Guide
Japan Cedar Pollen Season: Everything You Need to Know About Sugi
Published 24 April 2026
Late winter and spring in Japan bring one of the world's most intense pollen seasons. Japanese cedar (sugi) releases vast clouds of pollen from February through April, affecting millions of people across the country. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
The cedar tree has long held a place of reverence in many cultures since time immemorial. In Japan, the red cedar, known as “Sugi” (Cryptomeria japonica) is towering presence throughout the land, and it is the country’s national tree.
Part of the Cupressaceae family, and related to the sequoia tree, the Sugi can reach heights of up 70 meters and a diameter of up to 4 meters across its trunk!
Timber sourced from this tree is incredibly fragrant, resistant to weather and insects, and adaptable to many uses. It is planted extensively throughout the country, and though the tree species is much revered tree, it is also the source of great suffering for many Japanese.
The sugi cedar covers one fifth of the country’s forests, so when it starts releasing its pollen in February and running through to April hay fever sufferers across Japan recognize the tell-tale symptoms of itchy eyes and runny noses.
Pollen levels fluctuate from year-to-year, driven by the previous season’s rainfall and temperatures, which means that hotter climate change fuelled summers contribute to rising springtime pollen counts.
Coniferous trees release a surprising amount of pollen, and that pollen travels throughout the country, even into high density urban Tokyo, with the city’s architecture contributing to increased symptoms for city residents. Pollen blowing in from other parts of the country settles on building surfaces, and then mixes in the air to extend the exposure window.
Visitors to Tokyo may find themselves quickly reaching for tissue during kafunsho, or allergy season. Peak allergy season runs from February to April, and while short, the season can be quite brutal even for those who may not otherwise experience pollen allergy symptoms.
Check the resources section below for links to Japanese pollen forecasts, and review pollen information from airpollen.com as well.
Allergy sufferers should be sure to pack allergy medications, face masks, and eye drops. On days with severe pollen levels try to stay indoors, especially if your accommodation has air conditioning which helps to filter out pollen.
Resources
Japanese Pollen Forecast: Japanese Meteorological Society
airpollen.com provides this content for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition and you should always consult a healthcare provider about medical concerns.