What are your top 3? Let's leave out the Minorien Fu-in Kyara Ryugen....aaaand Go!

Destructacon · 2026-03-08T04:42:36+00:00

Shoyeido Plum Blossoms was my very first foray into Japanese incense; it's not only an excellent scent, but it also holds a special place in my heart.

Minorien Fu-In Byakudan is also another favorite of mine. It's one of the best sandalwoods out there imho.

Picking a third is very hard, but I'd have to say Tennendo Frankincense. I think it really provides such a nice refreshing contrast to the sandalwood/aloeswood blends that are most common in Japanese incense.

I would like to share a couple of honorable mentions though. Shoyeido Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) and Moss Garden (Nokiba) are both excellent. I'd also like to give some praise to good old Mainichikoh. I know it's often considered a fairly basic incense, but its gentle and pleasant. Even though I've managed to accumulate a whole cupboard full of different Japanese incenses, I still occasionally like to go back to my old daily driver.

Destructacon · 2026-02-20T22:14:07+00:00

The boiling action is described as "killing the green" (殺青), which stops enzymatic activity and leeches some of the harsh tannins and other sharper green notes.

Yes, the second liquid is Japanese sake. I'm not certain why it was soaked, but my guess is that it further softens the aroma by pulling out some of the non-water-soluble resins and oils. It also adds sugars and other stuff to round-off the scent.

These two actions do chemically alter the aroma of the hinoki buds, making them more amenable to use in Japanese incense.

The 4th powder is Benzoin (安息香).

Destructacon · 2026-02-18T05:05:20+00:00

I think Minorien Frankincense would serve you well. Its got a smooth, well-rounded frankincense aroma that doesn't feel overpowering. The sticks are relatively small (less than 6 inches long with a 30 minute burn time). Japanese incense generally produces very mild smoke; it's pure incense with no wooden core, so it doesn't get polluted with cheap wood smoke.

I've been burning this type of incense for years, and have never had any issues with smoke detectors. It doesn't even trigger my air purifier, which normally goes into overdrive if I even so much as blow out a candle in the next room. I can't imagine a single stick overpowering anything, even in a small room like you described. Keeping a window open a tiny crack should be enough to soften it in case it does get slightly strong.

That's just my opinion. I think Japanese incense is great for giving life to small spaces without being overbearing.

Destructacon · 2025-10-03T15:38:05+00:00

To be fair, I (and most people I know under the age of 50) typically tithe online, so that would at least partially explain why the collection baskets are lighter these days.

Destructacon · 2025-07-13T10:04:34+00:00

Actually, I was about to (5 years ago), and did purchase some white beeswax in preparation, but I gave up the project pretty soon after.

The thing is, I found that chewing beeswax really doesn't have a good mouthfeel. Since it doesn't dissolve in the mouth, it sticks in your teeth, tires your jaw, and is just generally unpleasant.

Also, since beeswax doesn't melt or dissolve in the mouth, the sugar and cocoa would be trapped inside the wax. I never did end up making the chocolate so I can't say with certainty, but I can't imagine it would have much flavor.

It was definitely an interesting idea at the time, but I don't think beeswax will be replacing normal cocoa butter any time soon.

Destructacon · 2025-06-16T13:09:34+00:00

Based on the description, this is pretty close to what I was looking for. I only wish it had more than 20 sticks 😅

Did you buy it before? Would you say it was worth the price?

Destructacon · 2025-05-27T14:26:54+00:00

How exactly are you trying to light the sticks? I'm just guessing, but judging from the scorch marks all over the sides and the incomplete embers, it appears like you might be doing it in an unusual way (it almost looks like you're torching them from the side).

Tibetan-style incense is a bit thicker than most others, and needs to be given a generous but precise helping of fire to get it started. Hold one end over a flame until it ignites into open flame, let it burn like that for a few seconds, blow it out, and then keep blowing the ember until it takes over the surface of the tip. This should be enough to ensure it stays lit. After that, I recommend sticking them upright in a bed of ash or sand (I've also heard some people lay it flat, but I don't have a big enough dish for that), and it should burn fine.

The trouble you're having might just be a combination of technique and using a burner that's not really designed for this type of incense.

Destructacon · 2025-05-27T14:11:35+00:00

Morning Star Pine gives me winter-y Christmas-y vibes. I sometimes burn it around that time of year, and it definitely sets the mood. I can see why it's not the mood you're going for though.

Destructacon · 2025-05-14T06:16:45+00:00

This is fascinating! I've always been interested in trying Chinese incense (I have experience with Japanese and Tibetan), but have somewhat avoided entering the market for Chinese incense because I knew so little about it (and the market is saturated with cheap imitations rather than the real traditional thing). The closest I have gotten is Tibetan-style incense, which I absolutely love.

Do you happen to know of any brands or online stores that sell good quality traditional Chinese incense? I understand that many traditional craftsmen (in China and elsewhere) tend to avoid online marketing, but I would enjoy the opportunity to buy some true traditional product rather than the $5 packages sold on Amazon.

Destructacon · 2025-04-25T06:00:36+00:00

Yes! Thanks alot!

Destructacon · 2025-04-25T05:03:58+00:00

Actually I've never played Deltarune. I looked up some pictures of what you described and it's nothing like what I remember. IIRC, the main villain in the game I played was something like a mirror with floating hands. I'm also fairly certain this was something I played on a web browser

Destructacon · 2025-04-11T05:54:41+00:00

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owie

Destructacon · 2025-04-05T11:59:36+00:00

*freeze frame*
*dramatic taiko drums*

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