Japan emerged as the top travel destination for Chinese tourists during the recent Lunar New Year holiday. The travel site Trip.com reported a doubling of reservations for Japan from Chinese nationals compared to the previous year. This surge in interest is attributed to several factors, including the easing of visa restrictions, improved bilateral relations between China and Japan, and the weakening yen.
In December, Japan took significant steps to attract more Chinese visitors by easing visa rules. The maximum length for multiple-entry visas was extended from five years to 10 years, while the maximum stay for groups of tourists was increased from 15 days to 30 days. Additionally, China added Japan to its visa-free entry scheme in November, allowing visitors to stay for up to 30 days. These measures have been warmly received by Chinese tourists seeking to explore Japan's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The warming ties between China and Japan have further fueled this travel boom. In January, both governments held their first dialogue in six years, committing to promote people-to-people exchanges. These diplomatic efforts have paved the way for increased tourism, as industry observers noted that improved bilateral relations have played a pivotal role in boosting interest in traveling to Japan.
The Lunar New Year is a significant holiday period for Chinese tourists, offering an eight-day window for travel and exploration. Japan's allure during this period has been enhanced by the weakened yen, making travel more affordable for Chinese visitors. Industry experts cited by Kyodo News highlighted that the combination of a favorable currency exchange rate and strengthened diplomatic ties has contributed to the growing number of tourists choosing Japan as their destination.
Furthermore, Trip.com remains a popular choice among Chinese travelers for planning their trips, offering a wide array of options and competitive pricing. The platform's data underscores the increasing preference for Japan as a prime holiday location during the Lunar New Year festivities.
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