of up to $9 billion if the political rift extends through the Lunar New Year and into 2026.

How China’s Travel Advisory Is Impacting Major Cities

The travel advisory has affected major tourist cities across Japan, with some facing severe declines in bookings. Here’s a breakdown of how specific cities are being impacted:

Tokyo: Japan’s Capital Struggles to Maintain Its Tourist Appeal

As Japan’s largest city and the country’s economic and cultural hub, Tokyo attracts millions of foreign visitors every year. Before the diplomatic tensions, Chinese tourists were a major source of income for the city, contributing significantly to the hospitality and retail sectors. However, the travel advisory has severely affected tourism in Tokyo.

• Booking Cancellations:
  • Hotels in Tokyo have seen a sharp drop in bookings, particularly in high-end and luxury hotels that cater to Chinese tourists.
  • Iconic tourist attractions like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya Crossing, which typically draw large crowds, are witnessing fewer visitors, especially from China.
  • Impact on Retail: Retailers in districts like Ginza, which rely heavily on Chinese shoppers, are reporting a significant decline in sales.
• Economic Impact:
  • Tokyo is expected to lose about $350 million in tourism revenue by the end of 2025 due to the drop in visitor numbers.
  • The city’s hotel occupancy rates have plummeted, and restaurants that relied on Chinese visitors for both group and individual dining are seeing their revenue stream dry up.

Osaka: Japan’s Culinary Capital Faces Declining Tourist Numbers

Osaka, known for its street food, vibrant nightlife, and close proximity to Kyoto, is another key tourist destination in Japan that is struggling under the weight of the current crisis. Historically, Osaka has been one of the top cities for Chinese tourists, who visit for both leisure and culinary experiences.

• Booking Cancellations:
  • Group tours to Osaka have been largely canceled, as Chinese tourists who typically travel in large groups are opting to stay home.
  • Impact on Restaurants and Retail: Osaka’s culinary scene, which thrives on international tourists, is facing empty tables in its famous districts like Dotonbori. Retail outlets and shopping malls in Osaka have also experienced fewer Chinese customers.
• Economic Impact:
  • The city is projected to lose around $200 million in tourism-related revenue. Popular shopping areas like Namba and Shinsaibashi are especially hard-hit by the absence of Chinese tourists.

Sapporo: Winter Sports Paradise Faces Major Setback

Sapporo, located in Hokkaido, is another city severely impacted by the decline in Chinese tourism. Famous for its winter sports, ski resorts, and the Sapporo Snow Festival, the region typically sees a significant influx of tourists during the winter months. However, the current travel restrictions are expected to dampen visitor numbers.

• Booking Cancellations:
  • The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s most popular winter attractions, has already seen a drop in international tourists, with many Chinese visitors opting to cancel their trips.
  • Impact on Ski Resorts: Ski resorts in Niseko and Furano, which are especially popular with Chinese tourists, are experiencing a steep decline in bookings.
• Economic Impact:
  • Hokkaido faces a projected tourism loss of approximately $150 million due to these cancellations. Ski resorts and hot spring hotels are the hardest hit by the reduction in visitor numbers, particularly from East Asia.

Fukuoka: Southern Japan’s Gateway Struggles to Attract Visitors

Fukuoka, a city known for its historical temples, vibrant food culture, and proximity to the Korean peninsula, is also seeing the negative effects of the travel advisory. While Fukuoka has been popular with Chinese visitors, the recent tensions have dampened interest.

• Booking Cancellations:
  • The city’s hotels, particularly those located near cultural landmarks and shopping districts, have seen cancellations, especially from Chinese tourists.
  • Impact on Restaurants: Fukuoka’s food scene, which draws many visitors from China, is struggling, with fewer Chinese customers visiting famous eateries such as the yatai food stalls.
• Economic Impact:
  • The city could lose around $50 million in tourism-related revenue due to the decline in Chinese visitors.

Tourism Loss in Other Key Cities: Yokohama, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Okinawa

Apart from the cities mentioned above, other key tourist destinations such as Yokohama, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Okinawa are also experiencing the fallout from the Chinese travel advisory.

• Yokohama:
  • Tourism Loss: Yokohama, with its waterfront attractions and proximity to Tokyo, is expected to lose significant tourism revenue due to the reduction in bookings from Chinese tourists.
  • Impact: Retail stores, particularly those in the Minato Mirai area, and restaurants in Chinatown are feeling the effects of fewer Chinese customers.
• Nagoya:
  • Tourism Loss: Nagoya’s unique attractions, including Nagoya Castle and Toyota Museum, are seeing fewer visitors. The city’s tourism revenue is projected to decrease by $80 million.
  • Impact: The hotel industry is also facing cancellations, particularly for group tours from China.
• Hiroshima and Okinawa:
  • Tourism Loss: Hiroshima, known for its Peace Memorial Park, and Okinawa, with its beaches and military history, are also seeing booking cancellations, with a projected loss of $100 million combined.
  • Impact: Both cities rely on Chinese tourists for leisure and cultural travel, and their absence is particularly noticeable in hospitality sectors.

Tourism Impact Table by City

China’s Retaliatory Measures and Broader Economic Fallout

The Chinese government’s travel advisory is not the only economic measure taken in retaliation for Japan’s stance on Taiwan. China has also implemented trade restrictions, including halting imports of Japanese seafood products like scallops and sea cucumbers. These disruptions to trade have added another layer of strain on Japan’s economy.

• Seafood Industry: Hokkaido’s fishing community, which heavily relies on exports to China, faces potential losses as seafood shipments are halted. Fishermen in Hokkaido and other coastal areas depend on Chinese markets for their livelihood, and the trade ban is expected to have long-term consequences.
• Impact on Local Businesses: Smaller tourism-related businesses, such as souvenir shops and local restaurants that cater to Chinese visitors, are particularly vulnerable to the current downturn.

The Future of Japan’s Tourism Industry: Diversifying Markets and Domestic Tourism

Japan is now working on strategies to mitigate the tourism loss. Officials are focusing on diversifying inbound markets to reduce dependency on Chinese tourists. Efforts to attract visitors from Southeast Asia, South Korea, the United States, and Europe are intensifying.

• Promoting Domestic Tourism: With fewer international visitors expected, Japan’s Ministry of Tourism is launching campaigns to encourage domestic tourism, especially in regions less dependent on foreign tourism.
• Sustainable Tourism: Japan is also investing in sustainable tourism practices and promoting lesser-known destinations to attract both domestic and international travelers looking for unique and environmentally-conscious experiences.

The current diplomatic standoff between Japan and China has put Japan’s tourism sector in a precarious position. With cancellations skyrocketing and the travel advisory from China disrupting key tourist destinations, Japan’s winter tourism economy stands to lose $1.2 billion by the end of 2025. However, Japan is exploring various avenues for recovery, from diversifying tourism markets to boosting domestic tourism and promoting sustainable travel initiatives.

Hokkaido, along with Tokyo, Osaka, and other key cities, is facing an unprecedented tourism crisis as booking cancellations soar due to China’s travel advisory, sparked by escalating diplomatic tensions over Taiwan. The timing, just ahead of Japan’s peak winter season, has intensified the economic blow, with a projected loss of $1.2 billion in tourism revenue.

As Japan grapples with these challenges, it must navigate the broader geopolitical implications of the China-Japan conflict while striving to restore stability and continue to attract international visitors. The road to recovery will be difficult, but with strategic efforts, Japan may emerge stronger, with a more resilient tourism industry that can weather future geopolitical storms.