5 Recommended Incense in Japan : Mindfulness and Relaxation Enhanced by Fragrance

Hi there, I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times! ╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯
The history of incense in Japan began with the introduction of Buddhism. Incense sticks and other incense products that let you enjoy traditional Japanese scents are very popular souvenirs among foreign visitors. In this article, I’ll introduce five recommended incense sticks from Japan, ranging from long-established brands to the latest unique offerings.

The History of Incense in Japan

Incense was introduced to Japan during the Asuka period, about 1,400 years ago. It is said to have arrived in Japan alongside Buddhism, which originated in India. Japan’s oldest historical text, the “Nihon Shoki”, records that “in 595, when a piece of driftwood that had washed ashore on Awaji Island was burned, a wonderful fragrance filled the air. The astonished islanders presented the driftwood to Empress Suiko.”

It is said that Prince Shotoku (one of Japan’s most famous historical figures, who laid the foundation for the nation’s political system) identified this driftwood as “Jinko (Agarwood),” a fragrant wood.
At Kareki Shrine on Awaji Island—the birthplace of incense in Japan—a massive piece of agarwood is enshrined as the object of worship.

By the Heian period (794–1185), incense had spread beyond religious use to become a pastime among the aristocracy.
It is said that “takimono”—the practice of burning incense made from “neriko” (pellets of compressed incense) to infuse rooms and clothing with fragrance—became very popular.

During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), the culture of appreciation flourished, giving rise to the art of incense (Kodo), which involves “listening to the scent”—that is, sharpening the senses, particularly the sense of smell, to perceive the profound depth of the fragrance.

Furthermore, during the Edo period (1603–1868), aromatic woods (such as agarwood and sandalwood) became more readily available, allowing even common people to enjoy incense. It is said that around this time, incense sticks began to be used for visiting graves and for daily offerings at Buddhist altars.

Today, incense is loved by people both in Japan and abroad not only for Buddhist ceremonies but also for a variety of other uses, such as aromatherapy and home fragrances.
So, let’s take a look at some recommended incense in Japan!

Recommended Incense in Japan

Koju (香十) / Kogu (香宮)

Founded in Kyoto in 1575, “Koju (香十)” is a long-established incense shop. It began as the “Okodokoro”—a court office responsible for blending and preparing incense for the imperial court and the shogunate—and is a historic specialty shop said to have supplied incense to the warlords Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The incense “Kogu (香宮)” went on sale on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at company-owned stores nationwide and online.
This product had been sold exclusively at the Ninenzaka store in Kyoto since 2016, and its name evokes the era when the Imperial Court’s Office of Incense was established in Kyoto and incense was presented to the Imperial Court.

The fragrance is based on the refreshing scent of “Keihi (cinnamon bark)”*1, a medicinal herb that has long been valued in traditional Chinese medicine, layered with the soft sweetness of “Ansokuko (benzoin)”*2, resulting in a scent full of elegance. These incense sticks are recommended for daily prayers or moments of quiet reflection.

*1: Cinnamon bark (Keihi): Also known as cinnamon, it has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a herbal remedy to warm the body and improve blood circulation. It is characterized by a refreshing, sweet, and spicy aroma.
*2: Benzoin (Ansokukou): A natural resin extracted from trees. It has been used since ancient times for incense and medicinal purposes and has a sweet, mellow scent. True to its name, it is cherished as a “scent that calms the mind.”

Gyokushodo (玉初堂) / QNOWA

“QNOWA,” an incense specialty store operated by Gyokushodo (玉初堂), a company founded in 1804 with over 200 years of history. The brand was born from a desire to cherish every single moment and convey the preciousness of “time” through scent.

The product line features three series: the “Moments” series, which captures fleeting moments through scent; the ‘Inspired’ series, featuring fragrances that evoke a sense of history; and the “Eternal” series, which makes generous use of rare natural aromatic woods from around the world. The appeal lies in being able to choose your favorite incense to suit your mood and lifestyle.

At the “QNOWA KITTE Osaka” store, which opened on July 31, 2024, you can sample the scents of incense using smelling strip. Why not discover the perfect scent for you in this space that blends tradition and modernity?

Nippon Kodo (日本香堂) / Kafu (花風)

With a history spanning approximately 450 years, Nippon Kodo is a leading Japanese manufacturer of incense. The company offers famous brands such as “Mainichi-ko” and “Seun.”
“Kafu (花風),” which captures “a transparent fragrance evoking the pure essence of flowers,” is the perfect gift loved by many. Its refreshing lingering scent and minimal smoke make it easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with incense.

There are two sets available. One includes four varieties: osmanthus, lavender, white plum blossom, and flowering tangerine; the other includes six: osmanthus, lavender, white plum blossom, iris, flowering tangerine, and carnation.
The six-scent set comes in a paulownia wood box, making it a perfect, uniquely Japanese gift!
Why not choose a scent just as you would choose flowers, depending on the season or your mood?

Baieido (梅栄堂) / KEITA MARUYAMA

Baieido is an incense and joss stick manufacturer with a 360-year history in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. Located in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture, Sakai City is known as one of Japan’s leading centers for joss stick production.
Sakai incense, often referred to as “artistic masterpieces of fragrance,” is a high-quality product designated as a traditional craft of Osaka Prefecture.

A collaboration package with the fashion brand “KEITA MARUYAMA,” launched by a long-established brand from Sakai, Osaka.
The lineup features three of Umeido’s signature products, representing its oldest trademarks: “Kokonoe-ko” (registered in 1903), “Kobunboku” (registered in 1921), and “Kaiun-ko” (registered in 1967). Each is available in a standard short size (approx. 13.5 cm long) and a mini size (approx. 9 cm long) packaged in a paper tube.

These incense sticks blend tradition with modernity, letting you enjoy a fragrance that has been loved for over 100 years in a stylish way. They also make a great decorative accent for your home!

▼Click here for the full article on Baieido × KEITA MARUYAMA

Kunjudo (薫寿堂) / HA KO

Headquartered in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, this long-established company “Kunjudo (薫寿堂)” has been in business for over 130 years. As mentioned in our history of incense, it is a leading manufacturer representing Awaji Island—the birthplace of incense and Japan’s top producer of incense sticks.

The company boasts an impressive lineup of over 100 products, including traditional incense sticks. At its showroom on Awaji Island, visitors can participate in hands-on workshops to make their own incense and incense sticks, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and souvenir shopping.

From Kunjudo (薫寿堂) comes a new line of paper incense called “HA KO.” These incense sticks feature a leaf motif and are made from Japanese washi paper, which is quite rare in Japan.
The popular “Black Line” series, relaunched in September 2025, offers five different scents and designs. Each features a generous blend of natural aromas tailored to specific purposes—such as “Sleep,” “Meditation,” “Relaxation,” “Awakening,” and “Focus”—combined with a functional, luxurious, and modern design.

This special set, presented in handcrafted copper tins, makes a perfect gift for someone special. Why not treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind paper incense?

Why not let the scents of Japan soothe you?

Whenever you stop by a temple anywhere in Japan, the scent of incense seems to drift in from nowhere. With a history spanning 1,400 years, it’s truly the “scent of Japan”—a fragrance cherished by the Japanese people and deeply rooted in their culture.
For those who want to experience Japanese culture and traditions, or for those looking for local crafts, incense makes the perfect souvenir.
Why not try purifying your space and your mind and body with the scent of incense, and experience the relaxing effects of mindfulness?