Just three years after relations hit rock bottom, Hu has said his trip would herald a "warm spring" with Japan, which is a top commercial partner despite the lingering resentments of many Chinese over Tokyo's past aggression.
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura personally went to Tokyo's Haneda airport to greet Hu, who smiled and waved as more than 200 Chinese people chanted "Welcome! Welcome!" and offered him bouquets of flowers.
"Japan and China are both important countries in Asia and the world," Hu said in a statement issued on arrival.
"Through this visit, I hope to increase mutual trust, reinforce our friendship and deepen our cooperation" he said.
But while Japan and China have been working for years to repair ties, the visit threatens to be overshadowed by unrest in Tibet.
It is Hu's first overseas visit since major protests broke out in Tibet in March against China's rule.
Beijing's subsequent crackdown has triggered a worldwide uproar, casting a shadow over the upcoming Olympics.
Thousands of police were on hand to ensure security, keeping Hu out of sight of Japanese nationalists who drove vans across Tokyo blaring anti-Chinese slogans.
Elsewhere in Tokyo, nearly 1,000 demonstrators marched with Tibetan flags and signs reading, "Don't kill our friends."
Source: By DDNEWS