Based in Kyoto, a city that has been at the heart of Japanese fragrance culture for over a thousand years, Hayashi Ryushodo has been crafting incense since 1834. Made with a commitment to natural materials, their incense offers delicate, layered scents. We spoke with the 6th generation craftsman, Mr. Keijiro Hayashi, who continues to honor traditional techniques while adapting to modern lifestyles

“Just because a fragrance is expensive doesn’t mean it’s good. Everyone has their own preferences, so even if I think a scent is good, if the customer doesn’t like it, it doesn’t mean anything. Communication is really important. You have to understand the customer’s preferences. When customers visit our shop, we take time to talk and let them experience the scent firsthand. That direct interaction often brings joy, both for them and for us. It feels like we’re conducting research together. We work hard, constantly trying and refining based on what people want.”

“It makes me happiest when someone says they came to our shop because they noticed a pleasant scent at a friend’s house. The scent while it’s burning is important, of course, but the lingering fragrance is what truly matters.”

“My predecessor always told me, ‘You have to be a craftsman.’
That devotion to craftsmanship, taking the work seriously – is essential. We often say, ‘50% artisan, 50% business.’ That balance is the secret to longevity. I carry that mindset with me.”

“Our incense packaging has traditionally been handwritten with brush and ink for generations. To be honest, when I took over the business, I hated this part of the job. It was really tough, and I had to take calligraphy lessons to manage it. Nowadays, printing is easy and widely available, but in the past, everything had to be done by hand. That hand-done tradition has been passed down through generations, and it’s something I’ve come to truly value. “

“To create that soft, traditional scent, we stick to using natural materials as much as possible. Unlike incense with oils or artificial additives, our products only release their fragrance once burned. That’s why you won’t smell anything through the packaging—unlike many commercial products where the scent comes through immediately. That’s something we are very particular about.”

“We do release new products, but our core approach has always been about steady, persistent effort. No need to rush. It’s not flashy work, but we do it with pride.”

” I think we’ve really been able to keep the heart of our products alive. Designs may change when developing new items, but the fragrance itself doesn’t change easily. We adjust what needs to be adjusted—but leave what should stay untouched. That, I think, is the ideal way forward.”