Japan is a favourite destination for Chinese tourists as they skip Hong Kong and Taiwan. "But it is now awkward and difficult for us [mainlanders] to visit either Hong Kong or Taiwan ... Of course, Japan stands out as the next best choice." But with Chinese tourism to Japan hitting new highs as anti-government protests scare mainland visitors away from Hong Kong, and restrictions limit tour groups and independent travel in Taiwan, there are signs that attitudes may be changing. Japan is one of China's most popular tourist destinations and some 8.38 million Chinese visiting last year, up 13.9% year on year. Chinese visitors spent more than 1.5 trillion yen (417 billion baht) in 2018, accounting for nearly 34% of all spending by foreign visitors, according to Japanese government data.

Source: Bangkok Post November 24, 2019 11:48 UTC