In Japan, scents are not simple room fragrances: they embody a philosophy of life. Incense, wood essences and aromatic oils accompany everyday moments, whether reading, meditation or rest. More than a perfume, they create a space of serenity where body, mind and environment come together.
At the house of Bijo;, we have selected Japanese houses which perpetuate this heritage, by combining refined craftsmanship and contemporary standards.
The virtues of Japanese scents
For centuries, the Japanese have considered incense as a life companion. THE 10 virtues of incense (香十徳, kōjūtoku) summarize its role in daily life balance:
- It opens the mind to spirituality
- It purifies the body and mind
- It frees the busy mind
- It develops the mind of awakening
- He accompanies in solitude
- He brings peace in the turmoil
- In abundance, we never tire of it
- In small quantities, it is enough to fill
- Time does not alter its qualities in any way
- It can be used every day without risk
These virtues explain why incense, in Japan, is associated as much with internal health as with aesthetic refinement. It soothes, uplifts the spirit and transforms the atmosphere of a place with discreet elegance.
A unique olfactory know-how
Unlike Western incense, which is often powerful and smoky, Japanese incense favors subtlety and purity. Made from aromatic woods, bark and natural resins, they diffuse a discreet smoke, sometimes imperceptible, but whose scent remains refined and long-lasting.
The quality of an incense is measured by the fineness of its combustion. High-end incenses, like those of Kohchosai Kosuga, delicately perfume the room without saturating the air, creating a balance between intensity and elegance.
Incense selection
Kohchosai Kosuga
Made with bamboo charcoal, these incenses diffuse a pure scent, with an almost invisible smoke. Their refinement perfectly illustrates the harmony sought in the Japanese art of living.
Chikuseiko bamboo charcoal incense - 45 gr
Sumitani
Minimalist and refined, brass incense holders enhance the ritual. More than just functional objects, they embody Japanese aesthetics in its most sober and elegant form.
Brass incense holder
Aluminum incense tray
Elemense by Nippon Kodo
The result of centuries-old know-how and a contemporary approach, these incenses designed with master perfumers offer a unique olfactory experience. Each fragrance is an invitation to explore a subtle and elegant atmosphere.
Elemense perfumer’s incense
Japanese elegance in our interiors
Introducing Japanese scents into your home is more than adding a fragrance. It is to adopt a ritual which transforms the atmosphere, refocuses the mind and creates a space of tranquility. These scents become an olfactory signature, discreet but striking, reflecting Japanese elegance.
