Itching Beauty
The lovely pink splendor of Japan’s famed sakura (cherry blossom) season is popular with tourists. But, as we all know, beauty comes with pain. Itching eyes, sneezing, and wheezing are just a few of the symptoms associated with attractiveness. Spring in Japan isn’t only about breathtaking natural beauty; it’s also a time when people become afflicted with allergies.
“Kafunsho,” meaning pollen sickness) is used to describe Japanese hay fever. Air pollution triggers Japan’s seasonal hay fever, primarily emanating from two local trees known as sugi and hinoki. The tree called sugi (Japanese cedar) and the tree known as hinoki (Japanese cypress) are both responsible for this season’s pollen production. So, if you intend on visiting Japan during springtime, be prepared to bring your allergy medication with you.