Japanese Cedar (Sugi) Incense

Soft, natural scent reminiscent of a tranquil Japanese cedar (sugi) forest.

Very subtle and mild. Especially suitable for those who are sensitive to strong smells.

Made by grinding sugi needles into a paste in a water mill and hand-rolled with natural binders.

All-natural. No added fragrances, essential oils, or burning accelerants.

A Labor of Love

Our family-run supplier crafts this incense in Kyushu by harvesting the cedar needles without cutting down the trees and grinding them into pulp using a water mill. Hand-rolling, cutting, and packaging come next.

The work is tedious, and production is on a small scale; to call the process a labor of love is an understatement.

Only two such operations remain today, out of over 40 at the beginning of the 20th century.

See the photo gallery for a look at this traditional production process.

About Sugi and Shinrin-yoku

Japanese cedar (sugi) has a distinctive natural aroma associated with Japan’s forests. Like other trees, it releases volatile natural compounds known as phytoncides, which help plants defend themselves against microorganisms.

In 1982, Japan’s Forest Agency introduced the concept of shinrin-yoku (森林浴, “forest bathing”), encouraging people to spend restorative time immersed in forest environments. Subsequent research has associated forest environments and natural wood aromas, including Japanese cedar, with relaxation and reduced physiological stress.

The soft scent of this incense evokes that familiar Japanese cedar-forest atmosphere.