Some visitors to Japan will soon be breathing a sigh of relief. Literally.

Spring in Japan is beautiful, but comes with high pollen levels.

Visitors will see locals wearing masks, as hayfever has become a real issue in Japan.

Some have described it as a “national crisis”, with estimates of up to 43 per cent of the population suffering medium-to-severe symptoms.

Osaka International Clinic advises visitors: “By understanding hayfever symptoms and taking preventive measures — such as wearing masks, practising proper hygiene, and using available medications — you can reduce discomfort during your trip.”

And the clinic is a good place to remember for health-related help (osaka-international-clinic.org).

Hayfever is, of course, driven by all the pollen — particularly from the vast forests of hinoki and sugi forests which cover about a fifth of Japan (10 million hectares).

Because of World War II shortages, forests were denuded for fuel, and these two species dominated in replanting and reafforestation.

But both (one a cedar and the other a cypress) produce large amounts of lightweight pollen, which easily drifts on the wind.

Travellers susceptible to hayfever who are thinking of a future cherry blossom trip might remember that, though April is one of the most popular seasons to visit Japan, as cherry blossoms hit full bloom across cities like Kyoto and Osaka, the pollen count can be very high.

Though locals say the season is getting earlier, it can last through May.

Cedar pollen dispersion can begin in early February in Kyushu and Tokai — and more broadly by mid-February.

In Hokuriku to Tohoku, it is expected between late February and mid-March.

Some parts of eastern and northern Japan have had higher levels of pollen than in 2025.