Chinese travelers are increasingly choosing not to visit Japan during the lunar new year holiday, resulting in Japan no longer being a top 10 destination for them. This shift in travel patterns coincides with rising diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, particularly related to Taiwan's security. Official reports indicate that Chinese tourism to Japan has seen a substantial decrease, with visitor numbers almost halving in December compared to the same time in 2025.

The drop in tourism comes after remarks by Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning the possibility of deploying self-defence forces if China were to invade Taiwan, a statement that triggered a strong backlash from Chinese officials who have called for a boycott of travel to Japan. The ongoing disputes are rooted in China's claim over Taiwan, which it considers a breakaway province, and the heightened sensitivities around military actions in the region are evidently influencing travel decisions.

As these tensions continue, the future of tourism relations between China and Japan appears precarious. The dynamics suggest that unless diplomatic efforts are made to ease tensions, Japan may continue to experience a significant decline in Chinese tourist numbers. This decline not only affects economic aspects of tourism in Japan but also reflects broader geopolitical rifts between the two nations, potentially impacting future relations in various areas beyond tourism.