5-Minute Souvenir from Japan’s Oldest Fragrance House: Custom Incense Pouch
Looking for a souvenir from Japan that’s authentic, affordable, lightweight, and only takes up a tiny bit of luggage space? Read on!
Japan’s Oldest Fragrance House
Koju (香十) is Japan’s oldest fragrance house, founded in Kyoto during the Tensho era (1560s). Historically, it has served as the incense purveyor for the Shoguns, the Imperial Family, and various Japanese elite.
For the samurai class, incense was used before battle to calm the spirit, with armour and helmets perfumed as a way to achieve mental focus and release the fear of death.
Incense was also a status symbol and form of art for the Japanese elite. Beyond scenting living quarters and providing a pastime with scent-guessing games, incense was worn as personal fragrance using small sachets tucked inside outfits.
Make Your Own Japanese Fragrance Sachet
These incense sachets, also called nioi-bukuro (匂い袋), are still around today - and you can actually customize your own at Koju’s Shibuya store location.
Choose from 6 Japanese fragrance blends, 20+ types of Nishijin-ori (a luxury textile from Kyoto) pouch designs, and 15+ colours of decorative cord to create your own combination.
The staff will guide you step-by-step to assemble the pouch, or you can ask them to do it for you. Once finished, slip on into your closet to gently scent your clothes, or keep one in your bag to enjoy a light fragrance each time you open it.
The best part? It only takes about 5 minutes, and no reservation is required.
This is a quick and easy activity to squeeze into a day in Shibuya. You can make as many pouches as you’d like, so it’s perfect as a souvenir for yourself or as lightweight to bring back home.
More to Discover at Koju
Beyond the customizable sachets, peruse through Koju’s collection of incense sticks, burners, flameless incense, and even perfume sprays.
We were especially impressed by the range of scents available - from rich, traditional blends to fresh, light fragrances for modern living.
With endless souvenir options everywhere you look in Japan, this is one we especially like because it combines centuries of Japanese culture with something that’s easy to bring home and use.
Plan Your Visit
📍 Location
Koju Shibuya — (directly connected to Shibuya station via Hikarie ShinQs Mall, 5F)
2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
💴 Price
¥1,600 per sachet
⏱ Time
About 5 minutes
📅 Reservation
Not required
Koju also offers a private, sit-down incense blending workshop at its Ginza Main Store, where you can create your own personalized fragrance with expert guidance.
Click to learn more & book the workshop →