Kyoto and Osaka shopkeepers reveal most businesses did not lose money without Chinese tourists
A Japanese news channel interviewed 20 shops across Kyoto and Osaka to ask whether they lost money because Chinese tourists stopped coming.
Only 2 shop owners said their revenue dropped, surprising many who assumed the absence of Chinese tour groups would hurt businesses.
The remaining 18 shops said they saw no decline at all, with some even reporting better, more stable customers.
Many shopkeepers explained that Western and Southeast Asian tourists now make up a large portion of their sales.
They said spending is more balanced, less chaotic, and easier to manage without relying on a single country.
Some stores added that non-Chinese tourists tend to explore more of the city instead of staying in the same overcrowded hotspots.
A few even said tourism feels “healthier” and “more sustainable” this year.
According to the report, Japan’s recovery is being boosted by visitors from the US, Europe, Taiwan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.