Here we introduce "Soradaki" – a method suitable for intermediate users to easily enjoy fragrant wood, and "Monko" – a traditional method for advanced users to fully appreciate the scent.
We also introduce a convenient method using an electric incense burner that doesn't require ash or charcoal.
Soradaki
This method requires only incense charcoal, ash, and a burner. Ideal for gently scenting a room.
Using Silver Leaf
You will need incense charcoal ball, ash, incense burner, incense tools, and silver leaf.
Electric Incense Burner
This method allows you to enjoy incense without using ash or charcoal. Recommended for beginners.
Soradaki
Required Tools
Steps for Soradaki
Gently mix the ash and flatten the surface
Use a tool like a chopstick to gently stir the ash from the bottom, allowing air to mix in. Flatten the surface gently.
*A chopstick or similar tool can substitute for a traditional tool.
Light the incense charcoal with a lighter
Ignite a corner of the charcoal. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Since Soradaki uses lower heat, you don’t need a large charcoal ball.
Wait until the charcoal is fully lit
Place it on top of the ash until it is evenly glowing throughout.
Bury the charcoal halfway into the ash
Once fully lit, use the tool to bury the charcoal about halfway into the ash.
Place the aromatic wood near the charcoal
Place the wood slightly away from the buried charcoal.
The scent of gently warmed wood will fill the room.
Tips
- You can also use this method with kneaded incense or pressed incense, but use a separate burner as the ash may retain the scent.
- If the wood is too close to the charcoal, it may burn. Keep some distance.
Monko
Required Tools
Steps for Monko
Fully ignite the charcoal ball
Use an electric heater or stove to heat the charcoal ball until it glows evenly.
This image shows an electric heater. If using a stove, place a mesh over it first.
Create a hole in the ash using a tool
Gently stir the ash from the bottom to mix in air.
Create a hole at the center large enough to hold the charcoal ball.
Place the charcoal ball into the ash
Once the surface turns white, carefully place the charcoal ball into the prepared hole without getting burned.
Cover the charcoal with ash and form a mound
While rotating the burner with your left hand, use your right to push the ash from front to center, creating a mound shape.
Use an ash presser to smooth the surface
While rotating the burner, use the ash presser vertically to smooth the surface. Do not press down – just gently place it.
Avoid using too much ash or compacting it too firmly, as it may extinguish the charcoal.
Create a "Kikisuji" and a fire window
Make a shallow line called “Kikisuji” on the slope of the mound as a front marker.
From the top, insert the tool vertically to create a tunnel (fire window) down to the charcoal. The front of the burner aligns with its legs.
Place the silver leaf over the fire window
Use tweezers to place the silver leaf flat over the fire window.
Make sure the center of the silver leaf aligns with the fire window.
Gently press the silver leaf with the tweezers to stabilize it and prevent wobbling.
Place a small piece of aromatic wood on the silver leaf
Place a small piece or chip of aromatic wood in the center of the silver leaf.
If smoke starts to rise from the wood, remove the silver leaf and adjust by either reshaping the ash or distancing the charcoal with a tool.
Gently cup the burner with your hands to enjoy the aroma
Place your hand under the burner and lightly cover the top as if creating a roof.
Let the fragrance gather, then slightly open your hands and bring your nose close to enjoy the scent.
Tips
- The method for making the Kikisuji and the orientation of the silver leaf may vary depending on the school of incense ceremony.
- The silver leaf becomes extremely hot — do not touch it directly with your hands.
