A Popular Japanese Sandalwood
Kojurin by Gyokushodo is one of the best-known sandalwood incenses from the historic Japanese incense house Gyokushodo. Established in Osaka in 1804, Gyokushodo has over two centuries of experience producing traditional Japanese incense, combining aromatic woods with herbs, spices and other fragrant ingredients.
The name Kojurin (香樹林) translates roughly to 'fragrant grove' or 'forest of fragrant trees', a fitting name for an incense built around Indian sandalwood.
While sandalwood forms the foundation, Kojurin brings together a variety of aromatic ingredients to create a wonderfully warm, sweet and gently spicy fragrance. The result is quite different from the scent of sandalwood on its own, with a richness and sweetness that makes it immediately recognisable.
Kojurin has become something of a modern classic in Japan, and remains a popular choice for everyday incense burning.
First Impressions
Kojurin has a rich, sweet sandalwood fragrance with a distinctive spiciness. The sandalwood is creamy and woody, accompanied by sweet floral notes.
The spices give the fragrance a lovely warmth, while a subtle freshness cuts through the sweetness. Unlike some drier, more austere Japanese sandalwood incenses, Kojurin has a fuller, sweeter aroma that fills a room without becoming overpowering.
It's a particularly comforting fragrance, with a sweetness and spiciness that may also appeal to those more familiar with Indian incense.
Final Thoughts
Gyokushodo's Kojurin is a lovely example of traditional Japanese sandalwood incense. Its warm, sweet and gently spicy aroma makes it particularly enjoyable for everyday burning, whether during quiet evenings, meditation or simply relaxing at home.
For those new to Japanese incense, Kojurin is an excellent place to start. It has enough sweetness to appeal to those accustomed to Indian incense, while introducing the subtler blending style associated with Japanese incense.
For those new to Japanese incense, Kojurin offers a welcoming introduction to the traditional art of blending aromatic woods. For those already familiar with Kojurin, Gyokushodo's Jinkoh Kojurin offers an interesting next step, introducing the deeper character of aloeswood into the same fragrance family.
