A Chinese state-run travel agency, which had been recruiting Chinese group tourists to travel to Japan—a move virtually banned by authorities until recently—has reportedly abruptly suspended its recruitment.

		0
An image shows a report by a Chinese media outlet criticizing a recent forecast by Japanese media that many Chinese tourists would soon travel to Japan. / Search engine Baidu

According to Beijing sources well-versed in China-Japan relations on the 20th, a travel agency under China Tourism Group, a large state-run Chinese tourism enterprise, had recently been recruiting participants for a 7-day, 6-night travel package to Japan covering Tokyo and Osaka during the summer vacation season of July and August. As of the 19th, multiple applicants had reportedly shown interest.

However, on the 20th, the company announced through its website that the package had been 'suspended from sale.' Regarding this, the sources cited a report by Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, analyzing that "there is a possibility the tour itself has been canceled."

Prior to this, on the 19th, Japan's Nippon News Network (NNN) and others reported that moves to resume Chinese group tours to Japan appeared to be spreading, despite the government's travel advisory against visiting Japan. Specifically, they reported that group tours to Japan, which had been put on hold, would resume from mid-July, adding that recruitment for a 7-day, 6-night itinerary had already begun.

Regarding this, the sources analyzed that as soon as these Japanese media reports emerged, "the related reports spread widely. The Chinese government found it highly displeasing. There is a possibility that they exerted pressure on the travel agency that was recruiting tourists for Japan."

Relations between China and Japan deteriorated rapidly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks in parliament on November 6 last year hinting at intervention in the event of a Taiwan contingency. In particular, China immediately reacted with strong opposition, taking countermeasures such as issuing a travel advisory against visiting Japan. They not only instructed travel agencies to reduce the number of travelers to Japan but also virtually banned group tours.

Consequently, the number of Chinese visitors to Japan plummeted. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Chinese nationals who visited Japan from January to May 2026 actually decreased by 56.2% compared to the same period last year. The decline was also expected to continue after June.

However, with reports emerging about the possibility of Chinese tourists resuming travel to Japan, the atmosphere briefly showed potential for a turnaround. According to the sources, NNN cited a Chinese travel agency official in its report on the 19th, stating, "Authorities recently showed a posture of acquiescence regarding group tours to Japan, saying 'make your own judgment.'" Ultimately, however, regardless of its authenticity, this report only served to inadvertently trigger the anger of the Chinese authorities. It appears certain that active travel to Japan by Chinese tourists will remain difficult for a considerable period ahead.

                                                                                                            Hong Soon-do