Spring Festival Travel Boom Airfares to Tokyo Osaka and Sapporo Surpass Europe’s Rome and Madrid as Chinese Tourists Prioritize Safety and Quality

Saturday, January 25, 2025

This Spring Festival, airfares to Japan’s top destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo—are reaching new heights, even surpassing the cost of flights to popular European cities like Rome and Madrid. Despite the soaring prices, Chinese tourists are flocking to Japan, drawn by its reputation for safety, reliability, and exceptional hospitality. While flights to Europe remain competitively priced, Japan’s unique appeal and favorable visa policies have solidified its position as a top choice for travelers during the festive season.

Spring Festival Airfare Surge: Why Japan Remains a Top Pick for Chinese Tourists

This Spring Festival, the cost of airfares from Beijing and Shanghai to Japan’s top destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo—has soared, surpassing flights to some European cities. With prices for round-trip economy tickets reaching as high as RMB 9,595 (USD 1,316) on Air China, Japan remains an irresistible draw for Chinese tourists, despite the price spike.

Airfare Comparisons: Japan vs. Europe
According to Trip.com, Air China’s flights from Beijing to Tokyo and Osaka during January 28 to February 4 are nearly on par with flights to Europe. For instance, a round trip to Rome costs RMB 9,639 (USD 1,322), while Madrid flights are priced at RMB 8,406 (USD 1,153). The stark pricing highlights the consistent demand for travel to Japan, even at a premium.

Unwavering Travel Demand for Japan
Japan’s appeal to Chinese tourists isn’t limited to airfare trends—it’s mirrored in global travel statistics. On January 15, the Japan Tourism Agency reported a remarkable 47% year-on-year increase in 2024 visitor numbers. Mainland China leads the pack, with a 2.9-fold surge in visitors, dwarfing the 33% increase from the U.S.

What’s Driving the Demand?
Several factors explain this unrelenting interest:

• Favorable Visa Policies: Japan’s accessible visa regulations have made it easier for Chinese tourists to visit.
• Reputation for Safety: Japan’s safety, reliability, and renowned hospitality are major draws for travelers who value peace of mind.
• Shift in Travel Patterns: The “Xing Wang incident” in Southeast Asia has nudged many Chinese tourists to rethink their travel plans, choosing domestic options like Sanya or Xishuangbanna or redirecting to Japan instead.

Japan: The Quintessential Destination for Chinese Tourists
Despite the high airfares, Japan remains a cherished destination for its cultural richness, culinary delights, and world-class service. For Chinese travelers prioritizing safety and quality experiences, Japan continues to offer unparalleled value, making it a favorite for Spring Festival and beyond.

If you’re planning a trip, booking early might be the key to securing your ideal itinerary without breaking the bank!