Kōdō, or the “Way of Fragrance,” is one of Japan’s three classical arts of refinement, alongside ikebana (flower arrangement) and chadō (tea ceremony).
You might see us say "listening to incense" when speaking of complex incense; but how does one listen to incense and why is it called that? The practice dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism arrived in Japan. The concept actually goes further back, rooted in Buddhist texts that describe a world where everything, including Buddha’s words, is fragrant like incense. To listen to Buddha’s words was to listen to incense.
Centuries later, the practice evolved into a game played by shoguns, feudal lords, and the imperial court. An incense master would burn different types of incense, and guests would quietly guess the scent. Similar to the tea ceremony, the game was held in complete silence.
Today, it’s less of a game and more of a sensory experience. This intricate ritual, known as monkō, invites the aromas to fully permeate the body and soul. It encourages a deeper, more mindful approach to smelling, turning incense into a rich, holistic experience rather than just a simple scent.
In order for you to listen to incense and fully explore all its fragrant facets, we invite you to light your favorite stick, slow down and be aware of the scent that begins to envelop you. Japanese incense is renowned for its complexity, gradually revealing its layers as it burns. Many incense sticks require several burns to fully appreciate all the notes. A full experience involves all of your senses. First, you take the time to open the incense box (touch) and you watch the flame ignite the stick and wisps of smoke (sight). You'll then be introduced to the scent of the incense (smell), where you can take the time to listen to the sounds of the world around you (hearing).
That’s why we recommend starting with our discovery packs, which allow you to explore our catalog before committing to a full-sized box. It’s the perfect way to deepen your connection with incense and find your favorites.
