Tokyo: The number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan has seen a significant decline, dropping by over 60%.
According to Thai News Agency, the Japan National Tourism Organization reported that in January 2026, the total number of visitors to Japan fell to 3,597,500, marking the first decrease since January 2022. A major contributing factor was the 61% reduction in Chinese tourists, which amounted to only 385,300 visitors.
The timing of the Chinese New Year, which falls in mid-February this year as opposed to late January in 2025, is said to have influenced travel patterns. However, diplomatic tensions between Japan and China have also played a role. Since November 2025, the Chinese government has been advising its citizens against traveling to Japan. This advisory followed a statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who indicated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's security and might necessitate a military response, a declaration that provoked a strong reaction from China.
Despite the decline in Chinese tourists, South Korea has emerged as the leading source of tourists to Japan, with a 22% increase, reaching 1,176,000 visitors in January 2026. This marks a new monthly record and establishes South Korea as the first country to exceed 1,100,000 visitors to Japan. Taiwanese tourists also increased by 17% to 694,500, while visitors from the United States rose by 14% to 207,800. Conversely, there was an 18% decrease in visitors from Hong Kong, bringing the total to 200,000.