This Spring Festival, airfares from Beijing and Shanghai to popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo have surged, in some cases exceeding the cost of flights to Europe.
Trip.com’s data show that round-trip economy class ticket prices for Air China flights from Beijing to Tokyo and Osaka between January 28 and February 4 reach up to RMB 9,595 (USD 1,316). In comparison, Air China flights from Beijing to Rome during the same time cost RMB 9,639 (USD 1,322), while flights to Madrid are priced at only RMB 8,406 (USD 1,153).
Chinese tourists' strong preference for Japan is evident not only in airfare trends but also in global travel data.
On January 15, the Japan Tourism Agency reported a 47% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers to Japan in 2024. Among the source markets, mainland China saw a staggering 2.9-fold rise in visitors, compared to a 33% increase from the United States.
One key factor driving the surge in airfare and travel demand is Japan’s favorable visa policies.
Additionally, the recent fallout from the "Xing Wang incident" in Southeast Asia has prompted some Chinese tourists to divert their plans to domestic destinations such as Xishuangbanna and Sanya, and indirectly boosted travel to Japan as well.
Japan remains a top choice for Chinese tourists due to its reputation for safety, reliability, and exceptional services. These factors are particularly appealing to Chinese travelers who increasingly prioritize travel safety.
