The history of incense in Japan began approximately 1,400 years ago.
This page looks back on the history of incense in Japan and introduces the types of incense that were popular in each era.
Kofun & Asuka Perio
The oldest record of incense in Japan is found in the historical text Nihon Shoki. In the 3rd year of Empress Suiko’s reign (595 AD), a large piece of driftwood washed ashore on present-day Awaji Island. When the locals burned it as firewood, an indescribably pleasant fragrance filled the air.
The surprised islanders offered the wood to the court, and Prince Shōtoku, after smelling it, identified it as "jinkō" (agarwood). This episode suggests that agarwood was already known in Japan at that time.
Since Buddhism had already been introduced to Japan, the presence of incense, which is inseparable from Buddhist practices, was also known. Nihon Shoki mentions incense being offered in worship of the Buddha, likely using Chinese herbal incense materials. This practice is considered the origin of today’s incense offering (shōkō).
The surprised islanders offered the wood to the court, and Prince Shōtoku, after smelling it, identified it as "jinkō" (agarwood). This episode suggests that agarwood was already known in Japan at that time.
Since Buddhism had already been introduced to Japan, the presence of incense, which is inseparable from Buddhist practices, was also known. Nihon Shoki mentions incense being offered in worship of the Buddha, likely using Chinese herbal incense materials. This practice is considered the origin of today’s incense offering (shōkō).
Popular Incense in the Kofun & Asuka Period
Nara Period
A key historical figure of the Nara period is Jianzhen (Ganjin Wajō), a Chinese monk and envoy. He finally succeeded in traveling to Japan on his sixth attempt, though he lost his eyesight during the journey. He brought to Japan various things previously unknown, including ordination systems, architecture, and medicinal herbs.
Among his records is a list that includes “medicines and fragrances.” It is said that by blending herbs and incense materials brought from the Tang dynasty, more effective medicines were created than by using individual ingredients. This introduction of incense blending led to the use of combined incense for Buddhist rituals.
During this time, incense also began to be used for practical purposes such as protection against evil, misfortune, and insects. Supporting this, the Shōsōin of Tōdaiji Temple in Nara, built during this period, houses the oldest known incense sachet (fragrant pouch) in Japan.
Among his records is a list that includes “medicines and fragrances.” It is said that by blending herbs and incense materials brought from the Tang dynasty, more effective medicines were created than by using individual ingredients. This introduction of incense blending led to the use of combined incense for Buddhist rituals.
During this time, incense also began to be used for practical purposes such as protection against evil, misfortune, and insects. Supporting this, the Shōsōin of Tōdaiji Temple in Nara, built during this period, houses the oldest known incense sachet (fragrant pouch) in Japan.
Popular Incense in the Nara Period
Heian Period
While incense was closely tied to Buddhism, during the Heian period it became more deeply integrated into aristocratic daily life. This era saw the development and popularization of kneaded incense in pill-like form, known as "nerikō."
Nobles would blend their own fragrances, creating unique personal scents. They would use incense burners like “fukuro” to scent their clothing, surrounding themselves in fragrance. Scenting clothing was called “Kunoe-kō,” and scenting a room was called “Sora-daki.”
Among the aristocracy, a pastime called “Takimono-awase” became popular, where participants competed over the quality of their original incense blends. Through such pastimes, incense culture became increasingly refined, leading to the creation of the six traditional types of kneaded incense known today.
Nobles would blend their own fragrances, creating unique personal scents. They would use incense burners like “fukuro” to scent their clothing, surrounding themselves in fragrance. Scenting clothing was called “Kunoe-kō,” and scenting a room was called “Sora-daki.”
Among the aristocracy, a pastime called “Takimono-awase” became popular, where participants competed over the quality of their original incense blends. Through such pastimes, incense culture became increasingly refined, leading to the creation of the six traditional types of kneaded incense known today.
Popular Incense in the Heian Period
Kamakura Period
Power shifted from the aristocracy of the Heian period to the samurai class in the Kamakura period. Although samurai initially lacked power, they began forming groups under powerful leaders, eventually leading to the rise of the Taira and Minamoto clans.
New Buddhist sects known as Kamakura Buddhism, which continue to this day, emerged during this time. The current method of offering incense by pinching it and placing it in the burner is believed to have spread via Zen Buddhism during this era.
Under the influence of Zen, incense culture also spread among samurai—not in the form of kneaded incense, but rather in the appreciation of a single fragrant wood, such as agarwood. This simpler style resonated with the samurai spirit and later evolved into the art of Kōdō (the Way of Incense).
New Buddhist sects known as Kamakura Buddhism, which continue to this day, emerged during this time. The current method of offering incense by pinching it and placing it in the burner is believed to have spread via Zen Buddhism during this era.
Under the influence of Zen, incense culture also spread among samurai—not in the form of kneaded incense, but rather in the appreciation of a single fragrant wood, such as agarwood. This simpler style resonated with the samurai spirit and later evolved into the art of Kōdō (the Way of Incense).
Popular Incense in the Kamakura Period
Muromachi Period
During the reign of the 8th shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, cultural investments were made in literature, art, architecture, and more, leading to great developments.
Incense also evolved significantly during this time.
From the late Kamakura to mid-Muromachi periods, a game called “Tōkō,” where participants distinguished different fragrances of fragrant wood, became popular among nobles, samurai, and wealthy commoners. This practice laid the foundation for the incense arts of “Monkō” and “Kumikō.”
In the later Muromachi period, two key figures emerged—Sanjonishi Sanetaka and Shino Soshin—who are considered the founders of modern Kōdō. The schools they established are now the two major incense schools: Oie-ryū and Shino-ryū.
Incense also evolved significantly during this time.
From the late Kamakura to mid-Muromachi periods, a game called “Tōkō,” where participants distinguished different fragrances of fragrant wood, became popular among nobles, samurai, and wealthy commoners. This practice laid the foundation for the incense arts of “Monkō” and “Kumikō.”
In the later Muromachi period, two key figures emerged—Sanjonishi Sanetaka and Shino Soshin—who are considered the founders of modern Kōdō. The schools they established are now the two major incense schools: Oie-ryū and Shino-ryū.
Popular Incense in the Muromachi Period
・Tōkō (the foundation of modern Monkō)Want to Learn More About Incense?
If you’d like to dive deeper into the world of incense, why not try Kohgen’s incense correspondence course?
Unlike regular in-store lessons, this course is perfect for those who prefer to study at their own pace or want to learn quietly and carefully at home.
