Japan is known for its breathtaking seasons. Spring brings soft pink cherry blossoms, while autumn fills the streets with golden and red leaves. For many people, this seasonal beauty is one of the biggest dreams of living in Japan. But for me, those same seasons have also come with something I was not prepared for at all: severe seasonal allergies (kafunsho / hay fever).
What looks peaceful and beautiful on the outside can sometimes feel completely different when you are the one experiencing it every day.
This is my honest experience living in Japan with allergies, especially during spring and fall, and how it has shaped my daily life.
Spring in Japan: Beautiful but Difficult on my body due to allergies
Spring in Japan is one of the most famous seasons in the world. Cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom everywhere, parks fill with people having picnics, and the weather finally becomes warm after winter.
It looks perfect.
But spring is also the beginning of pollen season in Japan, especially from cedar and cypress trees. For many people, including myself, this is when symptoms begin to appear strongly.
Instead of simply enjoying the season, I often experience constant sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing and throat irritation, head pressure, fatigue that builds throughout the day, and difficulty breathing comfortably.
Some days, even something as simple as stepping outside or opening a window can trigger symptoms immediately.
The hardest part is that life continues as normal. Work, errands, and responsibilities don’t pause just because your body is struggling.
Fall in Japan: The Unexpected Second Allergy Season
Many people think allergies in Japan only happen in spring. I thought the same before living here.
But autumn has also been surprisingly difficult.
Fall in Japan is incredibly beautiful. The air becomes cooler, the leaves change color, and the atmosphere feels calm and peaceful. It’s one of the best times to be outside.
However, for me, it often comes with another wave of allergy symptoms such as sneezing fits, congestion, throat irritation, tiredness, and general discomfort.
It creates a strange contrast — being surrounded by stunning autumn scenery while your body is not feeling its best.
Instead of fully enjoying the season, I often have to focus on managing how I feel physically.
Living on Medication During Certain Seasons
One of the biggest adjustments I had to make in Japan is relying on allergy medication during spring and fall.
It is not something occasional. During peak seasons, it becomes part of daily life.
Medication helps, but it doesn’t always remove all symptoms. It simply makes it possible to function more normally.
This affects more than just the body. It also influences energy levels, sleep quality, focus and productivity, motivation, and outdoor plans and social activities.
There are days when even speaking clearly or concentrating for long periods feels harder than usual.
Summer and Winter: The Seasons of Relief
Interestingly, not all seasons affect me the same way.
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but it often brings relief from allergy symptoms. I can breathe more easily and move through daily life without constant discomfort.
Winter is cold and dry, but it is also one of the calmest periods for my allergies.
These two seasons feel like a reset — a break from the intensity of spring and fall.
It made me realize how deeply seasonal allergies can shape your experience of living in a country with four distinct seasons.
What Nobody Tells You About Japan’s Seasons
Before moving to Japan, I heard a lot about cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, clean cities, efficient transportation, and amazing food and culture.
But I rarely heard people talk about how intense seasonal allergies (kafunsho) can be for some residents.
Japan’s natural environment is beautiful, but it also means exposure to high levels of pollen during certain times of the year.
For some people, it is mild. For others, it can significantly affect daily life, health, and emotional well-being.
It’s one of those realities you only fully understand once you live here long-term.
I had to go for a medical checkup at a clinic to consult with an allergiest. He confirmed I had it in my blood and should be away from Cedar trees and Orchard grass. I had to equally avoid eating watermelon and similar fruits.
Click here to read more articles about living in Japan.
Living Abroad and Listening to Your Body
Living in Japan with allergies has taught me something important: moving abroad is not just a cultural adjustment — it is also a physical one.
Your body reacts to new environments in ways you may not expect. Climate, air quality, pollen, stress, and lifestyle changes all play a role in how you feel.
At times, this experience has been frustrating. But it has also taught me to pay closer attention to my health and adapt more intentionally to my environment.
More About My Life in Japan
I also share videos on my channel about moving abroad to Japan, daily life experiences, and what it is really like living here as a foreigner. If you are curious about life in Japan beyond the travel photos, you can find more of my experiences there.
FAQ: Japan Allergies (Kafunsho)
What is kafunsho? Kafunsho is the Japanese term for seasonal allergies, mainly caused by pollen from cedar and cypress trees. It is especially common in spring.
Which seasons are worst for allergies in Japan? For many people, spring is the most intense, but fall can also trigger symptoms depending on the individual.
Can you live in Japan with severe allergies? Yes, but many people rely on medication and lifestyle adjustments during high-pollen seasons.
Do allergies improve in summer and winter? For many people, yes. Summer and winter often bring relief compared to spring and fall.
Is kafunsho common in Japan? Yes, millions of people in Japan experience seasonal allergies every year.
Final Thoughts
Japan remains a beautiful and meaningful place to live, but my experience has shown me that beauty and struggle can exist at the same time.
Behind the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, there can also be discomfort, adjustment, and learning how to take care of your health in a new environment.
Living in Japan with allergies has been challenging — but it has also made me more aware of my body, my limits, and the importance of self-care while living abroad.
Read here for more details about how to handle this seasonal allergic situation if you come to Japan.
