If you’re new to Japanese incense, you may be wondering what makes it different from the incense sticks you’re already familiar with.

Japanese incense has a long and fascinating history, but you don’t need to be an incense expert to enjoy it. From fresh florals and calming sandalwood to rich aloeswood fragrances, there is a huge variety to discover.

One of the best-known names in Japanese incense is Nippon Kodo, with collections ranging from affordable everyday incense to beautifully presented premium fragrances.

So, what makes Japanese incense different, and which Nippon Kodo incense should you try first?

What is Japanese incense?

One of the first things you’ll notice about traditional Japanese incense is its appearance.

Unlike many Indian incense sticks, which are made around a bamboo core, traditional Japanese incense sticks generally do not have a bamboo stick running through the centre.

Instead, aromatic ingredients are blended with a binding material and formed into slender incense sticks. This can create a more delicate fragrance experience, with many Japanese incense varieties producing relatively little smoke.

If you are used to the stronger fragrance of Indian incense, Japanese incense can be an interesting alternative to explore.

Who are Nippon Kodo?

Nippon Kodo is one of the most recognised names in Japanese incense and produces an enormous variety of fragrances and collections.

At Incense Man, we stock a growing selection of Nippon Kodo Japanese incense, from affordable everyday fragrances through to more sophisticated ranges presented in beautiful wooden boxes.

The great thing about Nippon Kodo is that there isn't simply one “Nippon Kodo smell”. The collections can be very different from one another, making the brand an excellent introduction to the wider world of Japanese incense.

Does Japanese incense produce less smoke?

This is one of the most common questions people have when discovering Japanese incense.

Many traditional Japanese incense sticks are slender and don't contain the bamboo core commonly found in Indian-style incense. Several Nippon Kodo ranges are consequently known for producing relatively little smoke.

For example, the popular Morning Star range is made without a bamboo core and produces very little smoke.

Less visible smoke doesn't mean that you won't experience the fragrance. Japanese incense is often appreciated for the way its scent gently moves through a room rather than immediately overpowering the space.

Which Nippon Kodo incense is best for beginners?

There isn't one fragrance that will suit everybody, because scent is incredibly personal.

If you're completely new to Japanese incense, one of the easiest places to start is Nippon Kodo's Morning Star range.

Morning Star offers an affordable introduction to Japanese incense with lots of familiar fragrances. For something fresh, try Nippon Kodo Morning Star Green Tea, which has a refreshing green tea fragrance and produces very little smoke.

If you prefer floral fragrances, Nippon Kodo Morning Star Jasmine offers a richer floral aroma.

Looking for something modern? Try Scentsual

For a more contemporary take on Japanese incense, take a look at the Nippon Kodo Scentsual collection.

This colourful range includes distinctive fragrances such as Fresh Matcha, Bitter Pink Ginger, Sparkling Gold Yuzu, Calm Hinoki Mint, Brilliant Blue Lavender and Sweet White Sage.

It's a particularly good collection if you enjoy fresh, botanical or modern fragrances rather than heavier traditional incense aromas.

Moving up to Kayuragi

Once you've started exploring Japanese incense, you may want to experience something a little more luxurious.

The Nippon Kodo Kayuragi collection is beautifully presented in Paulownia wooden boxes and includes woody, floral and fruity fragrances.

If you love traditional woody fragrances, Kayuragi Sandalwood has a mild, soothing woody character.

For something clean and refreshing, Kayuragi Green Tea offers smooth green tea notes.

Another interesting choice is Kayuragi Japanese Cypress, also known as Hinoki, which combines delicate woody notes with touches of floral citrus.

What does Nippon Kodo incense smell like?

This is where exploring Nippon Kodo becomes really interesting.

Depending on the collection, you'll discover sandalwood, aloeswood, green tea, cherry blossom, lavender, rose, white peach, frankincense, Japanese cypress and many other fragrances.

There are light and contemporary fragrances as well as deeper, more traditional Japanese incense blends.

For those wanting to explore beyond the beginner ranges, the Nippon Kodo Oedo Koh collection is particularly interesting. Inspired by the atmosphere and culture of old Edo, the collection includes fragrances such as Aloeswood, Cherry Blossom, Peony Tree, Pine Tree and Water Drop.

How do you burn Japanese incense?

Japanese stick incense is very simple to use.

Light the tip of the incense stick and allow it to catch before gently blowing out the flame. The tip should continue to smoulder and release its fragrance.

Place the stick securely into a suitable incense holder with a heat-resistant surface underneath to collect the ash.

Rather than sitting directly beside the burning incense, try placing it a little further away and allowing the fragrance to drift naturally through the room. You may be surprised by how much more you notice the different layers of the scent.

As with all incense, never leave burning incense unattended and keep it away from children, pets and flammable materials.

Japanese incense vs Indian incense – what's the difference?

Although both are incense, the experience can be quite different.

Many Indian incense sticks use a bamboo core coated with aromatic materials. They often produce a stronger fragrance and more noticeable smoke.

Traditional Japanese incense generally doesn't contain a bamboo core and tends to be slimmer. The fragrance can feel softer and more subtle, with less smoke from many varieties.

There are exceptions, though. Nippon Kodo's Herb & Earth collection, for example, uses a thin bamboo core while still being designed to produce relatively low amounts of smoke.

So rather than thinking of one type as better than the other, think of them as two different ways to enjoy incense.

And if you're anything like us at Incense Man, there is absolutely no reason you can't enjoy both!

Which Nippon Kodo range should I choose?

If you're a beginner, start with Morning Star for an affordable introduction to Japanese incense.

For fresh and contemporary fragrances, explore Scentsual.

If you're looking for something more refined or perhaps a beautiful incense gift, Kayuragi is an excellent range to explore.

And if you're ready to venture further into the world of premium Japanese incense, look at collections such as Kohden and Oedo Koh.

The wonderful thing about Japanese incense is that there is always another fragrance to discover.

Discover Nippon Kodo Japanese Incense at Incense Man

Whether you're buying Japanese incense for the first time or you're already exploring sandalwood, aloeswood, Hinoki and more traditional fragrances, Nippon Kodo offers a huge variety to discover.

Don't worry about finding the “correct” Japanese incense. Fragrance is personal. Start with scents you already know you enjoy and gradually experiment with something different.

You might just discover a new favourite.

Explore our Nippon Kodo Japanese incense ranges at Incense Man and begin your journey into the fascinating world of Japanese fragrance.