The number of visitors to Japan from China during its weeklong national holiday from Wednesday is expected to surge from last year due to favorable exchange rates and moves to expand the scope of duty-free products.

The total of Chinese visitors could reach a record high of nearly 2 million in 2014, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. The tally came to 1.54 million between January and August, an 84 percent jump from a year earlier.

The Bank of Japan's ultra-easy monetary policy has pushed the yen down against major currencies, including the Chinese yuan, which is now worth just under ¥18 compared with a little below ¥16 in October last year.

On Wednesday, Japan will abolish a rule limiting duty-free products to electrical appliances and fashion goods as part of efforts to attract more tourists.