Shanghai has emerged as a top overseas destination for Japanese travelers during Japan's Golden Week, with tourist numbers surging 2.6 times compared to last year, according to data from airlines and tourism operators.
This year's Golden Week in Japan, which coincided with China's May Day holiday, brought a wave of Japanese tourists to Shanghai, fueled by convenient travel connections and China's reinstated visa-free policy for Japanese citizens.
"Currently, there are nine flights daily from Tokyo to Shanghai -- four from Narita and five from Haneda. Compared to last year, seat occupancy on these flights has risen by 10.3 percent during the Golden Week," said Cai Zhen, director of the Haneda Airport Office of Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines.
Strolling through Yu Garden, eating soup dumplings, enjoying The Bund's night view, and watching acrobatic shows have become the classic "must-do trio" for Japanese tourists in Shanghai, with Shanghai Disneyland also attracting many families for a memorable visit.
"The atmosphere at The Bund is amazing. It's kind of like Yokohama, but grander. The environment blends the old with the new beautifully," said one Japanese traveler.
"I've been to Shanghai before and loved it. I definitely want to come back," said another Japanese traveler.
"The streets are so clean, and places like The Bund feel very European. Disneyland is newer and more high-tech than Tokyo's. Honestly, if you visit Shanghai Disneyland first, Tokyo's might feel a bit underwhelming," said a Japanese traveler.
Shanghai tourism booms during Japan’s Golden Week
