Best Japanese Incense of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Japanese incense is a traditional form of aromatherapy that has been used for centuries in Japan. Made from natural ingredients like sandalwood, cinnamon, and clove, these incense sticks offer a subtle and calming fragrance that can help create a relaxing atmosphere in any space. Unlike other types of incense, Japanese incense is crafted with great care and attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality product that burns slowly and evenly. Whether you're looking to enhance your meditation practice or simply enjoy the soothing scent of incense, Japanese incense is a must-try for anyone interested in natural and holistic wellness practices.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks Cover #TOP 1
nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Set Cover #TOP 2
Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kyoto Sandalwood Incense Sticks by Nagomikobo Cover #TOP 3
Kyoto Sandalwood Incense Sticks by Nagomikobo
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Japanese Incense

nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks

38405
nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks Cover
nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Sandalwood, Japanese Quality Incense

Experience a pure and clean burning scent with nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks. Each stick burns for about 25 minutes and comes with an incense holder in a pack of 40. The absence of bamboo core ensures a genuine aroma. The dimensions of the sticks are 1 3/16" X 6 5/16" X 15/16".

What We Like
Pure and clean burning scent
No bamboo core for genuine aroma
Comes with an incense holder

Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Set

Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Set Cover
nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Set of 3 Scents (Sandalwood, Aloeswood and Japanese Cypress) 40 Sticks in Each Scent

The Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Set includes three scents: Sandalwood, Aloeswood, and Japanese Cypress, with 40 sticks and a mini ceramic holder in each box. The incense has a mild woody note, rich and deep fragrance, and refreshing scent respectively. The burn time is approximate 25 minutes per stick, and it is suitable for meditation, relaxation, stress reduction, massaging, reading, yoga, and bathing. Additionally, the incense is clean burning, pure scent, and has no bamboo core.

What We Like
Includes three different scents
Clean burning, pure scent
Suitable for various activities such as meditation, relaxation, and yoga
#TOP 3

Kyoto Sandalwood Incense Sticks by Nagomikobo

なごみ工房
senko-yd0088
Brown
Kyoto Sandalwood Incense Sticks by Nagomikobo Cover
Kyoto Sandalwood Incense Sticks - Japanese Temple Aroma, Ideal for Relaxation & Meditation, Approx. 60 Sticks (0.044 Pounds) - Premium Quality Incense for Spiritual & Home Use Nagomikobo from Japan

Experience tranquility with Nagomikobo Sandalwood Incense. Each pack offers 60 premium quality sticks made in Japan, ensuring authentic craftsmanship. Enjoy a soothing burn time of approximately 25 minutes per stick, allowing you to relax and unwind. The calming aroma helps reduce stress, creating a peaceful environment perfect for meditation or spiritual practices. Additionally, this incense purifies the air, enhancing your focus and uplifting your mood, making it an ideal choice for both home use and spiritual rituals.

What We Like
Calming aroma
Long burn time
Purifies air
Enhances focus
Great for meditation
#TOP 4

Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Aloeswood

8541862227
Blue
Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Aloeswood Cover
nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Aloeswood, Japanese Quality Incense

Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Aloeswood by NIPPON KODO is a high-quality Japanese incense that offers a pure and clean burning experience. Each stick burns for approximately 25 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the soothing scent for an extended period of time. The set includes 40 sticks and an incense holder, providing everything you need for a complete incense experience. With no bamboo core, you can enjoy a fragrance that is free from any unwanted scents or impurities. The dimensions of the incense sticks are 1 3/16" X 6 5/16" X 15/16", making them the perfect size for easy handling and burning. Elevate your relaxation and create a tranquil atmosphere with the Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Aloeswood.

What We Like
Long-lasting burn time
Includes incense holder
Clean burning with no bamboo core
#TOP 5

Nippon Kodo Morning Star Sandalwood Incense

4.75 Inches
Nippon Kodo Morning Star Sandalwood Incense Cover
Nippon Kodo - Morning Star - Sandalwood 200 Sticks

Nippon Kodo Morning Star Sandalwood Incense is a high-quality traditional Japanese incense that is perfect for enhancing tranquility and serenity. Made with Sandalwood, each stick burns for approximately 25 minutes, making it a great addition to any meditation or relaxation practice.

What We Like
High-quality incense
Traditional Japanese style
Enhances tranquility and serenity
Burns for approximately 25 minutes per stick
#TOP 6

nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Collection - Japan Classics Bundle 40x5

nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Collection - Japan Classics Bundle 40x5 Cover
nippon kodo Kayuragi Incense Collection - Japan Classics Bundle 40x5 - Floral and Aromatic Wood Scents for Relaxation, Meditation, Prayer, Reading, Yoga - Clean Burning, Pure Scent

nippon kodo Incense Bundle is an ideal gift for those who love incense. This variety pack includes five boxes of Japanese classic scents: Cherry Blossom, Aloeswood, Sandalwood, Japanese Cypress, and Green Tea. Each box contains 40 sticks and a mini ceramic burner. The incense sticks are perfect for daily use, such as meditation, relaxation, stress reduction, massaging, reading, yoga, and bathing. They burn cleanly and have a pure scent with no bamboo core. Each stick can burn for approximately 25 minutes. The elegant and beautiful packaging makes it an ideal gift for friends and family.

What We Like
Five classic scents
Clean burning
Pure scent

Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks

かゆらぎ 桜
ホワイト
Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks Cover
Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks - Cherry Blossom, Japanese Quality Incense

The Nippon Kodo Kayuragi Incense Sticks feature a burn time of approximately 25 minutes and come with 40 sticks and an incense holder. The clean-burning, pure scent is achieved through the absence of a bamboo core. The sticks measure 1 3/16" X 6 5/16" X 15/16", making them a convenient size for use.

What We Like
Long burn time of approximately 25 minutes
Clean-burning, pure scent due to lack of bamboo core
Comes with 40 sticks and an incense holder
#TOP 8

Asayu Japan Natural Incense Sampler

Asayu Japan
BK-VARIETY5-SAHSF
Asayu Japan Natural Incense Sampler Cover
Asayu Japan Natural Incense Sticks Sampler Assortment, Set of 5 (Sandalwood, Agarwood, Cypress, White Sage, Frankincense), No Bamboo Core, Made in Japan Wood Incense Variety Pack for Morning & Evening

The Asayu Japan Incense Set features five distinct scents—Sandalwood, Agarwood, Cypress, White Sage, and Frankincense—crafted entirely from natural materials in Japan. Each stick burns for approximately 25 minutes, allowing you to enjoy a calming atmosphere during your morning or evening rituals. With no chemical additives, these low-smoke incense sticks provide a pure, woody aroma reminiscent of traditional Japanese temples. This assortment not only serves as a delightful gift for loved ones but also enhances your personal space, creating a serene environment for relaxation and meditation.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Long burn time
Variety of scents
Thoughtful gift option
#TOP 9

Mainichi KOH Sandalwood Incense Sticks

10801_SML
70 g (1er Pack)
Mainichi KOH Sandalwood Incense Sticks Cover
Mainichi KOH Sandalwood Incense Sticks 70g

Mainichi KOH Incense is a beloved choice among Japanese incense enthusiasts since 1912. With a generous 70g package, you can enjoy the soothing scent of sandalwood in your home. This daily incense is perfect for creating a calming atmosphere, whether you're meditating or simply unwinding after a long day. Its long-lasting fragrance fills your space with warmth and tranquility, making it an ideal companion for relaxation. Plus, it’s easy to use, allowing you to incorporate aromatic moments into your daily routine effortlessly.

What We Like
Long-lasting fragrance
Ideal for relaxation
Easy to use
Rich sandalwood scent
#TOP 10

Nippon Kodo Cypress Hinoki Incense

27412
Brown
Nippon Kodo Cypress Hinoki Incense Cover
Kafuh - Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) 120 Sticks

This product is an incense with a brown color, specifically the Nippon Kodo 27412 Ka-Fuh Cypress Hinoki 120. It belongs to the Incense category.

What We Like
Long-lasting fragrance
Made with natural ingredients
Creates a relaxing atmosphere
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is different about Japanese incense?

Japanese incense is distinct from non-Japanese incense as it is crafted from pure rolled incense, while non-Japanese incense is made from rolled wood and accelerants. Japanese incense is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional craftsmanship.

2. What is Japanese rose incense used for?

Japanese rose incense is versatile and can be used for various purposes. It is perfect for everyday use, weddings, events, aromatherapy, spa sessions, Reiki, meditation, and creating a pleasant atmosphere in the bathroom. It promotes confidence, optimism, and cheerfulness.

3. Why is Japanese incense better?

Japanese incense stands out due to its traditional use of fragrant woods like Agarwood or Sandalwood. These woods secrete a resin that gives Japanese incense its unique aroma. The craftsmanship and choice of high-quality ingredients make Japanese incense highly regarded and preferred by many.

4. Is Japanese incense better than Indian incense?

Japanese incense and Indian incense have different characteristics. Japanese incense, known as Koh-do or 'listening to incense', does not contain a bamboo core, resulting in a subtler and less potent scent compared to Indian varieties. The subtlety of Japanese incense is highly appreciated by enthusiasts.

5. Which incense is best for spiritual cleansing?

There are several incenses that are commonly used for spiritual cleansing. Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Frankincense are popular choices. Patchouli has a long history of use in spiritual ceremonies, while Sandalwood is considered sacred and has diverse uses, including as incense. Frankincense is also highly regarded for its spiritual cleansing properties.

Editor's Notes

During our japanese incense research, we found 24 japanese incense products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 45,699 customer reviews through our big data system to write the japanese incense list. We found that most customers choose japanese incense with an average price of $16.51.

The japanese incense are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of japanese incense, including nippon kodo, Asayu Japan. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 152 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.