Tokyo retailers and restaurants report minimal impact from China’s travel advisory, with Japanese customers filling the gap left by Chinese tourists.
TOKYO: Japanese businesses are largely shrugging off concerns about reduced Chinese tourism following Beijing’s travel warning amid diplomatic tensions.
Shop manager Shiina Ito reported fewer Chinese customers at her Tokyo jewellery store but noted increased Japanese patronage has maintained sales stability.
“Since there are fewer Chinese customers, it’s become a bit easier for Japanese shoppers to visit, so our sales haven’t really dropped,” Ito told AFP.
Chinese visitors typically constitute half the clientele in Asakusa district, where tourist crowds normally fill shop-lined alleys.
Japan’s tourism sector heavily depends on Chinese visitors, who outspend other foreign tourists on everything from sushi to skincare products.
Many establishments cater specifically to Chinese tourists with Mandarin-speaking staff and Chinese signage throughout shopping districts.
Yuki Yamamoto, manager of an Instagram-famous udon restaurant in Ginza, observed no immediate sales decline despite China’s travel advisory.
“I don’t think there’s been any sudden, dramatic change,” he said, despite Chinese diners normally comprising half his queue.
China remains Japan’s largest tourism source, with 7.5 million visitors in 2025’s first nine months representing one-quarter of all foreign arrivals.
Attracted by the weak yen, Chinese tourists spent USD 3.7 billion in the third quarter alone.
Last year, Chinese visitors spent 22% more on average than other tourists, according to Japan National Tourism Organization data.
Diplomatic tensions escalated after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested possible military intervention regarding Taiwan on November 7.
Beijing responded with travel advisories against Japan, causing retail and tourism stocks to plunge.
Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda warned against “relying too heavily on a country that resorts to economic coercion whenever it is displeased”.
Shanghai travel agency manager Wu Weiguo reported 90% of group tour clients requesting refunds for Japan itineraries.
However, organized tours now represent only 12% of Chinese visitors, down from 43% in 2015.
Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko downplayed concerns, noting increased arrivals from other countries.
Some hotels heavily dependent on Chinese customers are experiencing significant cancellations.
“Cancellations from travel agencies in China are coming one after another,” said Gamagori Hotel manager Keiko Takeuchi, whose establishment relies on Chinese guests for 50-60% of business.
Despite current tensions, travel agency manager Wu believes Chinese tourists will continue dreaming of Japan visits.
“Chinese people will continue to want to visit Japan,” he said, citing high-quality service and reasonable shopping prices. – AFP
