China Travel Warning Hits Tokyo Fewer Chinese Tourists Visit Shops

Tokyo, Japan – Business owners in Tokyo are noticing fewer Chinese visitors after Beijing issued a travel warning following a diplomatic spat with Japan. However, many shops and restaurants say the drop in Chinese customers has not significantly affected their overall sales.

Shiina Ito, who manages a jewellery store in Tokyo's traditional Asakusa district, said Chinese tourists usually make up about half of her clients. “Since there are fewer Chinese customers, it’s become a bit easier for Japanese shoppers to visit, so our sales haven’t really dropped,” she explained.

The tensions began after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks regarding Taiwan, which angered Beijing. China then advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan. Despite the warning, most Tokyo businesses remain optimistic.

In Ginza, a high-end shopping district, Yuki Yamamoto, manager of a popular udon noodle restaurant, said he had not seen a significant change in his daily customers. “Of course, if customers decrease, that’s disappointing. But Japanese customers still come regularly, so we’re not extremely concerned,” he added.

China remains Japan’s largest source of foreign tourists, with nearly 7.5 million Chinese visitors arriving in the first nine months of 2025 – about a quarter of all foreign tourists. These visitors are known to spend more on average than tourists from other countries, including on shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Despite the concerns, not all sectors are equally affected. Wu Weiguo, manager of a travel agency in Shanghai, noted that most cancellations involve group tours, which make up only about 12% of Chinese tourists visiting Japan. “The majority of Chinese tourists travel independently, and they still dream of visiting Tokyo,” he said.

However, hotels heavily dependent on Chinese visitors are feeling the impact. Keiko Takeuchi, who manages Gamagori Hotel in central Japan, said about 50–60% of her guests are Chinese nationals, and many bookings have been cancelled. “I hope the situation calms down quickly, but it seems it will take time,” she said.

Japanese officials have tried to remain calm about the situation. Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko said the issue is manageable, noting an increase in arrivals from other countries. Meanwhile, Kimi Onoda, Japan’s minister for economic security, warned of the risks of over-reliance on one country for tourism and trade, calling China’s actions “economic coercion.”

Despite the current slowdown, experts believe Chinese tourists will continue visiting Japan in the long term, drawn by the high-quality services, shopping experiences, and attractive prices.