KYOTO — Overnight stays by Chinese visitors at major hotels in Kyoto City fell 12.1% year-on-year in November, the first decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey by the Kyoto City Tourism Association. Behind the decline is thought to be a Chinese government request for its citizens to refrain from visiting Japan. While the immediate economic impact on Kyoto has been limited, there are concerns that a ripple effect could spread. According to an association official, Chinese tourists on group tours, who typically stay at mid- to low-priced hotels near Kyoto Station with easy access to buses and local drugstores, have been notably absent. However, there is still a significant presence of Chinese tourists in the city, so the outlook remains cautious.