Lance Carson
Japanese incense is more than just a way to make your home smell nice. It involves special customs and an appreciation ceremony called kōdō, which translates to 'way of incense'. With a long cultural history of fragrance, Japanese incense is usually made from sandalwood and agarwood, which are unique to Japanese incense. Nippon Kodo, one of Japan's most famous incense producers, offers incense with unique fragrances using traditional and modern techniques. Their Morning Star incense sticks, for example, have been a best-selling product since the 1960s. Other popular Japanese incense brands include Shoyeido, Baikundo, and Kungyo Kodo. When choosing Japanese incense, it's important to consider factors such as fragrance, burn time, and value for money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Nippon Kodo, Shoyeido, Kikoh Incense, Kungyo Kodo, Baikundo |
| History | Since 1575, since 1705, over 400 years, over 420 years |
| Scents | Aloeswood, sandalwood, rose, green tea, wisteria, narcissus, mikan orange, cherry blossom, Japanese cypress, Shiko Shu, Uji Matcha |
| Burn time | 25 minutes |
| Use | Daily, meditation, relaxation, stress reduction, yoga, bathing |
| Price | $15 |
| Customer review | "Heavenly scent", "not too heavy or smoky", "good quality", "burns a decent time", "short", "overpriced", "delicate", "no messy ash", "pure aromatic, therapeutic goodness" |
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What You'll Learn
Nippon Kodo's sandalwood and aloeswood incense
Nippon Kodo has been producing Japanese incense since 1575. They use raw materials such as scented woods, aromatic spices, and herbal medicines, which are sourced from around the world. Their incense is made from natural aromatic materials, with skills passed down over 400 years, combined with modern perfumery techniques.
Nippon Kodo offers a wide variety of fragrances, including aloeswood and sandalwood. Aloeswood is sourced from a limited area of Southeast Asia, centred on Vietnam. The wood is white, light, and odourless, but over time, its unique characteristics bring forth a fragrant aroma. Kyara is considered the most refined form of aloeswood, with a pure and elegant aroma that differs from tree to tree.
Sandalwood, or "Byakudan" in Japanese, has been valued for centuries for its fragrance, woodworking qualities, and medicinal properties. The bark of the sandalwood tree is ashy white, and its scent is described as creamy and intriguing.
Nippon Kodo's aloeswood incense comes in boxes of 45 or 60 sticks, while their sandalwood incense is available in a long stick format with 100 sticks per box. While their incense sticks are thinner and shorter than average, each stick burns for 25 minutes, filling the room with a unique fragrance.
Nippon Kodo's incense has received mixed reviews. Some appreciate the variety of fragrances and the attractive packaging, while others criticise the quality and consider it more mass-produced and generic. However, their incense offers an affordable and accessible option for those looking to explore the world of Japanese incense.
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Shoyeido's sandalwood and cinnamon incense
Shoyeido is a Japanese incense company based in Kyoto, with a history dating back to 1705. The company uses aromatic woods and medicinal plants to create refined and proficient blends. One of their most popular products is the Shoyeido Sandalwood incense, which comes in a pack of 35. This fragrance is described as earthy, pure, and uplifting.
While some customers have given positive reviews of the product, others have expressed disappointment in the wood content, claiming that it is not pure sandalwood and lacks a core, making it fragile. Some have compared the scent more closely to cinnamon or vanilla.
Shoyeido also offers a daily incense 8-bundle assortment, which includes fragrances like "Golden Pavilion," a blend of sandalwood, patchouli, and cinnamon, inspired by the Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto. "Kyoto Autumn Leaves" is another blend in this assortment, featuring cinnamon and sandalwood, capturing the beauty of autumn in Kyoto's Arashiyama district.
Shoyeido's "Eternal Treasure" is a traditional and well-known recipe, over 100 years old, that includes sandalwood, clove, and cinnamon. The company also offers a "Five Hills" fragrance, inspired by the five legendary mountains surrounding Kyoto, which blends cloves with Indian sandalwood.
Overall, Shoyeido's incense offerings provide a range of options for those seeking traditional Japanese fragrances, with a focus on the warm, earthy, and sweet notes of sandalwood and cinnamon.
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Kunmeido Reiryokoh's traditional incense
Kunmeido Reiryokoh is a traditional Japanese incense with a sweet and spicy fragrance. It is filled with natural spices, including clove, fenugreek, patchouli, turmeric, and borneol, blended into a sandalwood base. The incense is well-known for its use at the "Temple of Eternal Peace", founded in 1244 by Zen Master Dogen. Kunmeido Reiryokoh has a strong traditional character and is perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere, making it suitable for morning and evening use.
Kunmeido has also released Shin Tokusen Reiryokoh, a new version of the classic Reiryokoh recipe. This variation adds specially selected traditional natural ingredients to a blend of premium sandalwood and aloeswood. The resulting fragrance is described as "reverently traditional, moving, and powerful," with a long-lasting mellow after-note.
Kunmeido Reiryokoh incense sticks are available for purchase online through Kikoh Incense LLC, with free shipping on orders over $75 to the continental US.
Other popular Japanese incense brands include Nippon Kodo and Shoyeido. Nippon Kodo offers a wide variety of scents, including rose, green tea, wisteria, narcissus, cherry blossom, and Japanese cypress, among others. Shoyeido, based in Kyoto, uses aromatic woods and medicinal plants in their incense, with a history dating back to the Hoei era in Japan.
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Popular Japanese incense fragrances
Japanese incense is more than just a way to make your home smell nice. It involves special customs and an appreciation ceremony called kōdō, which translates to 'way of incense'.
One of Japan's most famous incense producers is Nippon Kodo, which has a history that dates back more than 400 years. They create products with unique fragrances using traditional and modern techniques. Their Morning Star incense sticks have been a best-selling product since the 1960s. Their range of incense fragrances includes rose, green tea, aloeswood, wisteria, narcissus, mikan orange, cherry blossom, and Japanese cypress. Nippon Kodo's Kyara incense series is another popular choice, with fragrances such as Ka-fuh, Kongo, and Momoyama.
Shoyeido, another popular Japanese incense company, has been making incense in Kyoto since 1705. They primarily use aromatic woods and medicinal plants to create their fragrances. Their Tamayura series is a low-smoke incense line with gentle scents ranging from bright to traditional profiles.
For those looking to experience Japanese incense for the first time, Kikoh Incense LLC recommends starting with Minorien Byakudan Fu-In Sandalwood. This high-quality sandalwood incense is often found in Japanese incense and is known for its tantalizing sweet, soft, and refreshing fragrance. Another popular fragrance blend is Suzaku by Gyokushodo, which is a graceful, spicy, and traditional scent that is perfect for daily use.
Kunmeido Reiryokoh is another traditional Japanese incense blend that focuses on earthy aromatic ingredients such as clove or patchouli within a wood base. Their signature fragrance, Reiryokoh, is well known for its use at Daihonzan Eiheiji, the "Temple of Eternal Peace".
When it comes to Japanese incense, there is a wide range of fragrances to choose from, each offering a unique sensory experience.
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Incense burners and holders
When it comes to incense burners and holders, there are a variety of options to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some options for incense burners and holders to consider:
Traditional Japanese Incense Burners:
These burners, also known as "koh-ro" in Japanese, have a long history in Japanese art and culture. They are often decorative and functional at the same time. Traditional Japanese incense burners can be made from various materials, such as ceramic, brass, or cast iron, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. They come in different designs, such as square shapes or crane-inspired motifs, adding a touch of elegance to your space.
Nippon Kodo Incense Holders:
Nippon Kodo offers a range of incense holders, including the Crane Incense Holder, the Yume-no-Yume Incense Holder, and the Togei Incense Holder. Their holders are known for their unique designs, colours, and sizes, catering to different styles and preferences. Made with high-quality materials like ceramic and brass, these holders are built to last. Nippon Kodo also offers incense plates, such as the Yukari Incense Plate and the Togei Incense Plate, providing a stable base for your incense sticks.
Shoyeido Japanese Incense Burners:
Shoyeido, a renowned Japanese incense company, offers a range of incense burners alongside their incense products. They pride themselves on using aromatic woods and medicinal plants to create refined fragrances. Shoyeido's burners are designed to enhance the incense experience, blending tradition and innovation. Their burners are known for their aesthetic appeal and functionality, providing a delightful sensory journey.
Ceramic Incense Holders:
Ceramic incense holders, such as those offered by Asayu Japan, provide a stylish and functional option. These holders are crafted from high-quality ceramic, ensuring durability. They are designed with a bowl and burner stand to securely hold your incense sticks, creating a peaceful atmosphere for yoga or meditation practices. Ceramic holders often feature unique designs and colours, making them a beautiful addition to your space.
When choosing an incense burner or holder, consider factors such as material, design, durability, and how well it complements your style and intended use. Whether you opt for traditional Japanese burners, modern ceramic holders, or the convenient options provided by incense brands like Nippon Kodo and Shoyeido, always prioritise safety and follow the proper guidelines for incense burning.
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Frequently asked questions
Sandalwood is common in Japanese incense and is a good starting point. Nippon Kodo's Kayuragi series includes sandalwood fragrances, as well as Japanese floral and fruity fragrances. Nippon Kodo has a history of over 400 years and is one of Japan's most famous incense producers.
Nippon Kodo's Morning Star incense sticks are ideal for daily use and have been a best-selling product since the 1960s. The fragrance is a blend of floral essences and fragrant wood, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere for meditation and yoga.
Kungyo Kodo, Japan's oldest incense supplier, offers a range of fragrances inspired by the scenery of Kyoto. Their Uji Matcha incense has a rich earthy scent of matcha from Japan's premium green tea region.
Shoyeido's Tamayura is a low-smoke incense series featuring gentle scents with bright and traditional profiles. Their blends use aromatic woods and medicinal plants, combining tradition with innovation.
