new year's incense 新年のお香 (iriya, japan)

Posted by timothy sullivan (Tokyo, Japan) on 7 January 2009 in Lifestyle & Culture.

Bundled incense sticks similar to these are at every temple in Japan--usually in a giant brass cauldron called a kougou (香合) (or perhaps koudai (香台)) in front of the temple. The swirls of smoke rising from these containers smells (and tastes) absolutely amazing: uplifting cinnamon, cedar, and clove with hints of other spices.

Each temple has its own unique incense recipe, and though most frequently sold to be made as an offering at the temple, smaller-sized sticks are available for home use as well.

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