Published on
January 5, 2026
Tokyo and several major Japanese cities are under scrutiny after the Chinese Embassy issued an urgent safety advisory on Saturday. The warning comes as Chinese travellers prepare for one of the year’s busiest travel seasons. For anyone holding tickets to Tokyo Disneyland or planning cherry blossom tours, this news hits hard. The embassy specifically named Fukuoka, Shizuoka, and Aichi as areas where security conditions have deteriorated rapidly.
What Happened in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward
The trigger for this advisory centers on a shocking incident that unfolded on New Year’s Eve. December 31, 2025, should have been a night of celebration in Shinjuku. Instead, two Chinese citizens found themselves victims of a vehicle-ramming attack. Both were seriously injured. Emergency crews rushed them to nearby hospitals. The attack happened in Shinjuku Ward, one of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment and tourist districts.
Shinjuku draws millions of visitors annually. Its neon-lit streets, massive department stores, and vibrant nightlife make it a must-see destination. Now, that same district has become a focal point of safety concerns for Chinese travelers.
Multiple Cities Report Unprovoked Assaults Against Chinese Nationals
The Shinjuku incident wasn’t isolated. According to the Chinese Embassy’s official statement, multiple Chinese nationals have reported being verbally abused across several prefectures. Some faced physical assaults. These attacks came without provocation. Victims were simply traveling, sightseeing, or going about their daily activities.
Fukuoka Prefecture, located on Kyushu Island, has emerged as another area of concern. Known for its ramen culture and historic temples, Fukuoka typically attracts food enthusiasts and culture seekers. Now it appears on a safety warning list.
Shizuoka Prefecture, famous for Mount Fuji views and hot springs, also made the list. Travelers who book ryokans in Shizuoka specifically for wellness retreats now face unexpected security questions.
Aichi Prefecture rounds out the trio of concerning regions. Home to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city, Aichi serves as a major transportation hub and industrial center. Business travelers and tourists alike pass through regularly.
Embassy Recommendations: Avoid Travel or Stay Extremely Vigilant
The Chinese Embassy didn’t mince words in its Saturday advisory. Officials recommended Chinese citizens avoid traveling to Japan in the near term. For those already in the country, the message was equally direct. Monitor local security conditions closely. Remain alert at all times. Strengthen personal safety precautions immediately.
The embassy provided specific guidance for anyone who experiences targeted attacks or discriminatory incidents. Travelers should preserve evidence immediately. Report cases to local police without delay. Contact Chinese diplomatic missions in Japan for consular assistance.
This marks the second major travel advisory China has issued regarding Japan within three months. The first came in mid-November 2025, triggered by diplomatic tensions following remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential military involvement in Taiwan-related conflicts.
Impact on Travel Planning and Tourism Industry
Chinese tourists represent the largest international visitor group to Japan. They account for nearly one quarter of all foreign arrivals. Their spending power drives significant revenue across hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and retail establishments.
When the November advisory hit, Japan’s tourism-related stocks plunged. Airlines offered full refunds. Hotels saw cancellation waves. The industry braced for impact.
This second advisory compounds those concerns. Unlike the November warning rooted in diplomatic tensions, this one focuses squarely on physical safety. Violent incidents carry different weight in travelers’ minds than political disagreements.
Lunar New Year approaches rapidly. Traditionally, this period sees massive outbound travel from China. Japan ranks among the top destinations year after year. Families book Tokyo trips months in advance. Young couples plan romantic getaways to Kyoto. Food lovers make reservations at Osaka’s best restaurants.
Now those plans hang in uncertainty.
What Travelers Should Consider Before Booking
Anyone planning Japan travel should weigh several factors carefully. First, understand that these incidents occurred in specific locations. Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward, while prominent, represents just one district in a vast metropolitan area. Fukuoka, Shizuoka, and Aichi are three prefectures among 47 total.
Second, monitor updates from official sources. The Chinese Embassy maintains regular communication channels. Japanese authorities provide public safety information through various platforms. Travelers can access real-time updates easily.
Third, consider travel insurance with comprehensive coverage. Policies should include medical evacuation, trip cancellation protection, and emergency assistance services. Documentation matters enormously if incidents occur.
Fourth, register with your embassy or consulate. Most countries offer traveler registration services. These programs enable diplomatic missions to contact citizens quickly during emergencies.
Japan’s Response and Security Measures
Japanese authorities face pressure to address these security concerns swiftly. Tourism forms a cornerstone of Japan’s economic strategy. The government has invested heavily in promoting the country as a safe, welcoming destination.
Violence against foreign tourists contradicts that carefully cultivated image. Police investigations into the Shinjuku vehicle-ramming continue. Authorities in Fukuoka, Shizuoka, and Aichi have increased patrols in tourist-heavy areas.
The Japanese government previously issued its own advisory following China’s November warning. Japanese citizens in China received guidance about staying aware of surroundings and avoiding solo travel in certain situations.
This tit-for-tat advisory pattern reflects broader tensions between the two nations. Yet the human cost remains clear. Travelers simply seeking cultural experiences find themselves caught in circumstances beyond their control.
Looking Ahead: Tourism in Uncertain Times
Travel inherently involves uncertainty. Natural disasters, political changes, economic shifts—all impact tourism flows. Experienced travelers understand this reality. They adapt plans accordingly.
What makes this situation particularly challenging is timing. January typically brings winter sports enthusiasts to Hokkaido’s ski resorts. February’s plum blossoms begin attracting photographers. March sees early cherry blossom chasers heading south.
Chinese travelers form significant percentages of visitors during all these periods. Their absence would create noticeable gaps across Japan’s tourism landscape.
Hotels, tour operators, and attractions now face difficult questions. How do they reassure potential visitors? What additional security measures make sense? Can they maintain business levels if Chinese arrivals drop significantly?
For individual travelers, the calculus involves personal risk tolerance, trip timing, and destination choices. Some may postpone plans entirely. Others might proceed cautiously, avoiding specifically mentioned areas. Still others may continue with enhanced safety awareness.
The situation remains fluid. New information emerges regularly. Travelers holding reservations should stay informed through multiple reliable channels. Those considering bookings should weigh current conditions against their comfort levels and travel purposes.
Safety always comes first in travel decisions. No sightseeing experience, no cultural immersion, no culinary adventure justifies compromising personal security. The Chinese Embassy’s warning serves that fundamental principle. Whether travelers heed it becomes an individual choice grounded in careful consideration of facts, circumstances, and personal judgment.
