5 Japanese Scenting Secrets to Create a ‘Clean, Restorative, and Mentally Calming’ Home

A white living room with a light grey couch, green cushions, a white table with white tea set, black coffee table with green plant, and three black and white large lamps beside the couch.

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.