Shoyeido Gozan Five Hills – Japanese Incense Sticks, 1 Roll

Shoyeido Gozan (五山) – Five Hills belongs to the traditional Daily Incense collection by Shoyeido, the Japanese incense manufacturer based in Kyoto, also known as Nature & Tradition. This Japanese version contains 35 long incense sticks with a warm, woody and spicy fragrance character. Sandalwood, patchouli, cloves and other aromatic spices define this classic composition.

Sandalwood, patchouli and aromatic spices

The fragrance of Gozan combines the gentle warmth of sandalwood with earthy and spicy nuances. Sandalwood provides a pleasantly woody foundation, while patchouli contributes an aromatic, slightly herbal depth. Cloves complement the fragrance with their distinctive warm spiciness.

Additional spices round off the composition. When burned, the incense releases a rich, balanced fragrance in which the various aromatic facets blend together. Gozan has a traditional character that particularly appeals to enthusiasts of woody and spicy Japanese incense blends.

The ingredients mentioned are documented on Shoyeido packaging. The manufacturer does not disclose the complete formula or the exact blending proportions.

Gozan – the five mountains of Kyoto

The Japanese name Gozan (五山) means "five mountains" and is rendered as Five Hills in Shoyeido's international range. The name evokes the mountainous landscape surrounding Kyoto, which is closely connected to the history and cultural traditions of Japan's former imperial capital.

A well-known example of this connection is the traditional Gozan no Okuribi, during which large ceremonial fires are lit in symbolic shapes on five mountains surrounding Kyoto every August. This custom is associated with the Buddhist-influenced remembrance of the deceased and the symbolic farewell to the spirits of ancestors.

The name Gozan can be understood within this cultural context. However, no direct connection between the incense and this festival has been documented.

Japanese version with light blue incense sticks

The Japanese version of Gozan offered here differs visually from the international Gozan – Five Hills version. Its incense sticks have a distinctive light blue colour with a slightly greyish tint, whereas the international version contains brown sticks.

Both versions belong to the same fragrance family. However, the difference in colour does not establish whether their formulas differ or, if so, to what extent.

In addition to this long-stick version, Gozan is also available in a large Japanese box containing 490 shorter incense sticks. This offers an alternative for those who prefer shorter burning times or a larger supply.

A classic incense composition by Shoyeido

The history of Shoyeido dates back to 1705. The Kyoto-based company is one of Japan's long-established incense manufacturers and is known for its compositions of aromatic woods, spices and other fragrance ingredients.

The Daily Incense collection includes a variety of classic fragrance blends for regular use. Within this range, Gozan is distinguished by its combination of warm sandalwood, earthy patchouli and aromatic spices.

Contents and sales unit

The stated price is for 1 roll of Gozan containing 35 incense sticks. The sticks measure approximately 22 cm in length, have no bamboo core and have an average burning time of around 50 minutes.

The product photograph shows the original Japanese box containing a total of 10 rolls. Only one individual roll containing 35 incense sticks is supplied, not the entire box shown in the photograph.

Features of Shoyeido Gozan

• Manufacturer: Shoyeido
• Collection: Daily Incense / Nature & Tradition
• Product: Gozan (五山) – Five Hills, Japanese version
• Origin: Kyoto, Japan
• Known ingredients: sandalwood, patchouli, cloves and other spices
• Fragrance character: warm, woody, spicy, earthy and aromatic
• Colour of incense sticks: light blue with a slightly greyish tint
• Type: Japanese incense sticks without a bamboo core
• Sales unit: 1 roll
• Contents per roll: 35 incense sticks
• Length: approx. 22 cm
• Burning time: approx. 50 min per stick