# Hay fever (花粉症) in Japan: season, medicine and clinics

URL: https://japanhow.com/life/health/hay-fever-japan/
Author: JapanHow editors
Updated: Oct 29, 2026

## Summary

Hay fever (花粉症, kafunsho) in Japan is mostly caused by cedar and cypress pollen, which scatters about February to April, as of October 2026. A 2019 national survey in the ministry's manual put cedar hay fever at about 1 in 3 people, so newcomers are not unusual. If you get symptoms every year, the ministry advises starting medicine at least a week before pollen starts in earnest. See an ENT (耳鼻咽喉科) or eye doctor if over-the-counter medicine is not enough. Insured visits carry the usual copay.

## Key facts

- Main season: About Feb to Apr (cedar, cypress)
- Cedar hay fever (2019 survey): 38.8%
- Start medicine: 1 week before pollen season
- Doctor: ENT (耳鼻咽喉科) or eye (眼科)

Hay fever (花粉症, kafunsho) in Japan is mostly caused by **cedar (スギ) and cypress (ヒノキ) pollen**, which typically scatters from **about February to April**, as of October 2026. The ministry's manual says a 2019 nationwide survey of ENT doctors and their families put cedar hay fever at 38.8%, about **1 in 3 people**, so you are in good company. If you get symptoms every year, the ministry advises starting medicine by about a week before pollen starts in earnest, and see an ENT (耳鼻咽喉科) if over-the-counter medicine is not enough.

## What causes hay fever in Japan, and when?

Cedar is the most common cause. Cypress pollen shares antigens with cedar, so it triggers symptoms too. Cedar and cypress are mainly a spring problem, with small amounts in autumn. Other pollens run later:

| Pollen | Typical timing (ministry manual) |
|---|---|
| Cedar and cypress | Spring, mainly about February to April |
| Grasses (カモガヤ, オオアワガエリ) | Spring to early autumn |
| Ragweed, mugwort, Japanese hop (キク科, カナムグラ) | Late summer to autumn |

The exact start of cedar season depends on the temperature in early winter (November and December) and midwinter (January and February). The ministry publishes cedar, cypress and combined pollen data on its [pollen information site](https://www.env.go.jp/chemi/anzen/kafun/), which is in Japanese; Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka have their own pages. Cedar counts are highest around midday and in the evening, on sunny, warm, dry and windy days, and the day after rain.

If your symptoms come in a different season, the cause may be another pollen. An ENT can run a test to identify it.

## Is it hay fever or a cold?

The season overlaps with cold season, and the early symptoms look alike. The ministry's manual says hay fever often brings itchy eyes and does not cause a high fever, unlike a cold.

## Which doctor and medicine?

**Start with over-the-counter medicine** if symptoms are mild. If they are severe, the ministry recommends an **ENT (耳鼻咽喉科)** or an **eye doctor (眼科)**. Internal medicine, pediatrics and allergy clinics also treat hay fever.

Clinics prescribe:

- Oral second-generation antihistamines, plus anti-leukotriene medicine if your nose is badly blocked.
- Steroid nasal spray.
- Antihistamine or steroid eye drops. Steroid eye drops can raise eye pressure, so the manual says you need regular eye checkups while using them.

**Timing matters.** The ministry says starting medicine before pollen scatters, or when symptoms are very mild, is now common (初期療法). Its 2026 guidance says people with symptoms every year should have medicine ready and start it by about one week before pollen starts to scatter in earnest.

To find a clinic that sees patients in English, see [English-speaking hospitals and clinics in Japan](/life/health/english-speaking-hospital-japan/). To buy or fill medicine, see [prescription medicine in Japan](/life/health/prescription-medicine-japan/). With Japanese public insurance, an insured visit carries the usual copay: 30% for ages 6 to 69.

## Is there a long-term treatment?

Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that may cure hay fever, says the manual, but the older method had side effects, took a long time and its cure rate was not high. **Sublingual immunotherapy (舌下免疫療法)**, where the allergen is placed under the tongue, has fewer serious side effects and does not require frequent clinic visits. The Tokyo section of the manual states that cedar sublingual drugs went on sale in autumn 2014 and became insured. We could not confirm how long a course lasts or when to start from an official source, so ask the doctor.

## How do I reduce exposure?

The ministry's self-care advice includes:

- Wear a mask and glasses outdoors. In one study, an ordinary mask cut pollen by about 70% and a pollen mask by about 84%. Ordinary glasses cut pollen reaching the eyes by about 40%, and protective glasses by about 65%.
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Wash your hands, face and hair when you get home.
- Don't hang laundry or bedding outdoors.
- Open windows only about 10 cm with a lace curtain, and wash curtains often.
- Choose cotton or synthetic clothing over wool, which collects more pollen.

**Not sure it is hay fever?:** This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a fever, breathing trouble or symptoms that don't match, see a doctor.

## More guides

- [Health checkups in Japan](/life/health/health-checkup-japan/)
- [National Health Insurance for foreigners](/money/insurance/national-health-insurance-japan-foreigners/)

## Questions people ask

### When is hay fever season in Japan?

Cedar pollen typically scatters from about February to April, according to the Ministry of the Environment. Cedar and cypress are mainly spring, with small amounts in autumn. Grass pollens run spring to early autumn, and ragweed and mugwort from late summer to autumn.

### Can I develop hay fever after moving to Japan?

The ministry's manual does not address newcomers specifically. It does report, from a nationwide survey of ENT doctors and their families, that hay fever prevalence rose from 19.6% in 1998 to 42.5% in 2019. If you get sneezing or itchy eyes in spring, an ENT can test which pollen is the cause.

### What medicine helps with hay fever in Japan?

Over-the-counter medicine is widely used. For severe symptoms the ministry recommends an ENT or eye doctor, who can prescribe oral antihistamines, nasal spray and eye drops. Starting early, before pollen begins or when symptoms are very mild, is common.

### Is there a long-term cure for hay fever in Japan?

Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that may cure hay fever, per the Ministry of the Environment's manual. Sublingual immunotherapy (舌下免疫療法) for cedar pollen became available as an insured treatment in autumn 2014. Ask an allergy-capable doctor whether it suits you.

## Sources

- [花粉症環境保健マニュアル 2022](https://www.env.go.jp/chemi/anzen/kafun/2022_full.pdf), Ministry of the Environment (環境省) (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- [環境から考える、花粉症との付き合い方](https://www.env.go.jp/guide/info/ecojin/feature1/20260304.html), Ministry of the Environment (環境省) (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- [花粉情報サイト](https://www.env.go.jp/chemi/anzen/kafun/), Ministry of the Environment (環境省) (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- [医療費の一部負担（自己負担）割合について](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000937919.pdf), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) (accessed Oct 24, 2026)