According to Japan’s Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi revealed on the 25th during the ministerial meeting of the "Japan-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Consultation Mechanism" that the conditions for issuing tourist visas to Japan for Chinese citizens will be relaxed. Specific measures include the establishment of a 10-year valid tourist visa and the extension of the allowed stay for group travel visas from 15 days to 30 days, in order to promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and Japan. These relaxation measures are expected to be implemented in the spring of 2025 after preparations are complete.

According to reports from the Star Daily, multiple online travel service platforms (OTA) have seen a dramatic increase in searches for round-trip tickets to Japan during the Spring Festival period since the announcement. Data provided by TONGCHENGTRAVEL shows that as of 5:30 PM on the 25th, the search interest for round-trip domestic flights to Japan during the Spring Festival holiday has increased by more than three times compared to the same period the previous day, and inquiries about related travel products have also surged.

The Qunar Index shows that on December 25, searches for flights to Tokyo and Osaka increased by 20% compared to last week, currently ranking as the second and third most popular outbound destinations. Some relatively niche destinations, such as Hakodate, Otaru, and Izu, have seen hotel search volumes increase by over two times.

According to official data from the Japan National Tourism Organization, the estimated total number of visitors from mainland China to Japan in November 2024 is 546,300, which is a decrease of 27.3% compared to the same period in 2019, but an increase of 111.5% compared to the same period in 2023.

Ctrip data shows that the current recovery rate of international flights between China and Japan is about 75% of the level in the same period of 2019; however, the number of travel orders from Chinese tourists to Japan this year has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

In terms of hotel bookings, the number of hotel reservations in Japan during the Spring Festival ranks among the top, making it a popular choice for tourists along with destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Additionally, cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kyoto, Kobe, and Fukuoka are particularly favored by tourists.

Travel service experts indicate that the relaxation of visa requirements for Japan and the increase in travel duration are expected to further stimulate mainland tourists to visit Japan. The newly established 10-year visa is likely to provide convenience for high-income and asset-holding tourists, promoting their consumption in Japan; the extension of group travel visa stay durations will encourage travel agencies to offer longer itineraries with more cities connected, increasing options for consumers visiting Japan while also allowing more time to explore less accessible niche tourist destinations.

According to TONGCHENGTRAVEL Research Institute's analysis, Japan is one of the popular destinations for Chinese residents traveling abroad. The opening of 10-year tourist visas for Chinese tourists reflects the Japanese government's emphasis on promoting tourism and cultural exchange between China and Japan. The implementation of visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and long-validity visa policies at major popular destinations will also change the spending patterns of Chinese tourists traveling abroad, making it more convenient for them to visit the same destination multiple times and providing opportunities for visitors to explore travel styles and niche destinations.

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