Hay Fever in Japan Next Spring May Be Worse Than Ever

Hanami or Hanamizu? Forecasts say hay fever in Japan next year is set to be among the worst ever experienced.

By Himari Semans

Spending your spring in Japan next year? Be prepared for having a runny nose and itchy eyes. Forecasts say more hay fever-inducing pollen will be in the air in most regions. Read here to learn where the danger zones are, how to avoid getting sick, and where you can get away from hay fever.

Kafunsho Increases of Over 100%

On September 28th, the Japan Weather Association, or Nihon Kishō Kyōkai (日本気象協会), released its first forecast for this coming spring’s pollen count.

In contrast to 2023, Tohoku and Hokkaido regions can expect more pollen in the upcoming spring while areas below will likely have similar levels of pollen, according to the latest report.

Hokkaido’s pollen count will be a whopping 630% higher than the previous year for white birch pollen.

Luckily, most people are not allergic to white birch pollen. The most common cause of hay fever is pollen from cedar and cypress, which are the types found dominantly in regions outside of Hokkaido.