Is This You?
\n\n\n\nYou arrived in Tokyo feeling great — but now your eyes won’t stop itching and watering. You’re sneezing every few minutes, and nothing you brought from home is helping. Maybe it’s the opposite problem: after an amazing dinner in Shinjuku, red, raised welts appeared across your chest. Or perhaps you woke up in your ryokan with a mysterious rash on your arms that wasn’t there yesterday. You’re unsure whether to tough it out, hunt for medicine in a Japanese pharmacy, or find a doctor who speaks your language. Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and we can help.
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What Could Be Causing Your Symptoms?
\n\n\n\nTokyo presents a unique mix of allergy triggers that many visitors have never encountered before. Here are the most common causes we see at our clinic:
\n\n\n\nHay Fever (花粉症 / Kafunshō)
\n\n\n\nJapan is one of the world’s worst countries for hay fever. Roughly 40% of the Japanese population suffers from it. The primary culprit is Japanese cedar pollen (スギ / sugi), which blankets the country from February through April. Cypress pollen (ヒノキ / hinoki) follows from March to May. Foreign residents typically develop symptoms after about four years of exposure, but even short-term tourists can be affected during peak pollen counts — especially if you already have allergies at home. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
\n\n\n\nFood Allergies
\n\n\n\nJapanese cuisine introduces ingredients that many Western visitors rarely encounter. Japan officially recognizes seven major allergens (特定原材料): wheat, buckwheat (soba), egg, milk, peanuts, shrimp, and crab. Buckwheat (そば / soba) is a particularly common hidden trigger — it’s used in noodles, crackers, and even some teas. Sesame is another increasingly recognized allergen. Symptoms can range from mild hives to severe anaphylaxis.
\n\n\n\nHives (蕁麻疹 / Jinmashin)
\n\n\n\nHives — raised, itchy, red welts on the skin — can appear suddenly and spread rapidly. In Tokyo, common triggers include unfamiliar foods, sudden temperature changes (stepping between the intense summer heat and air-conditioned interiors), and travel-related stress.
\n\n\n\nInsect Bites
\n\n\n\nSummer in Tokyo brings aggressive mosquitoes, and staying in traditional tatami-floored ryokans can expose you to dust mites (ダニ / dani). Reactions can be more intense if your body isn’t used to these species.
\n\n\n\nContact Dermatitis & Other Causes
\n\n\n\nHot-spring (onsen) minerals, unfamiliar cosmetics, intense summer UV exposure, and even reactions to Japanese over-the-counter medications can all trigger rashes, itching, or skin irritation.
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What You Can Do Right Now: Pharmacy First Aid
\n\n\n\nJapanese pharmacies (ドラッグストア) carry effective over-the-counter medications. Here’s what to look for — we’ve included the Japanese names so you can show them to the pharmacist:
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- For hay fever: Allegra FX (アレグラFX) or Alesion (アレジオン) — no prescription required. These are second-generation antihistamines that cause less drowsiness. \n\n\n\n
- For itchy skin / insect bites: Muhi (ムヒ) or Mentholatum (メンソレータム) — topical anti-itch creams available at any drugstore. \n\n\n\n
- For hives: Restamin (レスタミン) — an oral antihistamine. Note: this is a first-generation antihistamine and may cause drowsiness. \n\n\n\n
- Pollen protection gear: Masks and pollen-blocking glasses (花粉メガネ) are widely available and socially normal to wear in Japan. \n\n\n\n
- Cold compress: Apply a cold, damp towel or cooling sheet (冷えピタ / Hie-Pita) to intensely itchy areas for temporary relief. \n\n
Tip: Look for the green cross sign (薬) outside pharmacies. Major chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Pharmacy, and Welcia usually have English-labeled sections.
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When Should You See a Doctor?
\n\n\n\nMild — Monitor at Home
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- Mild itching in a small area \n\n\n\n
- A single small insect bite with minor swelling \n\n\n\n
- Slight sneezing or runny nose that responds to OTC antihistamines \n\n
Moderate — Visit Our Clinic
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- Hives or rash spreading across a large area of your body \n\n\n\n
- Hay fever symptoms that don’t improve with OTC medications \n\n\n\n
- A rash that appeared after eating — possible food allergy \n\n\n\n
- Unexplained rash lasting more than 3 days \n\n
Severe — Call Us (Japan’s Emergency Number) Immediately
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- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat (possible anaphylaxis) \n\n\n\n
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing after eating or insect sting \n\n\n\n
- Dizziness or fainting combined with hives \n\n
Important: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone near you shows these signs, call us immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
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What to Expect at Our Clinic
\n\n\n\nWe’ve designed our process to be simple and stress-free for international patients:
\n\n\n\nStep 1: Contact Us
\n\n\n\nReach out via WhatsApp on WhatsApp or walk in directly. No Japanese required — our staff will respond in English, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese.
\n\n\n\nStep 2: Visit the Clinic
\n\n\n\nWe’re located 1 minute on foot from Asakusa Station. Open every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. Bring your passport and travel insurance documents if you have them.
\n\n\n\nStep 3: Consultation in English
\n\n\n\nOur doctor will take your medical history, examine your skin or symptoms, and discuss possible triggers — all in English. We’ll ask about your recent activities, meals, and any medications you’re currently taking.
\n\n\n\nStep 4: Treatment & Documentation
\n\n\n\nDepending on your condition, we may prescribe antihistamines, topical steroids, or other medications — often stronger and more targeted than what’s available over the counter. We also provide an English-language medical certificate for your insurance claim. The entire visit typically takes 30–45 minutes.
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Travel Insurance & Payment
\n\n\n\nOur all-inclusive consultation fee is ¥55,000 (tax included). This covers the doctor’s consultation, prescription, basic procedures, and an English medical certificate — everything in one transparent price with no surprise charges.
\n\n\n\nMost international travel insurance policies cover allergy-related medical visits. We provide all the documentation you need to submit a claim when you return home, including a detailed medical certificate and itemized receipt. Be sure to bring your insurance policy number and the insurer’s contact details to your appointment. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers your visit, our staff can help you check before treatment begins.
\n\n\n\nWe accept cash (Japanese yen) and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
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A Visitor’s Guide to Hay Fever in Japan
\n\n\n\nIf you’re visiting Japan between February and May, you should know about kafunshō (花粉症) — Japan’s infamous hay-fever season. Japan is one of the world’s worst-affected countries, with approximately 40% of the population suffering from pollen allergies. Here’s what you need to know:
\n\n\n\nPollen Season Calendar
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- February – April: Japanese cedar (スギ / sugi) — the biggest trigger, responsible for the majority of cases \n\n\n\n
- March – May: Japanese cypress (ヒノキ / hinoki) — overlaps with cedar season, compounding symptoms \n\n\n\n
- August – October: Ragweed (ブタクサ / butakusa) — a lesser-known autumn season \n\n
Check the Pollen Forecast
\n\n\n\nJapanese weather services publish daily pollen-count forecasts. The website tenki.jp offers pollen maps with color-coded severity levels. While the site is primarily in Japanese, the visual maps are intuitive — red means high, yellow means moderate. You can also search “Tokyo pollen count today” in English for up-to-date information from English-language sources.
\n\n\n\nPractical Tips for Surviving Pollen Season
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- Wear a mask: Completely normal in Japan. Any convenience store or pharmacy stocks disposable masks. \n\n\n\n
- Wash your face and change clothes when you return to your hotel after being outdoors. \n\n\n\n
- Keep windows closed in your hotel room during peak pollen hours (late morning to early afternoon). \n\n\n\n
- Pollen-blocking glasses (花粉メガネ) are available at pharmacies and 100-yen shops for around ¥500–¥1,500. \n\n
“I Never Had Allergies Before Coming to Japan”
\n\n\n\nThis is something we hear frequently. Many visitors and expats experience their first-ever allergy symptoms after arriving in Japan. The combination of extremely high pollen concentrations and species you’ve never been exposed to can trigger a new sensitization. Prescription-strength medications are significantly more effective than OTC options — if pharmacy antihistamines aren’t cutting it, a visit to our clinic can make a real difference in your comfort level for the rest of your trip.
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Understanding Food Allergy Labels in Japan
\n\n\n\nJapan has strict food labeling laws — but they apply differently depending on where you eat.
\n\n\n\nPackaged Foods: Labels Are Required
\n\n\n\nUnder the Food Labeling Act (食品表示法), all packaged foods sold in Japan must clearly list the seven designated allergens: wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, peanuts, shrimp, and crab. An additional 21 items (including soy, sesame, cashew, and walnut) are recommended but not mandatory. These labels are written in Japanese — look for the word アレルギー (allergy) on the packaging, or scan the ingredient list with a translation app.
\n\n\n\nRestaurants: No Labeling Requirement
\n\n\n\nImportant: Japanese restaurants are not legally required to display allergen information on their menus. Some chain restaurants voluntarily provide allergen charts, but many smaller establishments — including izakayas, ramen shops, and street-food stalls — do not. Cross-contamination is also common in busy kitchens.
\n\n\n\nUse an Allergy Card
\n\n\n\nThe most effective strategy is to carry a printed allergy card in Japanese that lists your specific allergens. Show it to your server before ordering. Free downloadable templates are available online — search “Japanese allergy card” and print one before your trip. Our clinic can also provide an English–Japanese allergy certificate with your confirmed allergens, which you can present at restaurants for the duration of your stay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nI’ve never had hay fever before, but I’m sneezing constantly since arriving in Tokyo. Could this be pollen allergy?
\nYes, this is very common. Japan’s cedar and cypress pollen concentrations are among the highest in the world, and exposure to a new pollen species can trigger symptoms even if you’ve never had allergies before. We can evaluate your symptoms, prescribe effective medication, and help you enjoy the rest of your trip. Many patients feel significantly better within 24 hours of starting treatment.
\nCan you test me for food allergies?
\nWe can perform a clinical evaluation based on your symptoms and dietary history to identify likely triggers. For comprehensive allergy testing (such as blood-based IgE panels), we can arrange a referral to an affiliated laboratory. Results are typically available within a few days. We also provide an English-language allergy certificate documenting your confirmed allergens, which is useful for both restaurants and future medical visits.
\nHives have spread across my entire body. Should I come in right away?
\nIf the hives are only on your skin — itchy, raised welts but no difficulty breathing, no swelling of your lips/tongue/throat, and no dizziness — you should visit our clinic as soon as possible, but it is not a life-threatening emergency. We can prescribe stronger antihistamines and, if needed, a short course of oral steroids to bring the reaction under control. However, if you experience any throat tightness, breathing difficulty, or dizziness alongside the hives, call us (Japan’s emergency number) immediately — this may be anaphylaxis.
\nCan you prescribe an EpiPen?
\nIn Japan, epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen) are available by prescription but are subject to specific regulations. If you have a documented history of anaphylaxis, please bring your existing prescription or medical records. We can evaluate your situation and, if clinically appropriate, prescribe an EpiPen or arrange a referral to an allergy specialist who can. If you already carry an EpiPen from your home country, it is legal to bring it into Japan for personal use.
\nHow much does a visit cost?
\nOur all-inclusive consultation fee is ¥55,000 (tax included). This covers the doctor’s consultation, examination, prescription medications, basic procedures, and an English-language medical certificate for your insurance claim. There are no hidden fees. Most travel insurance policies will reimburse this cost — we provide all the paperwork you need to file a claim.
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Get Relief Today
\n\n\n\nDon’t let allergies, rashes, or itching ruin your time in Tokyo. SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa provides fast, English-speaking medical care — no appointment necessary.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation: 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, open every day (year-round)
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Fee: ¥55,000 all-inclusive (tax included)
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Related Pages
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- Skin Rash & Dermatology \n\n\n\n
- Cold & Flu Treatment in Tokyo \n\n\n\n
- Stomach Pain & Digestive Issues \n\n\n\n
- Travel Insurance Guide \n\n\n\n
- About SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa \n\n