Listening to Baikundo Byukusin Juniper

October in the traditional Japanese calendar is known to as Kannazuki 神無月, the month of the gods. While literally translated as "the month without gods," this refers to the month in which the kami leave all parts of Japan to gather at Izumo Taisha shrine (出雲大社) to discuss important upcoming events for the year such as marriages, deaths, and births. Located on the northern coast along the Sea of Japan an hour west of Matsue, Shinto rituals are still held every October 10th to welcome the gods to Izumo. The primary kami venerated at Izumo Taisha is Okuninushi no Okami, who according to legend was the creator of the land of Japan and the ruler of Izumo. Known as “Japanese sandalwood,” the fragrance of juniper has a history of over 2,200 years dating back to its Shinto roots as a sacred tree ideal for welcoming the kami. Planted in shrines and used in Shinto rites across Japan, evergreens such as junipers are revered in Shinto as shinsboku (divine trees) housing spirits or vital life energy. It is from this historical reference that Baikundo Byukusin Juniper is drawn.

An all natural incense, Byukushin is described as using "natural juniper as its base wood combined with natural aromatics to create a refreshing lightly sweet fragrance." Free from artificial ingredients and dyes, Byukushin displays the 150-year legacy of Baikundo’s incense craftsmanship in a fragrance suited for those seeking an all-natural incense reminiscent of the purity of a Shinto shrine. What could be more important for preparing for the kami than this?

Byukushin's pine needle brown stick is rough in texture but soft in fragrance. Clean and clear, the stick feels like a temple freshly prepared for the arrival of the kami. Overtones of sweetness mixed with a pine resin are apparent, however they are lightly there like the spirit of the kami yet to come. Unlit, the stick is light, clean, and soft, refreshing in it light juniper sweetness.

Alight, Byukushin begins with a sharp evergreen resin note that is crisp and filled with a juniper sweetness. Unlike brown needles spent upon the ground, the sweetness here is alive and full of a refreshing tartness of living evergreen. But the tone is not harsh or jarring, but soft and silky, with a warm sweetness like pines after a rain. The description of "Japanese sandalwood" becomes quickly apparent, as Byukushin provides a woody sweetness that is warm and discerning.

With time, a soft citrus note develops akin to a fresh lemon zest, adding both the feeling of depth and cleanliness. This note combines with a sweet woody base to produce a warm afterglow, like incandescent lights at night burning off October's chill. Buttery, slightly nutty, and at times lightly toasted, the fragrance can produce a meringue quality over its clean wood base. But the sweetness is always there with its citrus notes peaking out, adding a refreshing counterpoint to its warm qualities.

Byukushin is a lovely incense to relax with. It is soft and easy to listen to; never fussy or demanding of attention. Its citrus note gives the feeling of purification, cleaning out the energy of the space to welcome the kami in whatever form the listener looks for them. This is an excellent fragrance for relaxation, mindfulness work, or purification of a space. Unlike a complex aloeswood, Byukushin is comfortable in its simplicity, fulfilling the senses like comfort food. Yet it is not uni-dimensional, but full of richness with multiple layers of warm wood, refreshing citrus, and sharp pine resin, mixed to form a delightful soft sweetness. Although not a reduced smoke incense, the smoke levels are light, making it a good choice for smaller spaces or where a lighter fragrance is desired.

Once the burn ends, Byukushin's after note turns sharper and more resinous. The citrus of the burn diminishes as does its sweetness, replaced with an almost savory sharpness. Where the fragrance was once sweet and light during its burning, the after note highlights Byukushin's evergreen resin fragrance. Over time this too lightens, growing softer as it fades, yet never completely receding. Displaying an excellent long lasting after note, Byukushin lingers gently in the space for hours after the burn has ended.

There are many fine pine fragrances made by nearly every Japanese incense house. What sets Byukushin apart is its combination of warm woodiness, resin sharpness, and refreshing citrus that blend to a warm soft sweetness ideal for welcoming the kami or bringing relaxation to our everyday lives.

As the autumn moon rises,
shadows of pines bow
welcoming the visiting gods.

Baikundo Byukusin Juniper is available in the following size(s):
200-stick box

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