KUNJUDO

KUNJUDO is an incense maker based on Awaji Island in Hyogo. The company began in October 1893 and has continued bringing fragrance culture into everyday life. Its guiding phrase is “Kikyaku Aikun,” valuing customers and loving fragrance. Alongside product development and manufacturing, KUNJUDO also emphasizes a clean, well-maintained environment at its sites and factories.

A defining milestone came in 1975, when KUNJUDO developed and launched the world’s first low-smoke incense in response to demand for less smoke and reduced “incense odor.” The Takara series extends that work with a wide range of scents and selectable smoke levels. In 1978, the company also developed a “spark-activated fragrance” approach that keeps aroma fresh by enclosing fragrance in capsules.

The lineup spans distinct worlds of scent. Karin is a long-running classic with an elegant feel, while the sandalwood family includes Shirayuki, Byakudan Shirayuki (with Mysore sandalwood from India), and Kouun. For indoor use, Kozanmai focuses on deodorizing performance. There are also modern formats like WASHI INCENSE, made with patented technology, and AROMA Cord, a string-style incense you can cut to your preferred length.

On Awaji Island, the showroom is a hands-on place to “listen to” and explore fragrance. It sells 100+ products and offers limited items as well. Displays include around 40 aromatic materials, such as agarwood, sandalwood, kyara, and musk, and you can test-burn incense on site. Workshops are offered in three types: making incense, sachets, and incense sticks (reservation required). Factory tours are currently suspended, but a manufacturing-process video is available.

Takara: low-smoke heritage

In 1975, KUNJUDO developed and launched the world’s first low-smoke incense. The Takara series builds on that idea with low-smoke options designed for everyday life. You can choose by both scent family and smoke level. Some items also emphasize functional aspects such as deodorizing performance.

Karin: a long-loved classic

Born in 1986, Karin is known for its elegant atmosphere inspired by the refined mood of Japan’s classical era. It’s one of KUNJUDO’s signature lines. Alongside standard bundles and mini sizes, there are also “taki-kurabe” sets designed for comparing multiple scents.

A sandalwood lineup with depth

Shirayuki, Byakudan Shirayuki, and Kouun offer multiple ways to enjoy sandalwood. Shirayuki is gentle and clear, while Byakudan Shirayuki uses Mysore sandalwood from India as a top-grade option. Kouun focuses on the graceful character of natural sandalwood, so you can choose by richness.

Herbs & botanicals, clearly defined

Kankenko is a “kampo-style” incense developed with expert cooperation, made from 100% natural aromatics: medicinal herbs and botanicals, kneaded with charcoal and honey, with ingredient disclosure. Herb Sense is made from 100% plant-derived ingredients and is organically certified. For rooms, Kozanmai is positioned around deodorizing performance.