Japanese incense has a longstanding history, dating back to many centuries ago when it first originated from China.
Japanese Incense
This was also around the same time that
Buddhism was introduced to
Japanese culture, of which incense formed an integral part and was often used in ceremonies, as many believed it had the power to purify the air.
Although it is said that incense has been around since Biblical times, it was only after it was officially introduced in Japan that it became popular amongst the Japanese people. Even samurai warriors would use it to perfume their armour in hope that it would protect them in their battles. However, only many years later did incense finally became recognised for its fragrance capabilities when people began using it in their homes.
Many are not aware of the fact that there is an actual practice dedicated solely to the appreciation of
Japanese incense. The ceremony itself was named ‘Kodo,’ meaning ‘way of the incense’, involved using all aspects of incense in a specific way. And although it may never have been practised on a large scale, it is still to this day considered to be a fine and difficult art to master. It is one of three classical Japanese arts of refinement, with the other two ceremonies surrounding the art of flower arranging and tea.
Essential Oils and Diffusers
The various fragrances of incense depend on the ingredients used in each individual stick. Popular fragrances include various fruity citrus and floral scents. Discover the true essence of
Japanese incense with a unique collection of beautifully scented
incense sticks and
traditional incense holders from
The Japanese Shop. We also have a wide selection of
room sprays,
essential oils and diffusers that can be placed in your home to create a wonderful fragrant atmosphere.
“Before living in Japan my experience with incense was virtually nil, but shortly after arriving in Osaka in June 1996 I quickly realised the importance and value of incense to Japanese people. Upon entering the Shinto shrines which are places of worship, I witnessed Japanese people burning incense to purify themselves and to ‘ask for help from the Gods’. Standing in these massive wooden architectural masterpieces, usually in Kyoto, with the delightful smell of incense constantly wafting around made a real impression upon me and whilst I am not religious I certainly appreciated and greatly respected the spirituality of this wonderful experience, which I can clearly remember to this day.
When Hiromi’s mother sadly passed away last year we burnt incense at home every day for the first 49 days after her passing. This is because the smoke from the incense creates a ‘path’ or ‘connection’ up to loved ones in heaven and shows them the way home. The better quality the incense, the longer it burns and the longer the connection is made” Jez
Japanese Room Spray
Customer Feedback Received 14th October 2011
"Japanese incense are the finest in the world. They specialise in particular, lightness and delicacy. Being just shy of 80mm long, the burn time is round about 15 min. The bonus is that the scent lingers long after burning. If you prefer incense with no wood or spice or sandalwood, look no further. This is the orchard experience. And what a fine experience." - Po
