What Are The Common Ingredients of Japanese Incense? A Guide to the Scents of Japan

September 16, 2025

Japanese incense, or "koh" (香), is a subtle and refined art form, a delicate dance of aromatic materials that can evoke feelings of tranquility, contemplation, and even nostalgia. But what exactly goes into crafting these fragrant sticks? The answer lies in a rich tapestry of natural ingredients, many of which have been used for centuries. Let's journey into the heart of Japanese incense and explore the raw materials that give it its soul.

Base Ingredients

Before we delve into the more exotic scents, it's important to understand the base materials that provide the structure and burning properties of incense (majority of the incense is made from one of the two bases).

Tabu Powder (椨): This is the unsung hero of Japanese incense. Derived from the bark of the Tabu-no-ki tree, a type of bay tree, this powder acts as a natural binder. One of its greatest advantages is that it has a very low scent when burned, ensuring that it doesn't interfere with the delicate fragrances of the other ingredients. When mixed with water, it becomes sticky, allowing the other scented ingredients to be mixed in and formed into sticks.
Charcoal (炭): In modern incense, particularly low-smoke varieties, charcoal powder is often used. It helps the incense burn evenly and cleanly, reducing the amount of smoke produced.

Aromatic Woods

Then we move onto some common (either marketing or genuine) wood ingredients. The most prized and iconic scents in Japanese incense come from aromatic woods. These woods are not simply fragrant on their own; their true aroma is released through a complex process of aging and resin formation.

Sandalwood (白檀): A classic and beloved incense ingredient, sandalwood is known for its sweet, woody, and slightly milky aroma. The highest quality sandalwood comes from India, specifically the region of Mysore. The scent of sandalwood is said to be both calming and uplifting.
Aloeswood (沈香/Jinkoh): Aloeswood, also known as agarwood, is a rare and precious ingredient. It is formed when a specific type of tree, the Aquilaria, is infected with a fungus. In response to the infection, the tree produces a dark, aromatic resin. The scent of aloeswood is complex and profound, with notes that can be described as sweet, spicy, bitter, and even salty. -
Kyara (伽羅): The most revered and rarest form of aloeswood is Kyara, also known as Kanan-koh (伽楠香). Found only in a small region of Vietnam, Kyara is considered the pinnacle of Japanese incense ingredients. Its fragrance is described as having a perfect balance of the "five tastes" of incense: sweet, spicy, bitter, sour, and salty. Due to its extreme rarity, Kyara is incredibly expensive and is typically reserved for the finest and most luxurious incense blends. Although some brands have been using "Kyara" liberally, in general, the amount of Kyara ingredients contained in the incense is correlated with the price tag.

Spices and Herbs

Beyond the foundational woods, a wide variety of other natural ingredients are used to create the complex and nuanced fragrances of Japanese incense.

Cinnamon (桂皮 ): The familiar sweet and spicy aroma of cinnamon bark adds warmth and a touch of sweetness to incense blends.
Clove (子丁): The pungent, spicy scent of clove is another common ingredient. A small amount can add a sweet note, while a larger quantity will create a more medicinal and "hot" fragrance.
Star Anise (大茴香): With its distinctive licorice-like aroma, star anise brings a sweet and spicy character to incense.
Borneol Camphor (龍脳 ): This crystalline substance, derived from a type of evergreen tree, has a clean, cool, and refreshing scent.
Benzoin (安息香 ): A resin from the Styrax tree, benzoin has a sweet, vanilla-like aroma and also acts as a fixative, helping the other scents to last longer.
Frankincense (乳香 ): This ancient resin, famous for its use in religious ceremonies around the world, has a fresh, citrusy, and slightly piney scent.
Patchouli (パチュリ): An herb from the mint family, patchouli has a deep, earthy, and slightly sweet aroma.

Perfumed Incense

In addition to these traditional raw materials popular in Japanese incense mentioned above, many, i mean a lot of, modern Japanese incenses incorporate the art of perfumery. These "perfume fragrance" or "scented" incenses blend the classic base of Tabu powder and woods with essential oils (or maybe Kyara essential oils replicating the scent of Kyara woods) and sometimes high-grade synthetic fragrances. This enables the industry to produce a much wider and more contemporary palette of scents, from bright florals and fresh fruits to complex, abstract aromas. By carefully mixing these modern essences with the traditional base, incense makers can create innovative and captivating fragrances that bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern sensibilities.

Natural Fragrance

The world of Japanese incense is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world. From the deep, resinous heart of an ancient tree to the delicate petals of a flower, each ingredient brings its own unique character to the final blend. By understanding the raw materials that go into Japanese incense, you can gain a deeper appreciation for this ancient art form and the rich sensory experience it offers.