With Japan just a 2-3 hour flight away, it is quickly becoming a top short-haul destination for middle-class travelers from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.
Data from Tongcheng Travel shows that Shanghai operates more than 60 direct flights to Tokyo daily, totaling over 400 flights per week. Hangzhou and Nanjing contribute with over a hundred flights each day to Japan, including connecting routes.
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, from October to December 2023, travelers from Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang accounted for 57.2% of all Chinese visitors to Japan. Nearly six out of ten flight tickets to Japan were purchased by people from these regions.
Favorable exchange rates and tax rebate policies have driven a shopping spree among major corporate employees. Some head straight to outlet malls and shopping centers, purchasing brands such as Lululemon, Arc'teryx , The North Face, Montbell, and Keen at 10%-30% lower prices than in China.
Japan’s affordability, convenience, and family-friendly environment are key draws. Convenience stores and vending machines are everywhere, while baby care rooms in public restrooms make travel easy for families. Travelers don’t need to carry excess supplies - everything from water or tissues can be purchased on the go.
Additionally, Japan's extensive transport network allows seamless travel by trains, shinkansen, and subways. In cities, most destinations are within walking distance from stations, solving the last-mile issue.
