Hay Fever in Japan: When It Hits, How to Cope & What Medicine Works

Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Vlad

If you’ve just landed in Tokyo and your eyes are already watering, or you’re about to fly in and wondering why everyone’s wearing masks, welcome to kafunshō season (花粉症). Hay fever in Japan is serious business. It affects roughly 40% of the population, and plenty of unsuspecting tourists get caught out every year.

This guide cuts straight to what you actually need to know: when it hits, how bad 2026 is, how to protect yourself, and what hay fever medicine you can buy once you’re here.

Quick disclaimer before we kick off: my wife has Japanese cedar allergy, and so does her family. When we visit during pollen season, the air purifier runs 24/7, masks go on the moment anyone steps outside (especially on windy days), and there’s a whole ritual of brushing down coats before coming back in. I also occasionally suffer from hay fever (not sure why, it’s only started to happen in the last few years). So this guide isn’t just scraped from forecasts and statistics. It’s what we actually do every year.

When Is Hay Fever Season in Japan?

The main hay fever season runs from early February through to early May, driven by two tree species: sugi (Japanese cedar) and hinoki (Japanese cypress). It rolls up the country like the cherry blossom front, starting in the south and working north.

Here’s the rough timing by region:

• Kyushu, Shikoku, Chugoku: Early February to mid-March (cedar), then cypress through to mid-April
• Tokyo, Yokohama, Kanto region: Mid-February through to late March (cedar), cypress peaks late March to early April
• Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai: Similar to Tokyo, sometimes slightly earlier
• Tohoku (northern Honshu): Late February to mid-March start, running later into April
• Hokkaido: Mostly escapes cedar and cypress pollen, but gets white birch pollen peaking in May
• Okinawa: Basically pollen-free and a popular escape for locals who suffer badly

When Is Hay Fever in Tokyo?

For Tokyo specifically, cedar pollen kicks off in mid-February, peaks in early to mid-March, and starts tapering off by late March. Cypress then takes over from late March into early April. By late April, most of the pain is over, though sensitive folks can still cop some symptoms into early May.

Pollen Calendar: What to Expect, Region by Region

The calendar below shows when cedar, cypress and white birch pollen hit each region, with mid-to-late April marked as “now”. Tap any cell for a quick rundown of what’s happening there.

What Is the Worst Month for Hay Fever in Japan?

March is the worst month for most of Japan. It’s when cedar pollen peaks across Kanto, Tokai and western Japan, and it’s also when cypress starts up. If you’re really sensitive, the last week of February through to the second week of April is the danger zone.

The kicker in 2026: it’s worse than usual in most of the country (more on that below).

2026 Hay Fever Season: What’s Happening Right Now

According to the Japan Weather Association’s (JWA) 2026 forecast released in January, pollen concentrations this spring are:

• 28% higher than the long-term average nationwide
• 18% higher than last year’s levels overall
• Significantly higher in eastern and northern Japan, including Tokyo and Tohoku
• Lower than last year in western Japan, though still unpleasant

The reason? Summer 2025 was brutally hot across Japan, and heat plus sunshine is exactly what cedar and cypress trees need to produce more male flowers (the pollen factories). Akita prefecture in particular is forecast to see pollen levels six times higher than last year, according to Weathernews data.

Where we sit right now in mid-April: cedar season is pretty much done across most of the country, but cypress (hinoki) pollen is still lingering, especially in northern Honshu. If you’re allergic to hinoki, you’re not out of the woods yet. Heading to Hokkaido? Mostly clear, though white birch season starts in May.

Will I Get Hay Fever in Japan as a Tourist?

Here’s the honest answer: probably not if you don’t already have it. Kafunshō typically develops after repeated exposure over several years, so a two-week trip won’t usually trigger a brand new allergy.

But there are two big caveats:

• If you already suffer from hay fever back home, Japanese pollen can absolutely set you off. Cedar and cypress pollen are different allergens to the grass and tree pollen most Aussies and Brits are used to, but cross-reactivity is common.
• If you’re generally prone to allergies (dust, pets, pollen in your home country), Japan’s pollen load can still irritate your eyes and sinuses even without a full-blown reaction.

Case in point: I’ve been visiting Japan since 2004 and for many years I was totally fine. In the last few years though, I’ve started getting red eyes and sneezing during spring visits. Nothing like my wife’s level, but enough to notice. That’s kafunshō creeping in after years of exposure.

The sheer volume of pollen in the air during peak season is on another level. Don’t dismiss it just because you’re fine back home.

What Causes Hay Fever in Japan?

The short version: after World War II, Japan planted enormous cedar and cypress forests for timber. Decades later, those trees are mature, pumping out massive amounts of pollen every spring, and the domestic timber industry has largely moved on. The result is that sugi and hinoki now make up around 40% of Japan’s forests, and they’re not going anywhere fast.

A few facts that give you a sense of scale:

• Cedar pollen can travel over 100 kilometres on the wind, so even high-rise Tokyo apartments aren’t safe
• The Ministry of the Environment reported in 2019 that 42.5% of Japanese people suffer from some form of hay fever, with 38.8% specifically allergic to cedar pollen
• That’s roughly 25 million Japanese people dealing with this every spring

So when you see every second person on the Yamanote Line wearing a mask in March, you know why. It took me many, many years to learn why.

How to Protect Yourself from Hay Fever in Japan

The good news is Japan has been fighting this battle for decades and has figured out a lot. Here’s what actually works to lessen the pollen impact:

Wear a Proper Mask (Especially on Windy Days)

You’re in Japan. Masks are completely normal and no one cares. To be fair, you’ll be the odd one out if you’re not wearing one during peak pollen days.

My wife and her family are strict about this: masks go on the moment anyone steps outside between late February and mid April, and doubly so on windy days. Wind is the enemy during pollen season. It picks pollen up off every surface and blasts it straight into your face.

• Grab a pack of pollen-blocking masks at any chemist (or drugstore for my American readers) (look for “花粉” or pollen on the box)
• Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart sell them too
• Proper fit matters more than the mask itself, so make sure there are no gaps around your nose
• A pack of 30 costs around ¥400 to ¥800
• Check the wind forecast before heading out. Calm days are far kinder than windy ones

Wear Smooth, Tightly-Woven Clothing

Pollen loves to cling to wool, fleece and fluffy fabrics. Smoother materials shed pollen more easily.

• Cotton, polyester and nylon are all better than wool or fleece
• Skip the wool jumper if you can help it
• Brush yourself down before going back into your hotel room

Use an Air Purifier in Your Hotel Room (Run It 24/7)

Most mid-range and upmarket Japanese hotels have air purifiers in the rooms as standard. Look for a small white unit, usually in the corner, often with both purifier and humidifier functions.

At my in-laws’ place, the air purifier runs 24/7 during pollen season, not just when someone’s in the room. Pollen gets dragged inside on clothes, hair and bags, so you want the machine already working when you walk through the door.

• Turn it on the moment you check in and leave it running around the clock
• Keep the windows closed during the day
• Airing out your room is lovely, but save it for off-season
• If your hotel doesn’t have a purifier, ask reception. Many have spare units available on request

Protect Your Eyes

Wraparound glasses or even regular sunglasses help keep pollen out of your eyes. Japanese pharmacies (drugstores) sell purpose-built pollen glasses (花粉症メガネ) if you want to get serious.

The Simple Stuff That Actually Works

• Wash your hands and face when you get back to your hotel
• Gargle with water or mouthwash to clear any pollen from your throat
• Shake off your coat before bringing it inside
• Shower before bed if you’ve been outside all day, especially washing your hair
• Check the daily pollen forecast on tenki.jp or the Weathernews app (yes, there’s a pollen app, because of course there is)

Japanese Hay Fever Medicine: What You Can Buy at the Chemist (drugstore)

Japan has an enormous range of over-the-counter hay fever medicine, and most of them will look familiar because they use the same active ingredients as what you’d find back at home. You’ll see these at Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Don Quijote and any other chemist.

Common OTC options:

• Allegra FX (アレグラFX): Active ingredient is fexofenadine, same as Allegra back home. Non-drowsy. Around ¥1,500 to ¥2,000 for a pack
• Claritin EX (クラリチンEX): Loratadine, same as Claritin in Australia, the UK and the US. Non-drowsy, once a day. Around ¥1,300 to ¥2,000

• Allerbi (アレルビ): A cheaper generic with fexofenadine. Same active ingredient as Allegra, much cheaper
• Alesion (アレジオン): Contains epinastine, also non-drowsy
• Contac Rhinitis Z / Stonarhini Z (コンタック鼻炎Z): Cetirizine, same as Zyrtec. Slightly stronger, may cause mild drowsiness, often best at night. Needs a quick chat with the pharmacist

Good to know:

• Most cost between ¥1,300 and ¥2,500 for a pack
• Doses in Japan are sometimes lower than what you’re used to at home
• Pharmacy staff are generally very helpful, even without perfect English. Point at your nose and eyes, say “kafunshō” (kah-foon-shoh) and they’ll sort you out
• There are also eye drops (目薬), nasal sprays and pollen-blocking nose gels widely available

Bringing Hay Fever Medicine into Japan: The Rules You Need to Know

This is where a lot of tourists get caught out. Japan has strict rules on importing medicine, and some common Western hay fever treatments are outright banned.

The golden rule: if you rely on hay fever medicine, bring an unopened supply of your usual brand in its original packaging. Don’t decant pills into a nondescript bottle.

What’s Generally OK to Bring

• Up to a two-month supply of most over-the-counter medicine without any paperwork
• Up to a one-month supply of prescription medicine (keep the prescription and a doctor’s letter handy)
• Standard antihistamines like loratadine, fexofenadine, cetirizine are fine

What’s Banned (This Catches a Lot of People)

• Anything containing pseudoephedrine is illegal in Japan. This includes Claritin-D, Sudafed, Actifed and some Vicks inhalers. Bringing these in can get you detained at customs, even with a prescription from home
• Medications containing codeine above certain limits
• Stimulants including ADHD medications like Adderall (no exceptions, even with a prescription)

If You Need More Than a Month’s Supply

You’ll need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare before you travel. It takes a few business days and involves paperwork, so plan ahead. If you’re only visiting for a few weeks, this won’t apply to you.

My advice: Check your medicine’s active ingredient before you fly. If it says pseudoephedrine anywhere on the label, leave it at home and buy a non-banned equivalent in Japan.

Where to Get Help If Your Hay Fever Gets Bad

If OTC medicine isn’t cutting it, you’ve got options:

• Any pharmacy (薬局): Ask for “stronger” hay fever medicine, and they can offer behind-the-counter options
• ENT clinic (耳鼻咽喉科, jibiinkouka): Specialist for nose and throat issues
• Internal medicine clinic (内科, naika): General practitioners who can prescribe stronger antihistamines
• JNTO English-speaking hotline: Call 050-3816-2787 for 24/7 tourist medical advice
• AMDA medical hotline (English): 03-5285-8088

Many clinics in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka have English-speaking staff, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Quick Planning Tips for Pollen-Sensitive Travellers

• Travel dates: If you’re really sensitive, consider late April onwards, June through August, or September to January
• Hokkaido and Okinawa are your best bets during peak season. Okinawa in particular has almost no cedar pollen
• Rainy days are your friend. Pollen levels drop sharply when it rains
• Windy, dry, warm days after a weekend of rain are the worst. Check the forecast before heading out sightseeing
• Mornings and early afternoons typically have higher pollen counts than evenings

Final Thoughts

Hay fever in Japan is one of those things Japanese people just deal with every spring, and the country has adapted accordingly. Masks are everywhere, pharmacies are stocked to the rafters, and every weather forecast includes a pollen reading.

If you’re visiting between February and early May, especially in March, just assume pollen will be around and pack accordingly. A good mask, the right medicine in your bag, and a decent air purifier in your hotel room will sort 90% of the problem.

And if you’ve always cruised through Japanese spring with no issues, don’t get cocky. Kafunshō can come for you eventually. Plenty of expats who were fine for years have woken up one March with itchy eyes and a runny nose, and that’s the start of a lifelong relationship with Allegra.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms. Just maybe wear a mask while you’re admiring them.

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Related reading:

• 2026 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms in April

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Sources

• Japan Weather Association (JWA): 2026 Spring Pollen Dispersion Forecast
• South China Morning Post: Japan’s 2026 hay fever season
• Ministry of the Environment (Japan): Hay fever prevalence data, 2019
• Weathernews: 2026 pollen dispersion data
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Rules on bringing medicine into Japan