Japan beats Thailand as top destination for Chinese tourists during Lunar New Year

By Hoang Vu February 12, 2025 | 07:10 pm PT

Women wearing kimonos pose for photos with blooming cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan. Photo by Reuters

Japan has surpassed Thailand to become the top destination for Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday thanks to its relaxed visa policies and weak yen.

According to data from Chinese online travel agency Trip.com, the number of reservations from Chinese tourists to Japan during the eight-day holiday through Feb. 4 doubled compared to the previous year, Japan Today reported.

Other popular destinations included Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia, according to the travel agency.

A combination of lower airfares, a weaker yen, and relaxed visa rules has contributed to the surge in Chinese travelers choosing Japan, the South China Morning Post reported.

In December, Japan eased visa requirements for Chinese visitors, extending the maximum duration of multiple-entry visas from five years to 10 years and increasing the maximum stay for group tourists from 15 days to 30 days.

Last year, Thailand was the top overseas destination for Chinese tourists during the holiday.

However, the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thailand-Myanmar border in January raised concerns about safety, prompting many to reconsider their travel plans.

In response, the Thai government has several times pledged to implement enhanced safety measures to protect Chinese tourists while visiting the country.