Here are some unique perfumes inspired by the environment and culture of Japan. I haven’t tried any of these (yet) so please let me know if you have! And of course, share the Japanese inspired indies you love!

Tatami by Fantome

The welcoming and familiar scent of a Japanese temple. Tatami (rice straw mats), warmed in the sun, with soothing temple incense. 

The singular scent that can evoke the time spent in Japan by any traveler is that of the iconic tatami mats that line temples, restaurants, and homes. When tatami ages and warms, it creates a pleasant natural aroma in the space. There is no way to naturally distill the scent of the rice straw of which most tatami mats are woven, so we sourced a cypress that has undergone the same treatment process as tatami and painstakingly recreated the scent of rice straw tatami in a temple. Due to our sourcing of these unique ingredients, initial application may be strong before it warms and deepens, similar to that of the life cycle of tatami.

*part of Fantome’s Japan collection

Bathhouse Mishap by BPAL

White tea, golden pear, Himalayan cedar, and eucalyptus blossom.

From the Shunga Series: A limited edition Salon series celebrating the joy, humor, playfulness, and thrill of sexual intercourse through scent interpretations of Edo era Japanese erotic art.

Shirin Yoku by Alkemia

Bright rays of bitter orange, Japanese grapefruit, black geranium, black pepper, and spicebush filtering through a forest of green cedar tips, alpine conifers, green patchouli, vetiver root, accompanied by gently flowing stream water, wet clay, and the waiting stillness of dark loam.

Shinrin-Yoku: The medicine of simply being in the forest. Shinrin-yoku means "taking in the forest atmosphere" or "forest bathing."

Okinawa Emerald Beach by Cocoapink

Fresh crisp ozone tempered with salty sea air, branches of weathered driftwood, blue kelp, Japanese gold osmanthus over a sensual base of myrrh resin.

Matcha by Osmofolia

Nutty, seaweedy, grassy, powdery, and green. A non-milky, non-sugared matcha single note.

Kiyohime by Fyrinnae

Sweet white peaches, almost overripe, drizzled in sweet vanilla creme, with a couple singed marshmallows on the side.

Amaterasu by Poesie

golden sandalwood incense, rice milk, bright cardamom, amber, dry wheat, and sunflowers

The Shinto goddess of the sun and the universe and mythical ancestress of the Imperial House of Japan, Amaterasu illuminates all things and oversees the movement of day into night. Just as the rising and setting of the sun give order to the day, she rules the heavens and gives order to the universe.

Tale of Genji by The Little Book Eater

Cherry Blossom • Sugar Cane • Litsea • Bamboo

This fragrance is inspired by the 11th century classic by Japanese noblewoman, Murasaki Shikibu. Made with the scents of cherry blossom, sugar cane, litsea, and bamboo. The perfect combination for royal and complicated romance, and long-winded poetics!

Bakeneko by Nui Cobalt

Spiced plum wine, molten caramel, blood orange marmalade, crimson musk, and warm fur accord.

The shapeshifter cats of Japan whose appetite for human blood belies a protective love of their guardians. When one's keeper meets a wrongful death, tales describe the Bakeneko’s sophisticated venture of intrigue and revenge.

Please share your recs!