UNBOXING & REVIEW - Shunyou (Beckoning Spring) Premium Incense from Shoyeido
TL;DR - Short Video:
The Unboxing Experience: First Impressions Matter!
The packaging itself is classic Japanese elegance – minimalist, sophisticated, and just beautiful. It's a simple, slender white box with a lovely textured black sliding part and a subtle pale green accent stripe. The calligraphy on the front (which I believe says "Shunyou") adds such an authentic touch.
Remember that plastic wrap? Peeling it off was weirdly satisfying, haha! That crisp sound just builds the anticipation. Once the plastic was off, the box design really shines. It’s not just a flimsy cardboard thing; it slides open smoothly, revealing an inner tray of very light wood board, covered in black matte paper.
Inside, the incense sticks weren't just rattling around. They were carefully bundled and wrapped in this delicate, almost tissue-like paper. It feels so thoughtful, like they're protecting something precious. Now, as I mentioned in the video, while I appreciate the fancy wrapping (perfect if you were gifting this or maybe traveling with it), I usually just take the bundle out and keep the sticks loose in the inner tray within the main box. I'm burning these at home, so I like easy access! Taking off that paper revealed the sticks themselves – a beautiful, warm, almost golden-yellow colour. They look just as high-quality as they smell.
The stick box comes with a plastic wrap seal
What Exactly is Shunyou?
So, what's the deal with Shunyou? According to Shoyeido, this blend is inspired by the image of a bright, sunny spring day – "Shun" (春) meaning spring and "Yo" (陽) meaning sun or yang/positivity. And honestly, the scent profile totally fits that vibe.
It's built around a core of high-quality Agarwood and Sandalwood, blended with other natural herbal ingredients and spices. Shoyeido is famous for its traditional recipes and natural ingredients, and you can really tell there's nothing artificial or overpowering here.
The box contains about 35 sticks, and each one is roughly 7 inches long. They mention a burn time of around 40 minutes per stick, which feels about right from my experience. Since I don't burn incense every single day – maybe a few times a week, depending on my mood – this single box is going to last me absolutely ages! That's something I really appreciate. Even though it's a premium product, the longevity makes it feel like a worthwhile indulgence.
Lighting Up: The Scent Journey
Okay, let's get to the most important part: the smell!
Even before lighting, holding the box open, there's a subtle, sophisticated woody fragrance. It's dry, slightly sweet, and very promising.
Lighting the stick is easy, and it catches quickly. The initial smoke is light and wispy. As it settles into its burn, the true character of Shunyo unfolds.
The first thing that hits me is the Sandalwood. It's not that sharp, almost pungent sandalwood you sometimes find. This is creamy, smooth, warm, and incredibly grounding. It forms the beautiful, comforting base of the fragrance.
Then, the Agarwood weaves its magic. It adds this incredible depth and complexity. It's resinous, slightly sweet, but also has an earthy, almost ancient quality to it. It’s the element that makes the scent feel luxurious and sophisticated, elevating it beyond a simple woody smell. It's not overpowering or "skanky" like some agarwoods can be; it's perfectly balanced here.
The color of the stick is in between of yellow and brown, it did reminds me a light scent of Chinese Medicine shop.
And those "natural herbs and spices"? They are subtle but definitely present. They add a gentle warmth and a hint of brightness – maybe a touch of clove or cinnamon, perhaps something slightly camphorous, but very refined. It prevents the blend from becoming too heavy or solely focused on the woods. It’s like a little glint of sunshine cutting through a peaceful forest, which perfectly matches the "Spring Sunshine" inspiration.
The overall impression is incredibly smooth and well-blended. Nothing shouts for attention; the different notes harmonize beautifully. It fills the room with a presence that is noticeable but never overwhelming or cloying. It creates this atmosphere of calm, focus, and quiet refinement. It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to slow down, maybe read a book, meditate, or just enjoy a quiet moment.
The Lingering Aroma: Quality Shines Through
One of the true tests of good quality incense, for me, is the residual scent – what the room smells like after the stick has finished burning. Cheap incense often leaves behind a stale, ashy, or acrid smell.
Not Shunyou. Long after the smoke has cleared, there's this beautiful, soft, woody whisper left in the air. It's clean, slightly sweet, and very pleasant. It doesn't smell like "smoke"; it just smells like the ghost of that beautiful fragrance, gently scenting the space. It’s another mark of the quality ingredients and masterful blending.
Final Thoughts: Why I'm Loving Shunyou
I'm genuinely so impressed with Shoyeido Shunyou.
The Quality: From the packaging to the ingredients to the burn, everything feels premium and authentic.
The Scent: It's a masterful blend – warm, woody, complex, yet smooth and uplifting. Perfect balance between the grounding sandalwood and the sophisticated agarwood, brightened by subtle spices. After burning, Shunyou doesn't give a strong dirt/mud smell that I had experienced from some other incenses (usually $10-20 ranges).
The Experience: It creates such a calming, luxurious atmosphere without being overpowering.
The Value: Given the number of sticks and the long burn time, even as a premium incense, it feels like it offers good value because it will last so long.
If you appreciate high-quality, natural Japanese incense with a focus on beautiful wood notes, I honestly think you would love Shunyo. It's sophisticated enough for connoisseurs but welcoming enough for those newer to premium incense. It’s quickly become a favourite, and I can definitely see myself repurchasing this when (in many, many months!) I eventually run out.
