Hong Kong Travelers Show Continued Enthusiasm for Japan Despite Travel Warnings

HONG KONG – Interest among Hong Kong residents in traveling to Japan remains robust despite recent travel warnings issued by both Beijing and Hong Kong authorities. The advisories followed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on a potential Taiwan-related contingency, prompting the Chinese government to discourage travel to Japan. Hong Kong, operating under the "one country, two systems" framework, subsequently issued a travel advisory for its citizens.

Japan continues to be a favored destination for travelers from Hong Kong, where many hold a pro-Japan sentiment. Travel agencies report no substantial cancellations of group tours since the advisories were announced.

A local resident commented on the travel advisory, stating, "There will be little impact on the desire of people in Hong Kong to visit Japan."

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Hong Kong visitors to Japan reached a record 2.68 million in 2024. Among international visitors by region, Hong Kong ranks fifth, following South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States, despite its population of approximately 7.5 million.

On November 15, Hong Kong's security authorities updated the travel advisory for Japan, citing an unsubstantiated rise in attacks against Chinese nationals in the country. They urged heightened caution while visiting Japan but stopped short of recommending against travel.

Only the vicinity of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., was designated with a "yellow" caution level, the lowest tier in Hong Kong's three-level warning system. Other regions remained unaffected.

Airlines based in Hong Kong have shown flexibility regarding reservation changes, while travel agencies have noticed a decline in inquiries but no mass cancellations of Japan tours. Authorities have confirmed that tour sales are permitted and ongoing as scheduled.

A senior official at a leading local travel agency noted, "Tourism interest usually drops only when people sense immediate danger, such as natural disasters like earthquakes."

Hong Kong residents appear to perceive the political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo as less immediate compared to mainland Chinese citizens, with many expecting no major disruption unless travel alerts are escalated or flights are suspended.

One woman in her 30s remarked, "Hong Kong people would not care much about the travel advisory, but if the situation escalates to a travel ban, it could become serious."

Meanwhile, a woman in her 40s observed that those around her were pleased, hoping that popular destinations like Kyoto would benefit from decreased tourist crowds. She added, "There is anticipation that self-restraint among Chinese travelers might help alleviate overtourism in Japan."

The situation remains dynamic as authorities continue monitoring developments amid ongoing regional sensitivities.