Is there a pollen season in Japan?

Learn when cedar and cypress pollen are in the air in Japan, why masks are so common in spring, and how visitors can plan around it.

Published October 21, 2026 at 8:37 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Yes. Japan has a well-known spring pollen season caused mainly by cedar (sugi) and cypress (hinoki) trees, generally running from about February to April, with timing that varies by region and year. Many residents wear masks and use eye protection during this period. Visitors with hay fever may want to plan ahead and talk with a doctor before traveling.

What the pollen season is

In Japan, hay fever is known as kafunsho, which means pollen allergy. The main cause is pollen from sugi (Japanese cedar) and hinoki (Japanese cypress), two native trees that are widely grown in forests across the country. Reference sources describe sugi as extensively used in forestry plantations in Japan, and name its pollen, together with hinoki pollen, as a major cause of hay fever.

The Ministry of the Environment runs a pollen information hub that publishes separate dispersal forecasts for cedar, cypress and the two combined. The page links to regional pollen listings that appear during the spring season, which is commonly described as running from about February to April. That window is a general guide, not a fixed schedule.

Forests of sugi and hinoki cover large areas of Japan's mountains, which is why the pollen reaches towns and cities as well as the countryside. The ministry also runs an annual survey of cedar male flower buds, which helps experts judge how much pollen to expect in the coming season.

When it starts and when it peaks

Cedar pollen tends to come first, often beginning in late winter, with cypress following afterward. The exact start, peak and end differ between warm southern regions and colder northern ones, and from one year to the next depending on weather. A mild winter followed by sunny, windy spring days can raise the amount of pollen in the air.

Because of these differences, a trip planned for mid-February to April can overlap with the season in much of Honshu, the main island. Hokkaido and other northern areas may see pollen at different times, and the amount varies. Check the national and local pollen forecasts, which the ministry links from its pollen page, for the dates closest to your travel.

Pollen counts also change within a single day. Dry, windy and warm afternoons often carry more pollen, while rainy days tend to bring relief. The forecasts that the ministry links include maps and ranges for the coming days, so visitors can choose outdoor plans accordingly.

What visitors will notice

Many people in Japan wear masks during the pollen season, together with glasses or goggles for the eyes. Pharmacies and drugstores commonly stock products aimed at seasonal allergies. Television weather reports may include a pollen forecast, with simple icons for how much pollen is expected.

For visitors, this means the same masks and routines are visible on trains and in shopping streets. Wearing a mask in this period is not unusual and no one will think twice. Tourists who do not have allergies may feel nothing at all, while those who do may notice itchy eyes, sneezing or a runny nose in parks, forests and mountain areas.

Visitors who are curious can simply watch the forecast icons on television or phone screens, which are easy to read even without Japanese. In hotels, staff may offer extra tissues or advice on where to find a pharmacy if asked, since many guests deal with seasonal symptoms.

Health and preparation

Allergic reactions differ from person to person, so general advice has limits. The Ministry of the Environment publishes a leaflet on pollen allergy countermeasures and a health manual covering pollen basics and prevention. Visitors with known pollen allergies may want to speak with a doctor before the trip about what to bring and how to manage symptoms.

Medicines available in other countries may differ in strength or ingredients from those sold in Japan, and some are restricted for import, so check the customs and health ministry rules before bringing any. This guide shares general information, not professional advice; for health concerns, talk with a doctor or local clinic.

Families traveling with children can ask a pediatrician about plans before leaving home, and older travelers may do the same with their doctor. Keeping a note of any allergy information in English and, if possible, in Japanese can also make a visit to a pharmacy or clinic easier.

Planning around the season

Travelers who are sensitive can choose a different month, such as late spring or autumn, or favor destinations and days with less exposure. City centers still have pollen, but forested hills and mountain trails near cedar plantations may have more. Cherry blossom season overlaps with the end of the pollen season, so many spring visitors encounter both.

Practical steps include checking the forecast each morning, carrying tissues, wearing sunglasses or glasses outdoors, showering and washing hair after long outdoor days, and keeping hotel windows closed on windy days. Indoor activities such as museums are good options on high-pollen days.

Because the season is limited to a few months, travelers who must visit in spring can build in flexibility. Having an indoor option for each day, such as an aquarium, a museum or a department store, means a high-pollen forecast does not spoil the plan.

Common misunderstandings

One misunderstanding is that Japan has pollen all year. The cedar and cypress season is concentrated in spring, though other plants can affect sensitive people at other times. Another is that masks are only for illness. In Japan they are also a common everyday tool for pollen, cold weather and politeness when someone has a cold.

Some visitors assume that tourists will not be affected. People with no allergy at home can still react to unfamiliar pollen, and those with allergies at home might find the experience milder or stronger. If symptoms become troublesome, a local clinic or pharmacy can help, and staff at hotels can point to nearby options.

Practical next steps

Before booking spring travel, look at the Ministry of the Environment pollen page and local forecasts, decide whether to adjust dates, and pack according to personal needs. Keep a small supply of tissues and eye protection, and read any medicine rules before bringing them across the border.

Details change each year, so confirm current forecasts and rules on official pages. This guide shares general information, not professional advice; for health concerns, talk with a doctor or local clinic. When in doubt, ask accommodation staff for the nearest clinic or pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which months are worst for pollen in Japan?

The season is commonly described as running from about February to April, with cedar usually first and cypress after. Timing and intensity vary by region and year, so check forecasts closest to the travel dates.

Do travelers need to wear a mask during the pollen season?

No rule requires it. Many residents choose masks and eye protection during the season, and visitors with allergies can do the same if they find it helpful. People without symptoms may not need anything special.

Where can visitors check pollen forecasts?

The Ministry of the Environment pollen page links to forecasts for cedar, cypress and combined pollen, and to local information for prefectures and major cities. Television weather reports often add a pollen note. The pages are mainly in Japanese, so ask accommodation staff if help is needed.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese for Your First Trip is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Why do people wear face masks in Japan?, Where can I buy medicine at a pharmacy in Japan? and Fever at Home in Japan: Cooling Sheets, Medicine and When to Call.