Katrina Rosales
Incense is an ancient practice, dating back to biblical times in the Middle East and as far back as the 8th century in Japan. Nippon Kodo, one of the world's leading incense manufacturers, has been producing high-quality Japanese incense since 1575. With a long cultural history of fragrance, Nippon Kodo screens a wide variety of raw materials and selects valuable scented woods, aromatic spices, and herbal medicines to create their unique fragrances. If you're looking to purchase incense directly from Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind, including shipping fees, agent fees, and taxes. Some popular websites to order incense directly from Japan include shoyeido.jp, japanincense.com, and kikohincense.com.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Websites | Rakuten Japan, Kihara, Amazon Japan, Buyee, ZenMarket, nipponkodostore.com, kikohincense.com, monasterystore.org |
| Shipping | Some businesses include the shipping fee in the buying price, while others offer free shipping after a certain spending amount or for specific incenses |
| Payment | Credit card, PayPal, and other options, some of which are only available to residents of Japan |
| Registration | Requires a Blackship address |
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What You'll Learn
Registering with Rakuten Japan
To register with Rakuten Japan, follow the steps below:
Firstly, it is important to note that Rakuten is a Japanese online shopping service, similar to Amazon. You can make purchases on Rakuten without registering, but registering as a free member has its benefits. As a member, you will be able to collect "Rakuten points", which is a point system issued and managed by the company. You will also not have to enter your address and name every time you make a purchase.
To register, start by navigating to the Rakuten Market registration screen. Here, you can change the language to English or Chinese. Next, decide on an email address and user ID and password required for login. You can choose to use your email address as your user ID or create a separate ID. You will also need to enter your name. After entering this information, click "Agree" and "Next Step" to continue. You will then see a confirmation page with a column to receive notifications for the "Newsletter for Rakuten Members". You can choose whether or not to receive these notifications.
Once you have registered with Rakuten, you will need to supply them with your address to ship your purchases to. Note that any emails you receive during the registration process or after placing an order will likely be in Japanese.
If you are an international seller looking to register with Rakuten to sell your products, you will need to sign a contract with service partners approved by Rakuten if you do not have a Japanese entity. These third-party partners will help you set up your store on Rakuten and provide operational support. Once you have passed the screening stages, you can access the Rakuten Merchant Server (RMS) and register your items, upload your company's information, set your return and shipping policy, and create your storefront. A Shop Open Adviser will be available to support you with the set-up. After your store is live, an E-Commerce Consultant (ECC) will be assigned to help you drive sales and maximise your store's performance.
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Using an agent like ZenMarket
To use ZenMarket, you can register for an account on their website. Once registered, you can browse the supported Japanese shops and select the incense products you wish to purchase. ZenMarket will provide you with a Japanese shipping address to use during the checkout process. This address ensures that your items are delivered to ZenMarket's warehouse.
One advantage of using ZenMarket is that they offer free storage for your purchases for a certain period, such as 45 days as mentioned in a user comment. This allows you to consolidate your orders and pay only once for international shipping, potentially saving you money. Additionally, you can take advantage of their live bidding feature on auction sites to get the best deals.
When shopping with ZenMarket, keep in mind that you may need to factor in various costs, including shipping (both internal and international), agent fees, and any taxes applicable in your country. Some shops may include the shipping fee in the buying price, so be sure to check the seller's details carefully. Payment options may vary, but credit cards and PayPal are commonly accepted. Emails and order-related correspondence may be primarily in Japanese, so consider using translation tools if needed.
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Payment options
When ordering incense directly from Japan, you will typically encounter a variety of payment options offered by different retailers. Here is an overview of the commonly available payment methods and some considerations for each:
Credit Card: This is often the most convenient and widely accepted payment method for international purchases. Major credit card companies like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are commonly accepted on Japanese shopping sites. Ensure your card details are up to date, and the card has sufficient funds or credit limit to cover your purchase. Also, check with your card issuer about any foreign transaction fees that may apply.
PayPal: PayPal is another popular choice for international transactions and is accepted by many Japanese online stores. With PayPal, you can link your credit card or bank account to make payments. PayPal offers buyer protection, which can provide added security when ordering from overseas. Note that you may need to create a PayPal account if you don't already have one.
Bank Transfer: Some Japanese retailers may offer the option of a direct bank transfer from your account to theirs. This method can be secure and cost-effective, especially for larger purchases. However, bank transfers may take several days to process, and you will need to carefully follow the instructions provided by the retailer to ensure the payment is correctly routed and identified.
Cash on Delivery (COD): COD is a less common option for international purchases but may be offered by some specialized retailers. With COD, you pay for the goods in cash when they are delivered to your address. This method can be useful if you are unsure about prepaying for your order but be aware that not all shipping carriers or delivery services may support COD for international shipments.
Retailer-Specific Methods: Certain Japanese retailers may offer their own payment platforms or partner with local payment gateways. These methods are usually safe and secure but may require additional steps for registration or verification. Always check the reputation of the retailer and the payment platform before proceeding, especially if it is your first time using that particular method.
Gift Cards and Prepaid Cards: In some cases, you may be able to use gift cards or prepaid cards to make purchases from Japanese websites. These can be a good option if you want to set a specific budget for your incense purchases. However, ensure that the gift card or prepaid card you choose is valid for international transactions and can be used with Japanese merchants.
Always review the payment options provided by the specific Japanese retailer you are ordering from, as the availability of methods can vary. It is beneficial to have a range of payment options at your disposal, especially when dealing with international transactions, to ensure a smooth and secure purchasing experience.
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Shipping fees
When ordering incense straight from Japan, it's important to consider the shipping fees involved, as they can vary depending on the carrier and the shipping method chosen. Here's a detailed guide on what to expect in terms of shipping fees when ordering incense directly from Japan.
When shipping from Japan, you may come across terms like "EMS" or "registered mail." EMS (Express Mail Service) is a fast international delivery service offered by postal operators, providing an accelerated delivery option for an additional fee. Registered mail, on the other hand, provides added security by requiring a signature upon delivery and keeping a record of the shipment's journey. This option may also incur an extra charge.
To give you an idea, Japan Post, a well-known carrier in Japan, offers a forwarding service that provides end-user delivery and cross-border business services. They tailor their services to your needs and offer worldwide shipping. However, specific incense shops in Japan may have exclusive partnerships with particular carriers, so be sure to review their chosen shipping methods and associated fees.
Some online stores in Japan may offer free shipping within the country, but when it comes to international shipping, you can expect to pay a considerable amount. The cost will depend on the size and weight of your incense order, with larger or heavier packages attracting higher fees. Additionally, some carriers may offer different shipping options, such as standard or expedited delivery, each with its own price point.
It's worth noting that certain carriers or online shops may have restrictions on shipping incense due to its flammable nature. In such cases, you may need to explore alternative shipping methods or carriers that specialize in handling such items. These alternatives may come with specific guidelines and potentially higher shipping fees.
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Incense assortment packs
To order incense straight from Japan, you can use websites such as Rakuten Japan, Kihara, Amazon Japan, or Buyee. These websites offer a variety of Japanese incense products, including assortment packs. It is important to note that you may need to use a forwarding service, such as Blackship, to ship your purchases internationally.
When it comes to incense assortment packs, there are several options available from Japan:
Asayu Japan Incense Sticks Assortment
This assortment pack offers 5 natural fragrances in a 20g sampler variety pack. The incense is 100% made in Japan and is designed for yoga, Zen meditation, and relaxation. The fragrances include sandalwood and frankincense. The same brand also offers a floral fragrance assortment.
Japanese Flowers Incense Gift Box by Bokksu
This incense assortment is crafted with natural essential oils extracted from flowers and seeds, offering a delicate and natural fragrance. The incense sticks are made without colouring agents, resulting in naturally white ash.
Nagomikobo Kyoto Agarwood Incense Sticks
These incense sticks offer the aroma of a Japanese temple, ideal for relaxation and meditation. The premium-quality incense is approximately 60 sticks and can be used for spiritual and home use.
When ordering incense assortment packs from Japan, be sure to check the shipping fees and any applicable taxes or agent fees. Some businesses may include shipping in the buying price, while others may offer free shipping for orders over a certain amount. It is also important to note that some payment options may only be available to residents of Japan.
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Frequently asked questions
You can order incense directly from Japan through websites such as Rakuten Japan, Kihara, Amazon Japan, Buyee, and ZenMarket. You will need to register with these websites and provide a Blackship address for shipping.
You will need to account for the cost of the incense, shipping (internal and international), agent fees, and any taxes in your country. Some businesses may include the shipping fee in the buying price or offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount.
Payment methods depend on the business you are ordering from. Common payment methods include credit card and PayPal, but some options are only available to people living in Japan.
