This Spring Festival, airfares from Beijing and Shanghai to popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo have surged, sometimes surpassing those to Europe. According to Trip.com, round-trip economy tickets for Air China flights to Tokyo and Osaka between January 28 and February 4 can reach up to 9,595 RMB ($1,316), nearly matching fares to European cities like Rome. This spike reflects the strong demand for Japan, highlighted by a 47% YoY increase in visitors to Japan in 2024, with Chinese tourists showing the most significant rise — up 2.9 times. Japan’s attractive visa policies, alongside heightened concerns following the “Xing Wang incident” in Southeast Asia, have further boosted its appeal. The country remains a top destination for Chinese travelers, valued for its safety, reliability, and exceptional service.