Chinese tourist numbers to Japan have sharply declined due to diplomatic tensions, safety concerns, and extensive flight cancellations. Experts attribute this downturn to multiple factors, prompting major Chinese airlines to offer refunds for future flights.

• Chinese carriers canceled nearly half of all flights from the Chinese mainland to Japan in January 2026.
• The downturn began in November after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
• In December 2025, approximately 348,700 Chinese nationals traveled to Japan, a drop of about 40 percent from the previous year.
• China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on Monday, warning of deteriorating public security and earthquake activity in Japan.
• Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines announced free refunds or changes for tickets purchased before Monday noon for Japan-bound flights scheduled between March 29 and October 24, 2026.