Baieido Bikou Kobunboku – Japanese Incense Sticks

Bikou Kobunboku by Baieido is a variation of the long-established Kobunboku incense sticks with a distinctly pronounced cinnamon note. The composition is based on Indian sandalwood, combined with cassia, star anise, patchouli, clove and other aromatic ingredients. Baieido offers Bikou Kobunboku in both a traditional version and a reduced-smoke Less Smoke version.

Sandalwood with a pronounced cinnamon note

As with classic Kobunboku, Indian sandalwood forms the woody foundation of the composition. However, Bikou Kobunboku differs through its higher proportion of cassia, or cinnamon. This brings its warm, spicy character more prominently to the fore.

Alongside Indian sandalwood and cassia, Baieido lists star anise, patchouli and clove among the ingredients. The resulting fragrance is warm, woody and spicy, with the cinnamon note playing a distinctly perceptible role within the traditional blend of spices. The complete formula is not disclosed.

Traditional and reduced-smoke versions

Bikou Kobunboku is available in two different versions. The traditional version is a conventional Japanese incense stick, while the Less Smoke version is designed to produce less smoke.

The two versions differ not only in the amount of smoke they produce but also in their fragrance character. Compared with the traditional version, the Less Smoke variety is less herbal and has a gentler woody character. Anyone already familiar with one version of Bikou Kobunboku should therefore not regard the other as an entirely identical fragrance that simply produces less smoke.

A spicy variation within the Kobunboku family

Bikou Kobunboku is particularly suited to lovers of traditional Japanese incense sticks who are looking for a warmer character with a more pronounced cinnamon note within the Kobunboku family. Sandalwood and traditional spices remain the foundation, while the more prominent cassia note gives this variety its distinctive character.

The incense sticks measure approximately 14 cm in length and are made by Baieido in Japan. The traditional version is available in packs of 10 g or 90 g, while the reduced-smoke Less Smoke version comes in packs of 10 g or 80 g.

• Manufacturer: Baieido
• Product name: Bikou Kobunboku
• Known ingredients: Indian sandalwood, cassia, star anise, patchouli and clove
• Fragrance character: woody and spicy with a pronounced cinnamon note
• Versions: traditional or Less Smoke
• Length: approx. 14 cm
• Traditional pack sizes: 10 g or 90 g
• Less Smoke pack sizes: 10 g or 80 g
• Origin: Japan