Group 1 - The article highlights a growing trend among Chinese tourists favoring small cities in Japan over traditional metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, particularly during the upcoming May Day holiday [1][3][5] - Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization shows a significant increase in Chinese visitors to Japan, with visitor numbers for January to March 2024 showing year-on-year growth of 135.6%, 57.3%, and 46.2% respectively [3][5] - The rise in interest for smaller cities is attributed to a shift in travel preferences among younger Chinese travelers, who are increasingly opting for independent travel experiences rather than traditional group tours [8][9] Group 2 - The Japanese government has recognized the need to diversify tourist destinations beyond the three major metropolitan areas, as 90% of inbound tourists have historically concentrated in these regions [11][13] - A new phase of Japan's "Tourism Nation" strategy aims to promote tourism in smaller cities, with a focus on attracting high-quality foreign visitors, particularly from China [11][13] - Aomori Prefecture has emerged as a leading example of effective marketing to Chinese tourists, leveraging social media to enhance its visibility and attract visitors [15][17] Group 3 - The article discusses the marketing strategies employed by Aomori, which has gained a significant following on social media, surpassing many other regional tourism boards in Japan [17][20] - Other small cities in Japan are beginning to adopt similar marketing tactics, with initiatives aimed at promoting local attractions and experiences to Chinese tourists [21][22] - The trend of Chinese tourists visiting smaller cities is expected to stimulate changes in the outbound tourism industry, with new opportunities for local businesses and tourism operators [25][26][28]