Why visiting one of Japan's most popular tourist sights could be even cheaper this year
- READ MORE: Japan crowned most popular bucket list destination for Brits in 2026 - here's the full list
Millions of international visitors flock to Japan every year to take in the country's impressive sights.
From the bustling capital of Tokyo, to the amazing views of Mount Fuji, there are plenty of attractions that draw tourists in.
Cherry blossom is another popular sight to witness in the Asian country, and the flowering season brings in lots of visitors from March to April.
Japan Meteorological Corporation released its cherry blossom forecast for the year and Tokyo is expected to see flowers from March 22, and full bloom is predicted for around March 29.
Naturally, prices tend to rise during this time and a trip to see the beautiful sakura can be quite costly.
But, this year could work out to be cheaper than usual, Euronews reports.
This is due to a decrease in tourists from China after Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could take military action if China tried to invade Taiwan.
Holidaymakers from China have decreased by 45 per cent this month alone compared to last year, according to Japan's transport ministry.
Cherry blossom is a popular sight to witness in Japan, and the flowering season brings in lots of visitors from March to April
Naturally, prices tend to rise during this time and a trip to see the beautiful sakura can be quite costly
What's more, flights from China to Japan have been reduced in numbers significantly after orders from the Chinese government.
Subsequently, flights, tours and accommodation have notably dropped in price by 10 to 20 per cent compared to last year, and it is thought this could continue well into the cherry blossom season.
British travellers seem to be taking advantage of the falling prices, as bookings have been on the rise.
Kenny Onishi, Intrepid's General Manager for Japan, told Euronews: 'We've seen a 23 per cent increase in bookings from UK and European customers in the past year.'
'The depreciation of the yen means other currencies, like the Euro and the Great British Pound, are going further in Japan,' Kenny explained.
'Our Intrepid trip prices in the UK have seen a slight decrease overall in 2026 compared to last year because of this.'
It comes as Japan was crowned as the most popular bucket list destination for Brits this year.
Research recently revealed the popular bucket list destinations for 2026 by analysing UK Reddit conversations and Google search trends.
But, this year could work out to be cheaper than usual due to a decrease in tourists from China after Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi suggested Japan could take military action if China tried to invade Taiwan
Japan tops the list, with 36 mentions on the busy forum site and 192 upvotes.
The Asian destination has plenty to offer, from bustling streets in its cities and vibrant markets, to historic temples and shrines.
Locations including Kawaguchiko, Kanazawa, and Takayama are drawing tourists in with their mixture of culture, nature and history.
Japan scored 10 out of 10 overall.
