Shoyeido – Traditional Japanese Incense from Kyoto Since 1705 (72)
Shoyeido Japanese incense embodies more than three centuries of family craftsmanship. Founded in Kyoto in 1705, the Hata family continues to combine traditional recipes passed down from the imperial court with natural ingredients — sandalwood, agarwood, spices and resins — to create fragrances of remarkable depth and subtlety.
Shoyeido: Japanese and international versions
Some Shoyeido incense varieties are available in two distinct versions: one intended for the Japanese market and an international version distributed, among others, by Shoyeido USA. Although they share the same name, their formulations and fragrance profiles may differ noticeably. The colour of the incense sticks may also vary.
This distinction applies to several traditional fragrances, including Hakuun (White Cloud), Kyo Nishiki (Kyoto Autumn Leaves), Kyo-Zakura (Kyoto Cherry Blossoms) and Nokiba (Moss Garden). To help you find the version you know and enjoy, we clearly identify the relevant products as either the Japanese version or the international version.
Four Japanese incense collections, from everyday favourites to exceptional creations
Shoyeido offers incense for different preferences and occasions. Explore four of the house's principal collections:
Daily Incense Series – Traditional incense for everyday enjoyment The collection that has introduced generations of incense enthusiasts to Shoyeido. Nokiba, Kyo-Nishiki, Haku-un and other fragrances offer classic Kyoto compositions in accessible formats, with warm, woody aromas deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. Particularly suited to meditation and everyday moments of relaxation.
Overtones Series – Natural ingredients take centre stage A contemporary collection highlighting a single principal aromatic ingredient: sandalwood, frankincense, vanilla, cinnamon or Palo Santo. Each fragrance reflects Shoyeido's distinctive Japanese approach, bringing refinement to familiar scents.
Aesthetics Series – Low-smoke incense for peaceful surroundings Madoka, Honoka, Kasumi and Oboro: four incense varieties designed to produce very little smoke, making them particularly suitable for contemporary interiors and quiet moments. Subtle, elegant fragrances that gently perfume living spaces.
Premium Series – Japanese incense craftsmanship at its finest Handmade in Kyoto using high-quality agarwood and precious sandalwood, Matsu-no-Tomo, Misho, Kyo-Jiman and Oja-Koh offer exceptional aromatic depth, complexity and lingering fragrance. Distinguished incense creations for connoisseurs and special occasions.
How to use Shoyeido Japanese incense
Place the incense stick in a stable, heat-resistant holder. Light the tip and gently blow out the flame after a few seconds. Depending on the variety, burning time is generally between 20 and 30 minutes. A lightly ventilated room allows the natural aromas to unfold fully, creating an opportunity to enjoy a quiet moment.
Giving Shoyeido incense means sharing more than three centuries of Japanese tradition through timeless fragrance creations.