Kohgen Nagoya Main Store香源 名古屋本店

Discover Cultural Property-Class Incense Woods and Documents, and Experience the Graceful World of Fragrance Handed Down Over Centuries

Incense has a long history, even recorded in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). During the Heian period, the enjoyment of incense scents, including "Genji-kō," and the incense guessing game "Kumikō," became popular among the nobility. Over time, incense was established as kōdō, the art of incense, standing alongside Kadō (flower arranging) and Sadō (tea ceremony). The store’s philosophy is to spread this traditional culture of incense worldwide and preserve it for future generations. “To ensure that it does not feel intimidating, incense is offered at affordable prices, along with hands-on incense-making experiences,” explains Yuko Hayashi, manager of the Nagoya main store. The incense is crafted from powdered fragrant woods such as Kyara (agarwood), Jinkō (aloeswood), and Byakudan (sandalwood), blended with plant powders such as Keihi (cinnamon bark) and Chōji (clove), which are also used in traditional medicine and cooking. The possible fragrances are virtually limitless, but Manager Hayashi, known as an “incense concierge,” provides expert guidance to suggest blends suited to individual preferences and purposes. The prayer beads are made from carefully selected natural gemstones and precious stones, including rare amber. They carry everything from prayer beads for monks to expensive prayer beads that can be used as an investment. Still, Manager Hayashi, who also serves as a "prayer bead concierge," says, "In addition to affordable prayer beads that are perfect for daily wear or as a first prayer bead, many customers also want a high-quality one that they can use for the rest of their lives or pass down to their children and grandchildren." He will help you choose the perfect pair. "First, try the incense in the store. You'll be soothed by the scent and want to try it out," says the shop owner. Many tourists shop here, and locals visit daily to find incense that suits their mood, purpose, or season. Another attraction is the opportunity to see fragrant woods worth over a billion yen, as well as documents and tools related to the art of incense that have been passed down through generations. If you want to embrace incense like the Heian aristocrats and incorporate it into your daily life, this store is a must-visit for anyone visiting Nagoya.