Japan Has Dropped From Top Chinese Travel Destinations
Diplomatic tensions led to a 56.4 percent decline in Chinese visitors to Japan in the first half of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Asia
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Japan has fallen out of the top 10 overseas travel destinations for Chinese citizens during the National Day holiday period. This decline follows a 56.4 percent drop in Chinese arrivals to Japan during the first half of 2026.
Why it matters
The shift away from Japan follows a November 2025 government advisory discouraging travel there, prompted by comments from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. As a result, Chinese travelers are increasingly choosing alternatives like Indonesia, Turkey, and South Korea.
Japan previously ranked as the top overseas destination for Chinese tourists during this same holiday window last year. Travel experts report that Indonesia, Turkey, and South Korea have emerged as the primary alternative destinations for the current week-long period.
The players
Sanae Takaichi
She is the Prime Minister of Japan whose remarks concerning Taiwan prompted a travel advisory from Chinese authorities.
Tuniu
This is a Chinese online travel agency that identified Indonesia, Turkey, and South Korea as current popular destinations.
The details
With China celebrating the 77th anniversary of its founding, the government expects 2.13 billion people to travel through next Wednesday, with over 90 percent of trips made by car. Authorities are supporting this domestic travel surge with the installation of 10,000 new fast-charging stations for electric vehicles this year and the waiver of expressway tolls.
Timeline
November 2025 marked the issuance of a Chinese travel advisory against Japan.
The first six months of 2026 saw a 56.4 percent decrease in Chinese visitors to Japan.
Thursday, October 1, 2026, serves as the start of the holiday and a peak travel day.
Friday, October 2, 2026, begins the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Next Wednesday marks the end of the National Day holiday travel period.
Travel Outlook
This decline highlights how geopolitical friction can rapidly disrupt established seasonal tourism cycles between neighboring economies. The shift follows the 2025 Chinese travel advisory regarding Japan, marking a departure from the country's former status as the top destination for Chinese tourists.
Travelers should anticipate significant crowding on Chinese expressways, as 90 percent of the 2.13 billion expected travelers are relying on cars for their trips this week. Visitors should also note that expressway tolls are currently waived, which may further increase traffic volume compared to non-holiday periods.
The takeaway
Geopolitical tensions continue to be a primary driver for changes in international tourism flows. Travelers should remain aware of how official government advisories can shift destination popularity and impact regional travel logistics.
Further reading
For more on tourism trends in the region, visit the Asia section.
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