SHIN MAINICHI-KOH Sandalwood Long Stick by Nippon Kodo, Japanese Quality Incense, Since 1575

I first discovered this incense from Nippon Kodo many years ago when I owned a book and gift shop. We carried a wide selection of incense from around the world — Japan, Tibet, and India — and while there were many beautiful varieties, this sandalwood became my clear favorite. Nippon Kodo creates incense in the traditional way, with great care and mindfulness. You can feel that intention in the quiet elegance of the scent. It is distinct and refined without ever becoming heavy or overwhelming. There’s a clarity to it — grounded, soft, and quietly uplifting. One of the things I appreciate most is that each stick burns for about an hour. It creates a steady, calming atmosphere that supports meditation, reading, or simply resting in a peaceful moment. The scent lingers gently in the room like a kind, steady presence — subtle enough to disappear into stillness, yet strong enough to shift the energy of the space. In the photos, you’ll see two ways I enjoy burning it. One shows the simple ceramic holder offered by Nippon Kodo, designed specifically for this type of incense. It’s elegant, minimal. The other shows another method I love — placing the small included stand in a bowl of sand. Both create a serene, contemplative feel. If you appreciate incense that brings a quiet, Zen-like atmosphere without overpowering the senses, this sandalwood is a beautiful choice. It has remained my favorite for years — a gentle companion to meditation, reflection, and stillness.

I've been using incense during mediation for over 20 years, and scent changes over time even if you buy from the same manufacturer. I acknowledge that environmental factors also come into play - this is more of something to watch as you use and store your incense. As soon as the incense arrived, it smelled great without even opening the box. The box was damaged a bit during postage but the incense stills were all intact. The width of the sticks are the same, or similar, to shorter sticks. This is good as you don't need a different incense holder (with a bigger hole) to burn these. The duration that these burn for is appropriate for longer meditation sessions.

These arrived without one broken stick. They burn slow and a surprising long time. The reason for four stars instead of five, is that the scent is not as good as the shorter incense I usual burn. However it is not offensive and I will most probably order then again. The scent lingers in the room long after the sticks have stop burning, and is another good point for them.

Beautiful, long lasting. Long sticks. Smells lovely, and somehow the smoke doesn’t make the air feel thick. I don’t know why some of these other reviews say they can’t smell it. Fits in a standard vertical incense holder. I switched from a more expensive brand but I almost prefer these.

Used this incense for years. Forgot how much I liked it. Not my total favorite but very nice. An unusual sandalwood scent.

I use this at bed time to help me relax and fall to sleep easier. It works because it is a super soothing incense. One of the best I use and I use quite a bit around the house. For the price it is an excellent value.

Incienso de excelente calidad.

My incense showed up completely intact, and it smells great. The smell does not stick very heavily, so after the sticks burn your place returns to smelling mostly like it did before within a couple hours. The sticks burn for about an hour, and they smell beautiful.

La section des bâtonnets est plus petite à ce jour.....il dure donc moin longtemps et il est plus fragile!!!!! Sinon le produit n'a pas perdu de ses qualités d'origine.

Questo incenso ha la durata giusta per una sessione di meditazione, non ha una fraganza che disturbi e non comporta tosse o altri disturbi. Perciò lo ritengo ottimo per la meditazione anche nei ritiri.

Máxima calidad de incienso japonés

Kopf wird frei und Richt sehr gut Beschwingend für Meditation Top

Le meilleur véritable encens (en particulier les rouges) que j'utilise depuis de très longues années. On n'en voit plus si facilement. J'ai donc été ravie de retrouver ces bâtons japonais sur Amazone. Il ne faut pas en abuser, comme tout ce qui brûle et fume en intérieur : bougie, cône... et diffuseur de parfum ; 1 à 2 fois par semaine, c'est largement suffisant.