Planning a Japan trip this winter? You might want to hold off on booking that flight for now 😬. Nikkei Asia, a leading Japanese financial newspaper, raised the alarm last Saturday after seeing a surge in cancellations of Japan-bound flights from the Chinese mainland this December. The trigger? A travel warning issued by the government of the Chinese mainland in response to recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan.
Here’s the lowdown:
- What sparked it? The government of the Chinese mainland advised citizens to avoid travel to Japan, leading to a wave of cancelled flights 🛫.
- Impact on tourism: Chinese mainland visitors make up a big chunk of Japan’s winter tourism. With bookings down, local businesses—from ski resorts in Hokkaido to cherry blossom cafés in Tokyo—could feel the pinch 💸.
- What’s next? If diplomatic vibes don’t cool down soon, Nikkei warns the tourism industry could face major losses in the months ahead. Fingers crossed for smoother skies 🌤️.
For young travellers across South and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder of how politics can shape our adventures. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping matcha in Kyoto or hitting the slopes in Niseko, keep an eye on travel alerts and book with flexible options. Stay curious, stay safe, and let’s hope for better travel vibes in 2026! ✨
Reference(s):
Japanese newspaper expresses concern over decline in Chinese tourists
cgtn.com
