Japan Drops Out of Top 10 for Chinese Mainland Travelers

Japan has dropped out of the top 10 destinations for travelers from the Chinese mainland, marking a major shift in East Asian tourism rankings.

Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on the Taiwan region stirred controversy and triggered what industry insiders are calling the "Takaichi Fallout." The fallout has hit tourism stocks and prompted travelers from the Chinese mainland to reconsider their 2025 holiday plans.

Travel agencies and booking platforms report a noticeable dip in interest for key Japanese cities—Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka—and a surge in inquiries for alternative hotspots across Asia and beyond.

• Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia have seen increased bookings for beach and cultural tours.
• Republic of Korea: Seoul's K-pop scene and culinary tours are drawing new attention.
• Europe & Beyond: From eco-tours in Scandinavia to city breaks in Europe, globetrotters are exploring fresh options.

As the outbound tourism landscape from the Chinese mainland reshapes, destinations that can tap into immersive experiences and digital engagement stand to gain. For now, Japan’s tourism sector faces the challenge of winning back confidence from travelers across the Chinese mainland.

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Japan drops out of top 10 destination for Chinese travelers

cgtn.com