Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing popularity of travel from Shanghai to Japan, driven by a surge in flight routes, competitive pricing, and favorable travel conditions, making Japan a preferred destination for Shanghai residents [3][12][46]. Group 1: Flight Connectivity - Shanghai now has direct flights to 20 cities in Japan, with Eastern Airlines leading the expansion by operating 37 routes and approximately 50 daily flights [8][12]. - The recent addition of routes such as Shanghai to Kumamoto and Matsuyama reflects the growing demand for travel to Japan [8][35]. - The article humorously notes that Eastern Airlines is treating route expansion like a "carpet bombing" strategy, aiming to cover every possible airport in Japan [8]. Group 2: Travel Demand and Visa Statistics - In 2024, Japan issued over 7.19 million visas to foreigners, with more than 5.24 million granted to Chinese nationals, of which Shanghai residents accounted for 2.47 million, representing 47% of the total [14][40]. - The high volume of visa issuances indicates a strong and persistent interest among Shanghai residents in traveling to Japan [14]. Group 3: Factors Driving Travel Popularity - Proximity plays a significant role, with flight times from Shanghai to Tokyo being comparable to domestic flights, making travel to Japan highly convenient [18][22]. - Competitive pricing has led to a situation where last-minute tickets can be cheaper than those purchased in advance, exemplified by the phenomenon of "8 yuan flights" to Osaka [23][27]. - The overall travel experience in Japan, characterized by orderliness, reasonable pricing, and safety, enhances its appeal to Shanghai tourists [29][30]. Group 4: Future Prospects - There is still potential for further expansion of flight routes from Shanghai to Japan, as evidenced by the comparison with Taipei, which has more direct connections [31][35]. - The easing of visa requirements for Shanghai residents, such as reduced financial thresholds for multiple-entry visas, is expected to boost travel further [38][40]. - The depreciation of the Japanese yen against the Chinese yuan has made travel to Japan more affordable, contributing to sustained interest among Shanghai residents [41][42].

Core Points - The article highlights the increasing connectivity between Shanghai and Japan, particularly with the recent launch of new flight routes and the growing number of travelers from Shanghai to various Japanese cities [1][6][9] Group 1: Flight Connectivity - Eastern Airlines has expanded its routes, now offering direct flights from Shanghai to 20 cities in Japan, including less common destinations like Kumamoto and Matsuyama [7][8] - The airline operates 37 routes to Japan, with an average of 50 flights per day, indicating a significant increase in travel options for Shanghai residents [9][10] - The convenience of travel is emphasized, with flights to Kumamoto taking only about two hours, making it quicker than many domestic destinations [5][23] Group 2: Travel Demand - The demand for travel to Japan is evident, as shown by the overwhelming number of travelers at immigration counters in Kumamoto, which were insufficient to handle the influx [4][6] - In 2024, Japan issued over 7.19 million visas to foreigners, with more than 5.24 million granted to Chinese nationals, highlighting the strong interest from Shanghai residents [15][16] - Shanghai alone accounted for 246.7 million visas, representing 47% of the total issued to Chinese travelers, showcasing the city's significant role in Japan's tourism market [16][17] Group 3: Pricing and Competition - The competitive pricing of flights has made travel to Japan more accessible, with instances of last-minute tickets being cheaper than those purchased in advance [26][31] - Low-cost airlines like Spring Airlines have contributed to this trend, offering extremely low fares that make travel to Japan comparable to domestic trips [28][29] - The article notes that the price competition among airlines has created a situation where flights to Japan are treated like public transportation [31] Group 4: Travel Experience - Travelers from Shanghai appreciate the orderly and predictable pricing in Japan, contrasting it with domestic travel experiences [32][33] - The overall travel experience in Japan, including safety and cleanliness, is highlighted as a significant factor in the preference for Japanese destinations [33][34] Group 5: Future Prospects - The article suggests that there is still room for growth in flight routes from Shanghai to Japan, with airlines likely to continue expanding their offerings [40][42] - The easing of visa requirements for Chinese travelers has further encouraged travel to Japan, making it easier for Shanghai residents to visit [43][45] - The favorable exchange rate of the yen against the yuan has made travel to Japan more financially attractive, enhancing consumer willingness to travel [46][48]