After recently spending two weeks travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more rural spots along the Southwestern coast, every shop, temple, onsen, and hotel I entered all had one thing in common − they all smelled incredible.
Most noticeably, it was clean, citrussy, and fresh scents that I noticed: Think floral sakura, warm hinoki wood, and aromatic notes of green tea. Everywhere I went was a calm, curated, fresh-smelling space.
Eager to replicate the results myself, I spoke to scent experts to learn their favorite Japanese-inspired ways to make your home smell nice.
5 Japanese Home Fragrance Favorites
1. Yuzu
As Maiko Shimazaki, founder of Revitalist15, a wellness brand rooted in Japanese relaxation rituals, shares, yuzu has long been used in Japanese baths, especially during the winter solstice tradition called yuzuyu, where the fruits are floated whole in hot baths.
'Compared to Western citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit, yuzu is softer and more nuanced, with a gentle bitterness and subtle herbal undertone,' she explains. 'The scent feels fresh and uplifting without being overpowering, which is why it’s so commonly used in Japanese homes, spas, and wellness spaces. It’s often associated with relaxation, warmth, and emotional calm.'
To enjoy this lightly bitter, citrussy scent at home, the LA JOLIE MUSE Yuzu & Neroli Blossom Candle, available at Amazon, will make a worthy addition to any best candle collection.
Alternatively, if you're green-fingered, you could also try your hand at growing yuzu at home, which will flower in late spring next year.
2. Hinoki
As we walked part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, the subtle smell of hinoki wood lingered beautifully in the air, and quickly became one of my favorite parts of the trip − so much so that we bought some home to fill a bowl in our bathroom.
'Hinoki, a Japanese cypress wood, is one of the most iconic scent notes in Japan,' says Mint Pattanan, founder of Kandlery, an eco-luxe home fragrance brand specializing in Asian inspired scents. 'It is commonly used in temples, onsens, and traditional bath rituals.
'The scent has a soft woody aroma with subtle citrus and earthy undertones that many people associate with calmness, mindfulness, and relaxation. It creates a spa-like atmosphere and helps make a home feel peaceful and uncluttered.'
For that reason, it's particularly perfect for making a bathroom smell like a luxury spa. Both hinoki essential oil, available at Amazon, and this hinoki reed diffuser will hit all the right notes.
'These scents are popular because they feel clean, restorative, and mentally calming,' adds Maiko.
3. Green Tea and Matcha
'Tea scents are deeply connected to Japanese culture through tea ceremonies and everyday moments of pause,' says Mint. 'Notes like green tea and matcha are popular because they feel soft and balanced.
'They bring a subtle freshness to the home while also creating a comforting and meditative atmosphere.'
This Rewined Gourmand Matcha Latte Tin Candle, available at Anthropologie, perfectly captures the warming, earthy, creamy scent of matcha, which I enjoyed each and every day in Japan, and regularly drink at home, too.
4. Sakura
I was lucky enough to experience Japan at the start of spring, and blooming cherry blossom was a frequent sight − and smell − throughout our stay.
'Sakura is one of the most culturally symbolic scents in Japan because cherry blossoms represent both the arrival of spring and the fleeting nature of life,' says Maiko. 'The scent itself is soft, delicate, and slightly powdery.
'Unlike heavier floral fragrances, sakura creates a gentle ambient softness rather than dominating a space. It feels calming, nostalgic, and quietly optimistic, which is why it remains such a beloved home and personal fragrance in Japan.'
I have the cherry blossom and rice milk RITUALS The Ritual of Sakura Candle, available at Amazon, in my own home, and it's also the scent I wore every day on the trip. You can also grow flowering cherry trees in pots for bountiful blooms next spring.
5. Musk
Finally, says Mint, 'In Japanese fragrance preferences, musk is often used in a lighter and cleaner way compared to heavier Western interpretations,' and it's perfect for fragrance layering.
'Soft musk adds warmth and softness to a space without becoming overwhelming. It helps fragrances feel calming, skin-like, and minimal.'
The Honeypot Fresh Neroli & Vanilla Musk Glass Candle, available at Anthropologie, combines those more subtle notes with uplifting floral neroli, while the LA JOLIE MUSE Ginger & White Musk Candle, available at Amazon, features spicy ginger and fresh lemongrass.
What to Shop
If you want to bring a touch of Japan into your space, these quick ways to make your home smell nice are easy to add and enjoy.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This hinoki and cypress candle is made with vegan soy wax and a cherry wood wax, for a clean burn and a scent that quickly fills large spaces.
This floral gourmand tin candle is subtle yet sweet, and looks cute enough to leave out on display on your nightstand or bookshelf.
This woody candle features notes of moss, musk, amber, and cedarwood. It's hand-poured in the USA, and uses a non-toxic, lead-free wick.
Using the best reed diffusers is one of the easiest, low-maintenance ways to scent your space. This one is eye-catching and long-lasting.
This non-aerosol room spray works to refresh and revitalize rooms with a simple spritz. It's ideal for flame-free scenting.
I love these candles from WoodWick, and they're such an amazing size for the price. The wick creates the soothing sound of a crackling fire.
Meet the Experts
These Japanese sleep secrets pair perfectly with a beautifully fragranced home.
For more home fragrance features, you can sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features.
