Shoyeido

Shoyeido was founded in 1705 during the Hoei era in Kyoto, Japan, by Moriyoshi Rokuzaemon Hata. What began as a small store called “Sasaya” evolved under the third-generation head of the family, who incorporated incense-blending techniques learned while working at Kyoto’s Imperial Palace — secret traditions of aromatic art previously reserved for royalty.

Now in its twelfth generation under the Hata family, Shoyeido remains one of Japan’s most distinguished incense houses. Their products use no bamboo cores, no charcoal binders, and no synthetic fragrances. Every stick is composed entirely of finely ground natural aromatics: sandalwood, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, agarwood, and dozens of other precious herbs and resins blended in closely guarded proportions.

Shoyeido is credited with introducing Japanese incense to the Western world, beginning exports in 1894. Their commitment to preserving the ancient art of kodo (the Japanese “way of fragrance”) makes every stick a connection to centuries of contemplative tradition.