At the heart of every Japanese incense is Koboku (translates to fragrant wood). This essential component has been at the center of incense-making since the very beginning, starting with a mysterious fragrant piece of driftwood that washed ashore.

Jinko - Aloeswood

Jinko, also known as aloeswood, agarwood, or oud, is one of the most valued fragrant woods, deeply tied to spirituality for thousands of years. Its fragrance can change dramatically depending on the tree’s origin, age, and the specific conditions in which it’s harvested, making each piece of this precious wood uniquely aromatic. Aloeswood can become so dense in oil content that it sinks under water, giving it the name Jinko - sinking wood.

It comes from specific species of Aquilaria trees found in countries like Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. However, not all Aquilaria trees produce Jinko; it forms only when the tree is infected by a fungus. In response to the infection, the tree creates a dark, protective resin, which gives Jinko its distinctive aroma.

The scent of Jinko is deeply layered: sometimes sweet and citrusy, other times dark, smoky, or even floral. Each piece of Jinko is unique, reflecting its specific origins and growth conditions.

Due to its rarity, only a small percentage of trees produce Jinko, making it highly prized and carefully regulated.

Kyara

The origins of Kyara, the highest grade of aloeswood, remain a mystery. Nobody fully understands how this rare resinous wood forms, but it's considered one of the world’s most precious substances—so valuable that it can sell for over $2,000 per gram, making it worth more than gold. Collectors worldwide treasure Kyara, holding pieces worth millions of dollars.

Some believe that Kyara only comes from Aquilaria Sinensis trees in Vietnam, which may produce a unique chemical compound called Dihydrokaronone. However, this theory is unproven, leaving the true source of Kyara unknown.

Kyara is known for its rich oil content and complex fragrance, which develops in trees over a century old. It releases its scent at a lower temperature than regular aloeswood, creating a purer, cleaner aroma. The fragrance itself is incredibly intricate, blending sweet, salty, sour, and bitter notes that interact with the senses in a way that feels almost mysterious—those who experience it often say it’s like the scent speaks to them, though its message remains just out of reach.

Byakudan - Sandalwood

Byakudan, known as sandalwood, is one of the world’s oldest and most cherished fragrant woods. Its soothing, creamy aroma has been used for centuries, from ancient temple rituals and meditation practices to today’s fine perfumery. Even now, sandalwood remains one of the most sought-after notes in fragrance.

Indian sandalwood is sourced from the heartwood and roots of Santalum album trees native to Southeast Asia and India. These slow-growing trees can take up to 80 years to fully mature, though some are harvested after 20. This wood’s warm, slightly sweet scent—often described as velvety and grounding—has made it an enduring favorite for creating a calm, focused atmosphere. However, this popularity has also led to overharvesting, making sandalwood a threatened species.

To protect this precious resource, our suppliers source sandalwood ethically, ensuring that this timeless wood can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Hinoki - Japanese Cypress

Hinoki, Japan’s treasured native wood, holds a sacred place in the country’s history and culture. Its unique fragrance has graced the walls of shrines, temples, and even imperial palaces for centuries.

With its radiant color, tight grain, and natural resilience against rot and insects, Hinoki is as enduring as it is beautiful. The wood’s refreshing aroma combines hints of bright citrus and earthy evergreen, creating a scent that is both invigorating and calming—a rare blend that can help you focus while also putting you at ease.

Hinoki trees grow slowly, making them highly valued. To protect Japan’s older Hinoki forests, a ban on harvesting mature trees is in place. Instead, the trees are now widely cultivated, allowing us to enjoy this ancient wood without disrupting its heritage.

Tabu-no-ki

We spoke a little of Tabu-no-ki in our previous article; where we discussed its importance in Japanese incense despite it not being a fragrant wood. Often referred to as Makko, it is the powdered bark of the Machilus thunbergii which serves as the binding material for the incense. In its highest grade, Makko is nearly odorless which makes it the perfect base for incense that uses rare materials; allowing their scent to shine through without any interference.