Japanese incense suggestions please

[Balance]

Hello Community,

I will be in both Tokyo and Kyoto in January and I know that some members here often review Japanese Incense. I am new to Japanese incense and do not have an unlimited budget for hit and miss (I already like many here am addicted and spend way to much on Oud ,oils and burnables already from vendors on this site..laugh)

I seek to be "transported" to a very special and distant place and would like to focus my purchases on very special sticks that are inspirational and transportive . Last year I read some reviews here about some top recommended sticks and when I went to purchase them from Japanese websites they had a "two tier" pricing in that one price for Japan shop and another much high price (along with high shipping) for their American customers. At that time I set aside my Japanese incense educational desires and since have misplaced my notes about what offerings and houses I should focus on.

Would very much appreciate any suggestions of offerings that are "Really Special" (not to be missed by serious aroma heads)

I have seen recently on the "Burn of the day" suggestions for
Shokaku
Myoho
Kyara Enju
Seijudo Shriragaku

If anyone could share their all time favorites (Still in production this year)
Thank you
Mark

 

[Olfactory Nomad]

Both Shoyeido and Yamadamatsu have stores in both those cities. Possible Nippon Kodo as well. I would mark them down as "must visits". Also, Indo believe that a lot of the big temple complex's often have their own temple blend incense available for purchase. Certainly worth keeping an eye out for.

 

[Musk Rahil]

Brands i would recommend are YAMADAMATSU, GYOKUSHODO, and MINORIEN,there are many other brands with a good reputation and quality products, but these three are the ones i have personally experienced and can recommend

 

[iori]

Hello Community,

I will be in both Tokyo and Kyoto in January and I know that some members here often review Japanese Incense. I am new to Japanese incense and do not have an unlimited budget for hit and miss (I already like many here am addicted and spend way to much on Oud ,oils and burnables already from vendors on this site..laugh)

I seek to be "transported" to a very special and distant place and would like to focus my purchases on very special sticks that are inspirational and transportive . Last year I read some reviews here about some top recommended sticks and when I went to purchase them from Japanese websites they had a "two tier" pricing in that one price for Japan shop and another much high price (along with high shipping) for their American customers. At that time I set aside my Japanese incense educational desires and since have misplaced my notes about what offerings and houses I should focus on.

Would very much appreciate any suggestions of offerings that are "Really Special" (not to be missed by serious aroma heads)

I have seen recently on the "Burn of the day" suggestions for
Shokaku
Myoho
Kyara Enju
Seijudo Shriragaku

If anyone could share their all time favorites (Still in production this year)
Thank you
Mark

There is lots of good stuff, as you only going for those two cities make sure to visit Kohgen shop as they have incense sticks from most brands will save you the running between shops.
As for brands Try Baieido, Shoyeido, Seijudo, Shunkohdo, Kikujudo Viet/Sandals, Gyukoshudo etc