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Surviving Japan’s Pollen Season: The Best Hay Fever Goods You Can Buy at Drugstores

Spring in Japan is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms. But for many people, spring means one thing: Sneezing.

Actually, spring arrives quite fast here. In Japan, we mark the beginning of the season in early February with an event called "Setsubun" (節分). Indeed, it is still really cold, but that is the culture of Japan—spring starts on the calendar, and so does the pollen!

If you have arrived in Japan and suddenly feel like you have a never-ending cold—runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing—you might not be sick. You likely have "Kafunsho" (花粉症), or Hay Fever.

Why is it so bad here? Especially in the Kanto region, like Yokohama and Saitama, there are a lot of "Sugi" (Japanese Cedar) trees. Because of Japan's forestry culture, cedar pollen is very strong here. Even if you are from the US or another part of the world and never had allergies before, it is natural to develop Hay Fever in Japan.

But don't worry. Here are the best Hay Fever countermeasures you can buy at drugstores (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi).

1. Global Brands for Peace of Mind

You will see shelves of boxes, but look for familiar names.

• Allegra and Claritin: These global brands are available in Japan. They are easy to get and effective for daily use.

2. The "Invisible Mask" Spray

• IHADA Aller Screen: This is a really good spray for your face. It creates a barrier to block pollen. It’s like an invisible mask!

3. Eye Wash (Eyebon)

• Eyebon (アイボン): This might look scary at first, but it feels amazing! It flushes out your eyes and is very refreshing.

4. Japanese Lotion Tissues

• Hana Celeb (鼻セレブ): Look for the boxes with a white seal or rabbit face. These are Japanese "lotion tissues." They are incredibly moisturizing and feel so good when blowing your runny nose.

Conclusion The pollen season in Japan can be tough, but with the right tools, you can enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Stay healthy and enjoy the good season!