Kafunsho: Japan's Spring Pollen Season for Travelers

Visiting Japan in spring? Learn what kafunsho (hay fever) is, when cedar and cypress pollen peak, and how to enjoy cherry blossom season comfortably.

Published October 18, 2026 at 3:22 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Kafunsho is Japan's spring pollen allergy, caused mainly by sugi (cedar) and hinoki (cypress) trees. Cedar pollen usually starts between late January and mid-February and peaks from mid-March to early April, with cypress following about a month later.

If you have ever seen crowds of people wearing white face masks in a Japanese train in early spring, you have met kafunsho, the Japanese word for hay fever or pollen allergy. For many residents it is as much a part of the season as cherry blossoms and school graduation ceremonies. Travelers with pollen allergies can still have a wonderful spring trip with a little planning. This guide explains what causes the pollen season, when it usually peaks, how locals cope, and how to plan a comfortable visit.

What Is Kafunsho?

Kafunsho (花粉症) literally means "pollen illness" and refers to seasonal allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. The main triggers are pollen from the sugi, or Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), and the hinoki, or Japanese cypress. Sugi is a tall evergreen native to Japan that is often planted around temples and shrines, and the famous Cedar Avenue of Nikko stretches for tens of kilometers. The same trees that give shrine grounds their calm, towering atmosphere also release large amounts of pollen in spring.

The condition is very common. According to figures summarized on Wikipedia, as of 2019 about 42.5 percent of people in Japan had some form of hay fever, and about 38.8 percent had cedar pollen allergy. That is why pharmacies, convenience stores and even television weather segments devote so much attention to it in the early part of the year. For visitors, it helps to know that the season is predictable and that Japan has a wide range of everyday tools for dealing with it.

Why Is Pollen Such a Big Topic in Japan?

Hay fever was relatively uncommon in Japan until the early 1960s. After World War II, large areas were replanted with sugi and hinoki to supply timber for rebuilding and construction, and these trees began producing heavy pollen once they matured, generally after about 30 years. Later, cheaper imported lumber reduced domestic demand, so many of the forests stayed standing and aged. Urban paving also lets settled pollen get stirred up again by wind, which keeps it in the air longer in big cities.

The government and local communities have worked on the issue for decades, including research, forest management and the planting of lower-pollen varieties of sugi. The Japan Weather Association issues a long-range forecast each autumn that compares the coming season to the average of the previous ten years, and pollen levels depend a lot on the preceding summer, when hot, sunny weather tends to lead to more pollen the next spring. Understanding this background makes the masks and eye drops feel less mysterious, and it explains why spring pollen news is such a seasonal ritual.

When Is the Pollen Season in Japan?

Cedar pollen usually begins to appear between late January and mid-February in western Japan and the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo. It typically peaks from the second half of March into the first half of April, then tapers off over several weeks. Hinoki pollen arrives about a month after cedar, so the whole season can feel long for sensitive people, stretching from late winter into late spring. As the weather warms, the season moves north and up to higher elevations, so northern areas see it later.

This timing overlaps with the cherry blossom season, which many travelers plan around. Do not let that put you off, because millions of people enjoy blossoms every year while managing pollen. Weather also plays a part: pollen counts tend to be higher on warm, dry, windy days and lower on rainy ones. Local weather forecasts, including those on television and websites, often include a pollen index so you can plan outdoor days accordingly.

How Can Travelers Cope With Pollen in Japan?

The most common local approach is a mix of masks, glasses and simple habits. Disposable pollen masks are sold everywhere, and wraparound glasses or goggles designed for pollen are available in drugstores. Brush off your jacket or coat before entering your hotel room, rinse your face and hair in the evening, and wash your hands often. Keeping windows closed and using the air conditioner's filter or an air purifier at your accommodation can also help, and some hotels offer one on request.

If you already take allergy medicine, bring it in its original packaging along with a copy of the prescription, and check the import rules first. According to the Embassy of Japan, some common over-the-counter products abroad contain ingredients such as pseudoephedrine that are prohibited in Japan. Pharmacies and drugstores sell a wide selection of allergy remedies, and pharmacists can recommend suitable products if you explain your symptoms, so it is easy to pick up what you need. If your symptoms are severe, see a clinic and ask your hotel front desk for the nearest one.

Where Can You Escape the Pollen?

Some areas have far less cedar pollen, which is why "hay fever relief vacations" are a recognized trend. Hokkaido and Okinawa are the most commonly mentioned low-pollen destinations. Okinawa has a warm spring with beaches and subtropical scenery, while Hokkaido sits far to the north, where the seasons arrive later and pollen is much lighter. Both are excellent options if you have a strong allergy and flexibility in your itinerary.

Within the main islands, city centers and coastal areas can feel gentler than forested hills on windy days, and a rainy day is a good time for museums, temples under cover or a long meal. If your dates are fixed, build rest into your plan: schedule outdoor views for mornings or after rain, and keep afternoons flexible. It is also worth remembering that not everyone is affected, and many visitors pass through the spring season with barely a sniffle.

Cherry blossom viewing, called hanami, is the highlight of many spring trips, and a few adjustments make it easier. Choose a park with plenty of open lawn and a breeze, bring a large scarf or a spare mask, and wash your face as soon as you return to your room. Consider keeping a few tissues, eye drops and a small bottle of water in your daypack so you can freshen up whenever needed. Spring is a season of festivals, flower markets and fresh seasonal sweets, and plenty of those can be enjoyed indoors or in covered areas on high-pollen days.

Quick Takeaways for Spring Visitors

Kafunsho is Japan's seasonal pollen allergy, caused mostly by sugi (cedar) and hinoki (cypress) trees, with cedar usually peaking from mid-March to early April. Pack a mask, protective glasses, your usual medicine and a small pack of tissues, and shower or rinse your face in the evening. Check the pollen forecast, enjoy blossoms on rainy or calmer days, and consider Hokkaido or Okinawa if you are very sensitive.

With a little preparation, spring remains one of the loveliest times to visit. The blossoms, fresh green hills and festive picnic mood are well worth the planning, and you will find the people around you cheerfully going through the same routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is pollen season in Japan?

Cedar pollen typically begins between late January and mid-February in the Tokyo area and western Japan, peaks from the second half of March into early April, and then fades over several weeks. Cypress pollen follows about a month behind, and northern regions see the season later.

Can I bring allergy medicine to Japan?

Often yes, in original packaging with a prescription copy, but some products containing pseudoephedrine or codeine are prohibited. Check the Embassy of Japan guidance before you fly. Japanese pharmacies also sell many allergy remedies, and pharmacists can suggest options.

Where in Japan has less pollen in spring?

Hokkaido and Okinawa are the places most often mentioned for low cedar pollen, and some Japanese residents even take hay fever relief vacations there. Rainy days also tend to bring lower pollen counts on the main islands.