The best perfumes, incense and spices

Smell memory is the recall of a past moment, place or person through the use of smell alone. There are a few smells that instantly sum up my life in Tokyo: the lingering aroma of dashi soup mixes with the aroma of toasted bread at 6 a.m., filling the morning air in Nakameguro as commuters rush to work. As night falls beneath the tracks, the faint glow of izakaya lanterns fills the air with red, and exhaust fans blow out the rich umami flavors of slow-cooked tonkatsu and soy sauce. These smells tell the story not just of food, but of daily life, atmosphere and culture. Read on to discover an aromatic journey through Japan, where fragrances open the door to different landscapes, capturing the spirit of the country and evoking memories of its unique, alluring essence.

Japan’s best perfume

Kitawa

In 2018, Japan launched its first high-end perfume house and entered the world of luxury perfume. KitawaJoin the ranks of renowned brands such as Aesop, Diptyque and Le Labo. Rooted in tradition yet infused with contemporary style, Kitowa draws inspiration from the earth, fusing the natural essential oils of traditional Japanese woods with the elegance of fine perfume. Behind Kitowa is Nippon Kodo, a 450-year-old company originally founded in Kyoto to make incense burners for the imperial family. Designed to relax the wearer, Kitowa provides the wearer with a sensory experience in tune with the natural beauty of Japanese forests.

Kitowa’s Eau de Parfum is crafted with sugar cane alcohol to provide a traditional fragrance experience with natural ingredients. For those who are sensitive to the smell of alcohol, Kitowa’s most popular range, Eau Éclosion, offers an alcohol-free, water-based alternative for a gentle yet long-lasting experience. The brand’s signature scented hinoki (Japanese cypress) cypress oil is sourced from Mie Prefecture, home to Japan’s most sacred shrine, Ise Jingu. This fragrance transports you to the spiritual center of Ise City, where 125 shrines host over 1,500 rituals each year to pray for peace, good harvests and prosperity. Inspired by the hinoki wood used to craft sacred shrines in Japan, Kitowa is designed to evoke a mystical scent that encourages wearers to embrace their curiosity, resilience and sense of purpose.

What stands out to me is water hatch cedarmade from a blend of Japanese cedar ( wait Fragrance name), sandalwood and cedarwood oils. It opens with a bright, fruity aroma reminiscent of fresh semi-sweet pineapple. The opening cuts through the air with refreshing clarity, Brings back memories of enjoying a crisp green papaya salad on a hot summer day. As it falls on the skin, the scent evolves and woody notes appear. You’ll be able to smell the core of the tree, reminiscent of a carpenter’s workshop warm in the winter, with solid Japanese cedar walls providing craftsmen with a shield from the cold.

The fragrance settles into a deep woody base with aquatic undertones and a hint of sweetness in its complexity; it’s almost undetectable, but search and you’ll find it. The floral notes remain in the background, seamlessly supporting and completing the overall composition until the final dry down, where the jasmine subtly steps forward.

Classified as a unisex style, the Eau Éclosion Sugi is particularly suitable for those who wish to express their masculinity with a touch of sensitivity. Sugi has long-lasting, close-to-skin projection; it’s never overpowering, making Sugi a non-invasive, versatile choice for fragrance lovers.

Comfortable

Jiuzhou perfume brand Comfortable Drawing inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, culture and history to create its iconic 9KOS collection. Each fragrance in 9KOS uses locally sourced ingredients to reflect the uniqueness of Kyushu, from the cinnamon-citrus notes of Nagasaki Mandarin to the plum blossoms of Dazaifu, Fukuoka, to the fragrant sweet potatoes of Kagoshima. Available in candles, diffusers and room sprays, 9KOS offers an evocative way to experience Kyushu, making the collection the perfect souvenir for travelers who want to relive the experience of the region, or for those who long Offer meaningful gifts to visitors on tour.

9KOS Diffuser – Hinoki Cypress and Volcano from Kumamoto Aso The sound is close to the heart, evoking precious childhood memories of the family’s trip to Kyushu. The smell is reminiscent of the warmth of staying at traditional ryokan inns in the area, including Mt. Aso. Located in Kumamoto Prefecture, this active volcano still dominates the landscape with its vast crater formed more than 270,000 years ago. Although access to the crater is sometimes restricted due to volcanic activity, visitors can immerse themselves in vast, open grasslands and breathe in the fresh air – a sensory experience reflected in the essence of the fragrance. 9KOS Diffuser – Hinoki & Volcano is formulated with Hinoki essential oil to deliver a delicate woody scent with a lovely subtle smokiness reminiscent of standing on volcanic rocks. The balanced composition of this diffuser is gentle yet unique, making it perfect for smaller spaces where its presence won’t feel too overwhelming. The fragrance’s understated elegance creates a sophisticated atmosphere, making it an excellent fall and winter room fragrance.

Gong Yutang

Kogyokudo is located in front of Nishi Honganji Temple and was built in 1594. It was originally the apothecary of the temple. Ono Riemon, the founder of Kogyokudo, has been passionate about aromatic woods throughout his life and devoted himself to the study of agarwood and incense, laying the foundation for the brand’s legacy as an incense merchant. The company has supplied incense to temples across the country for more than 420 years; Kung Fu Tang has been committed to creating fragrances that capture the essence of each era, retaining tradition while evolving to create scents that complement contemporary life.

For those who want to experience the essence of Kyoto, Kogyokudo’s incense sample packs offer a selection of scents that blend tradition and modernity. per pack Zhizi tree and look at him Featuring six different fragrances, cleverly divided by color, to enhance your sensory journey while evoking the spirit of Kyoto’s iconic locations and cultural treasures.

Gong Yutang’s Fairy Gion Maiko Incense captures the nostalgic quality of Kyoto’s Gion district, transporting you to a place full of tradition and charm. Inspired by the Maiko, whose apprentices drifted down the cobblestone streets leaving behind a soft, sweet scent, this fragrance is a nod to the past rather than to the bustling neighborhoods of today. Powdery notes – reminiscent of Oithe white foundation applied to the maiko’s face and neck, wrapped in a syrupy, fruity sweetness, captures the vibrant, youthful spirit of the Gion maiko.

No introduction to the Gong Yu Tang Incense Collection would be complete without mentioning Senko Uji Matchaone of its most popular fragrance characteristics. This matcha green fragrance has unique sweet and herbal notes with subtle maple undertones. The complexity of Senko Uji Matcha evokes the feeling of standing in a tea field after a fresh rain, where the moist earth and crisp air hint at the arrival of autumn or the quiet approach of winter. This scent will bring you a moment of peace, immersing you in the tranquil embrace of nature, as if you were nestled in the mountains under a soft overcast sky.

Last minute souvenir buyers can visit Kōgyokudo KITTE Marunouchi Storeconveniently located next to Tokyo Station, offers a variety of fragrant gift options. The store’s knowledgeable staff will light a small sample of any incense you’re interested in and help you curate your own personalized scent box.

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