Tensions between Japan and China have risen following comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding military self-defence in relation to Taiwan’s security. This situation was further exacerbated by an announcement from the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism in January 2026, which urged Chinese citizens to avoid travelling to Japan due to “public safety concerns.”
Nevertheless, there remains significant interest among many Chinese travellers in visiting Japan.
Polaris Holdings, a major hotel operator in Japan, reported that its performance in November showed that, despite cancellations of group tours from China and Hong Kong, the number of bookings from guests in these two regions “remained generally consistent with the same month last year.”
Recent cancellations of flights and group tours from China to Japan have not diminished the enthusiasm of Chinese travellers.
David Liang, a 34-year-old investment advisor from Shanghai, took a flight to Tokyo with the Japanese airline ANA in December 2025 due to the cancellation of flights operated by state-owned Chinese airlines.
Liang indicated that many shopping centers, transportation services to Mount Fuji and hotels in Japan have increasingly accepted Chinese payment methods, including WeChat Pay.
“Shop assistants in Japan were very warm to us. Political tensions did not impact our tourism experiences in Japan,” he added.
Interest among China’s middle and upper classes in Japan’s sophisticated lifestyle remains strong despite political tensions.
Grace Fu, co-founder of an immigration firm in Beijing, noted that Chinese elites continue to travel to Japan for its sophisticated lifestyle.
She stated, “As a frequent traveller to Japan, I enjoy the superior shopping experience, ski resorts, fine dining, and distinguished delicacies like Wagyu beef and Omakase that Japan offers, which China does not.”
“Travelling to Japan is an ideal choice for elite groups in China who seek well-being without undertaking long-distance travel.”
The political climate not only has minimal impact on elite lifestyles in China, but also concerning wealthy individuals’ property purchases in Japan. Investing in Japanese real estate continues to attract Chinese buyers.
Fu added: “Many of my clients have purchased properties in Tokyo due to favourable high rental rates and favourable return rates, compared to markets like Dubai.”
She believes that the diplomatic crisis will not prevent Chinese property buyers from seeking opportunities in Japan.
Chinese social media, particularly Xiao Hong Shu (China’s Instagram), shows significant interest among Chinese tourists in travelling to Japan, despite the government travel alert.
Popular posts like “Winter Travel Guide in Japan” and “Ski Trip Guide for Nagano City” have emerged since December 2025.
Some social media users raised safety concerns about travelling to Japan this winter, while others cautioned that travel records to Japan could potentially impact employment opportunities with state-owned enterprises in China.
Meanwhile, the rift between the two continues as China announced a “mutual goods ban” on Tuesday to counter Japan’s military capabilities.
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