Chinese tourists flock to Japan during cherry blossom season

People take pictures of cherry trees in full blossom at the Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo, March 31, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Before 2014, the number of Japanese touring China outnumbered Chinese touring Japan, but this year, the trend could possibly reverse, mainly because of sharp drops in air fare after the Chinese New Year, the loosening of visa restrictions, the depreciation of the Japanese yen and other factors.

Japan has become the hottest destination for Chinese tourists, and Chinese can be heard wherever one goes at Ueno Park in Tokyo.

Statistics showed that Chinese tourists spend about an average of 12,000 yuan ($1,933) on tours, and 7,000 yuan ($1,130) on shopping.

Chinese tourists could help stimulate the slow rebound of the Japanese economy in the wake of an increase in the consumption tax, said the report.

In view of the lure of Japanese tours, experts have advised avoid peak seasons or choosing newly devised tour routes rather than traditional scenic spots.

They could also do some research to learn local customs to make the tours more pleasant and avoid misunderstandings of the local cultural nuances.