Minori-en Kyara

Kyara is a very rare, fragrant wood and the highest grade Agarwood that we carry from Minori-en. This particular one is sourced from a small region in Vietnam. Its scent is bitter-sweet and earthy, carrying a complex elegance within it that invites openness and ease.

Net Weight: 40 sticks

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Traditional Incense from Minori-en みのり苑 of Japan

Minori-en has been crafting traditional incense for over a century. They are based in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan, and deliver their incense to nearby temples such as Sanzen-In, Enryakuji, and Miidera.

I first encountered incense from Minori-en at Sanzen-In Temple in O’Hara, on the outskirts of Kyoto. While exploring this modest temple, I was followed by a captivating and serene scent. After some time there, I spoke with one of the monks, who shared with me that their incense is made by a small producer in Shiga, about an hour away. He told me the name – Minori-en – and I set out to find them.

The motto of Minori-en is “Scent is peace,” and they are dedicated to making incense with pure materials that in turn, clarify both spaces and those who enter them. It is easy to understand why they are the suppliers to so many places for stillness, sanctuary, and contemplation. Their incense is intended to offer a different experience of time, much more spacious than the rhythms of daily life.

We are fortunate to carry three varieties of Minro-en incense at Cultivate: Byakudan (White Sandalwood), Jinko (Agarwood), and Kyara (Premium Agarwood).