China quietly lifts ban on group tours to Japan, but state-owned agency removes products

Japanese media outlets are reporting that China has subtly eased its restrictions on group travel to Japan, with state-owned travel agencies beginning to offer tour packages once again. This potential shift comes after a period of significant limitations imposed on outbound tourism from China to Japan.

According to reports from Nippon TV, Chinese state-owned travel agencies are set to restart previously suspended group tours to Japan starting in mid-July. An example cited is a 7-day, 6-night tour to Tokyo and Osaka that has begun recruiting travelers. This follows similar moves by several private travel agencies that have been resuming tours to Japan since May, indicating a gradual expansion of travel.

However, the situation appears complex. The Singaporean publication Lianhe Zaobao noted that 'China Travel International,' a state-owned enterprise under the China Tourism Group, reportedly took down its Japan tour products from its official website on the same day these reports emerged. This suggests a potential ambiguity or a cautious approach from some entities within China's state-controlled tourism sector.

China had previously instructed travel agencies to reduce the number of tourists traveling to Japan to 60% of previous levels, effectively prohibiting group tours, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks concerning Taiwan in November 2025. The current reports suggest a quiet relaxation of these stringent measures, though the full extent and permanence of this change remain unclear.