Published on
October 8, 2025
Japan’s visa relaxation policy for Chinese visitors was expected to come into effect this summer was met with unforeseen controversies resulting in indefinite postponement due to mixed internal and external geopolitical concerns. The initial proposal entailed relaxation of stay constraints on group tourists while introducing policies for issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas for affluent Chinese tourists. Although these reforms were primarily concerned with improving economic returns and addressing tourism imbalances with China, they drew internal opposition from political ranks, concerned with garnering public sentiment for potential backlash and the impacts of rising economic migrants on public infrastructure. Hence, these reforms will not be implemented in the summer of 2023.
Japan’s tourism industry has been anticipating the introduction of relaxed visa rules for Chinese travelers, which could significantly boost the country’s inbound tourism. However, this plan has faced increasing delays due to rising concerns about the effects of overtourism and political tensions surrounding foreign arrivals. The long-awaited proposal to grant 10-year multiple-entry visas to high-income Chinese tourists, extend group tour stays, and simplify travel procedures for elderly visitors remains in limbo, despite the potential economic benefits.
The proposal, which was expected to be rolled out in spring, has now been postponed indefinitely, creating disappointment within the tourism sector. Media reports from the country have highlighted that the government was forced to delay the initiative following internal political resistance. Senior officials have suggested that the timing for easing entry restrictions is still under review, with no official date set for the implementation of the new visa policies.
Japan’s tourism industry has been heavily dependent on Chinese visitors, who represent a significant portion of the country’s inbound travelers. In fact, Chinese nationals accounted for nearly 30% of all foreign visitors in July alone, with over 975,000 arrivals out of a total of 3.44 million. Despite these numbers, there is growing unease among local communities and policymakers about the consequences of mass tourism, leading to a cautious approach to visa liberalization.
A key aspect of the delayed proposal was the introduction of multiple-entry visas for high-income Chinese travelers, allowing them to visit Japan for longer periods without the need for frequent reapplication. This move was seen as a way to stimulate spending by attracting wealthy tourists, who often make up the bulk of the country’s tourism revenue. Additionally, the plan would have extended group tour stays from 15 to 30 days and simplified paperwork for elderly visitors, making it easier for older Chinese travelers to explore Japan.
However, political debates and concerns about the potential negative impact of these measures have led to the suspension of the visa easing plan. Criticism within Japan’s ruling party has centered on the fear that an influx of Chinese tourists could exacerbate existing problems related to overtourism. With increasing numbers of tourists flocking to popular destinations, many cities are already struggling to manage the growing strain on infrastructure and local communities.
Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous tourist cities, has already taken drastic measures to control the flow of visitors. Due to overcrowding, complaints from residents, and a strain on local resources, the city has introduced a new hotel tax to limit the economic impact of tourism. Starting in March, luxury hotels will charge guests up to 10,000 yen per night to stay, with the goal of reducing the number of high-end visitors and distributing the tourism burden more evenly across the region.
Similarly, other destinations have been forced to implement their own measures to manage overtourism. In Otaru, Hokkaido, security personnel were deployed after a tragic accident involving a tourist who was struck by a train while attempting to take photos from a restricted railway area. The incident sparked concerns about the safety of tourists and the increased pressure on local authorities to prevent dangerous behavior, especially in high-traffic spots promoted on social media.
Tourism managers in regions like Yamagata Prefecture have also been forced to take action, imposing limits on the number of day visitors to popular areas like Ginzan Onsen. These restrictions, which are designed to protect the local community’s infrastructure and public safety, highlight the growing tension between tourism growth and the preservation of local culture and services.
Amid these concerns, the public sentiment towards tourism has shifted, with some residents expressing frustration over the increasing numbers of visitors. A recent poll revealed that a significant portion of the population holds negative views toward foreign tourists, particularly those from China. This sentiment is being felt within the ruling political party, with fears that any move to relax visa restrictions could alienate voters and further damage the party’s public standing, already weakened by other scandals.
These tensions reflect the complex balancing act Japan faces in managing its tourism industry. On one hand, the economic benefits of increased foreign tourism are undeniable, with visitors contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year. On the other hand, there is growing resistance to the social and environmental costs of uncontrolled tourism growth. Japan’s most iconic cities and tourist sites are already seeing the effects of overcrowding, with residents and businesses voicing concerns about quality of life and safety.
The debate over visa relaxation for Chinese travelers is not just about economic growth; it is also tied to broader discussions about Japan’s national identity and its relationship with neighboring countries. The political climate in Japan has become more nationalistic in recent years, with increased scrutiny of foreign influence and immigration policies. This shift has played a role in the hesitancy to open the door wider to foreign tourists, despite their potential economic contributions.
While the government remains cautious about easing restrictions, industry stakeholders continue to press for more favorable policies that could encourage growth in the tourism sector. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the visa changes, Japan remains one of the top travel destinations in Asia, attracting millions of visitors each year. The challenge moving forward will be finding a way to manage this influx in a sustainable manner, balancing the needs of the tourism industry with those of local communities.
The ongoing delay in visa liberalization for Chinese travelers highlights the delicate balance that must be struck between promoting tourism and addressing the challenges of overtourism. As the debate continues, Japan must consider how to navigate the competing demands of economic growth, public sentiment, and the preservation of its cultural and environmental heritage. Only time will tell when, and if, the visa relaxation policies will be implemented, and whether they will ultimately bring the desired benefits to the country’s tourism sector.
Japan has postponed plans to ease visa restrictions for Chinese tourists, a decision likely influenced by political resistance, looming concerns regarding overtourism, and highly populated and contentious tourist sites.
Japan will have to continue waiting for a resolution to its tourism obscurities. The country will continue to suffer the global tourism volatility, while the results of the active discussions will indelibly shape the future of the country’s tourism.
