Allergy Treatment in Tokyo – English-Speaking Doctor

Allergy Treatment in Tokyo — English-Speaking Allergy Doctor

Allergies are one of the most common health issues affecting both residents and visitors in Japan. From the infamous spring cedar pollen season (kafunshō) that impacts tens of millions of people annually to year-round dust mite allergies, food sensitivities, and drug reactions, allergic conditions can significantly impact your quality of life. At Tokyo Hub Clinic, located inside Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F, Dr. Ichiro Kamoshita, M.D., Ph.D. provides comprehensive allergy evaluation and treatment in full English — no Japanese language skills required.

Last updated: March 2026. Content supervised by medical professionals at Tokyo Hub Clinic.

If you have recently moved to Japan and are experiencing new allergy symptoms for the first time, or if your existing allergies have worsened since arriving, you are not alone. Japan’s unique combination of cedar and cypress pollen, high humidity, and dense urban environments creates an allergy landscape that can catch newcomers off guard. Our clinic helps international patients understand, manage, and treat their allergies using the latest evidence-based approaches available in Japan.

Allergy Symptoms We Treat

Allergic reactions can manifest in many ways, affecting the nose, eyes, skin, lungs, and digestive system. You should consider an allergy consultation if you experience:

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy nose and palate, post-nasal drip
Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis): itchy, watery, red, or swollen eyes
Skin allergies: hives (urticaria), eczema flare-ups, contact dermatitis, itchy rashes
Asthma and respiratory allergies: wheezing, cough (especially at night), chest tightness, shortness of breath triggered by allergens
Food allergies: swelling, itching, abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea after eating specific foods
Drug allergies: reactions to medications including rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty
Insect sting allergies: excessive swelling, hives, or systemic reactions after bee or wasp stings
Chronic or unexplained symptoms: persistent cough, recurring skin issues, or ongoing nasal congestion that may have an allergic cause

Many patients who move to Japan develop allergy symptoms for the first time due to exposure to allergens not present in their home country. Japanese cedar (sugi) and Japanese cypress (hinoki) pollen are the primary culprits during spring, while ragweed and miscanthus affect some individuals in autumn.

How We Diagnose and Treat Allergies

Dr. Kamoshita takes a systematic, internal medicine-based approach to allergy diagnosis and management:

Detailed history taking: Understanding your symptom patterns — when they occur, what triggers them, their severity, and how they affect your daily life — is the foundation of allergy diagnosis. We also review your medical history, family history of allergies, and any medications you are currently taking.
Allergy blood testing (IgE): We can order specific IgE blood tests to identify your allergen sensitivities. Common panels include Japanese cedar, cypress, dust mites, mold, animal dander, and common food allergens. Results are typically available within a few days.
Medication therapy: Based on your diagnosis, Dr. Kamoshita will prescribe the most appropriate medications. Japan offers a wide range of antihistamines (many available only by prescription here, unlike in some countries), nasal corticosteroid sprays, eye drops, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and topical treatments for skin allergies.
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): For patients with confirmed cedar pollen or dust mite allergies, sublingual immunotherapy tablets are available in Japan. This long-term treatment can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over time. Dr. Kamoshita can determine whether you are a candidate and initiate therapy.
Lifestyle and environmental guidance: We provide practical advice on minimizing allergen exposure in Japan — from pollen masks and air purifiers to dietary modifications and home environment adjustments specific to Japanese housing.

Japan’s prescription antihistamines include several options that may not be available over-the-counter in your home country, often with fewer sedating side effects than older-generation medications. Dr. Kamoshita will help you find the right medication with the best balance of efficacy and side-effect profile.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Book your appointment: Call 03-6261-7070 or book online. Let us know if this is a new allergy concern or follow-up for an existing condition.
Arrive at Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F: Our clinic offers a clean, quiet, hotel-based environment — a welcome change from busy hospital allergy departments.
Consultation (15–30 minutes): Dr. Kamoshita will conduct a thorough evaluation, discuss your symptoms, and recommend testing if appropriate.
Blood draw (if needed): Allergy blood tests can be done on-site. Results are typically ready within 3–5 business days.
Treatment plan: You will leave with a clear diagnosis (or plan for further investigation), prescriptions, and practical advice for managing your allergies in Japan.
Follow-up: For chronic allergies or immunotherapy, regular follow-up visits ensure your treatment remains effective and is adjusted as needed.

Information for Expatriates and International Residents

Allergies present unique challenges for foreigners living in Japan:

New allergen exposure: Many expatriates develop hay fever for the first time after arriving in Japan, often from Japanese cedar pollen. If you have never had allergies before and suddenly experience symptoms every spring, cedar pollen allergy is the most likely cause.
Medication differences: Allergy medications available over-the-counter in the US, UK, or Europe (such as cetirizine or loratadine) are prescription-only in Japan. Conversely, Japan offers prescription antihistamines not available in Western countries. Dr. Kamoshita bridges this knowledge gap.
Food allergy labeling: Japan requires labeling of seven major allergens (wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, peanut, shrimp, crab) with recommended labeling for 21 additional items. We can provide guidance on reading Japanese food labels and navigating dining with food allergies.
Insurance coverage: Allergy consultations and blood tests are covered under NHI. Sublingual immunotherapy is also covered, making it a cost-effective long-term treatment option.
Complete English service: All consultations, test results, and prescriptions are explained in English. No Japanese required at any stage.

Insurance and Fees

Japan NHI / Shakai Hoken: Standard copay (typically 30%). Consultations, allergy blood tests, and prescriptions are covered.
International travel insurance: Documentation provided for reimbursement claims. Check with your insurer regarding direct billing.
Self-pay: First visit approximately ¥10,000–¥15,000; follow-up visits approximately ¥5,000–¥8,000. Allergy blood panels may add ¥3,000–¥8,000 depending on the number of allergens tested.

Cash and major credit cards accepted. Itemized receipts provided for all visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

I never had allergies before coming to Japan. Why am I suddenly symptomatic?

This is extremely common among expatriates. Japanese cedar (sugi) pollen is the most prevalent airborne allergen in Japan, and most people from other countries have no prior exposure or immunity. After one to two seasons of exposure, your immune system may become sensitized, triggering hay fever symptoms. A blood test can confirm whether cedar pollen is the cause.

When is pollen season in Japan?

Japanese cedar pollen typically peaks from mid-February through April, followed by Japanese cypress (hinoki) pollen from March through May. Autumn brings ragweed and miscanthus pollen from August through October. Dust mite allergies are year-round but tend to worsen during the humid summer months.

Can I buy antihistamines over the counter in Japan?

Some first-generation antihistamines are available at pharmacies without a prescription, but they tend to cause drowsiness. The more effective, non-sedating antihistamines commonly used in Western countries are prescription-only in Japan. Visiting our clinic allows you to access these superior medications through a proper prescription.

What is sublingual immunotherapy, and is it right for me?

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves placing a small tablet containing a tiny amount of allergen under your tongue daily. Over time (typically 3–5 years), this trains your immune system to tolerate the allergen, reducing symptoms significantly. In Japan, SLIT is approved for Japanese cedar pollen and dust mite allergies. Dr. Kamoshita can assess whether you are a candidate based on your test results and symptom severity.

Get Allergy Relief Today

Book an Appointment

03-6261-7070 · Hotel New Otani Garden Court 2F · Akasaka-mitsuke / Nagatacho Station
Appointment only · All consultations in English