HONO-KA
Japan shares two thirds of its land with a lush and abundant forest. For centuries the forest has nurtured our lives with many blessings. Fragrance is one of them, and is deeply connected to our everyday living.
The brand name HONO-KA literally means “a slight indication of some existence,” which is like a hint of something in the air. We hope a drop of our extraordinary Japanese essential oils adds a subtle enrichment to your everyday life.
Japanese Essential Oils
HONO-KA Essential Oils are extracted in various regions in Japan, mainly utilizing thinned wood, branches and leaves. Thus, we protect our precious natural resources, which enhance our lives.
Yoshino Hinoki is used in Horyuji Temple, the world’s oldest wooden structure. Aomori Hiba is a tree species in one of Japan’s three most beautiful forests, and Kyoto Kitayama Sugi is used Sukiya Style structures – a prominent form of traditional Japanese architecture.
Essential oils extracted from these trees are believed to have excellent bactericidal and antibacterial properties, as well as healing and comforting effects like those from forest bathing.
Premium Hinoki, Hinoki, Hinoki Leaf
Hinoki is recognized as an iconic tree of Japan and has long been used as a building material for Shinto shrines. Its clean, refreshing scent is very popular because it has a calming effect.
The aroma differs depending on how it‘s extracted and which part of the tree is used. We offer three types of aromas from different parts of the tree, using separate methods of extraction.
Aomori Hiba, Noto Hiba
Hiba is a native plant of Japan and has long been used for construction due to its durability.
Hiba Essential oil contains a large amount of Hinokitiol, which has antibacterial, insecticidal, and deodorizing properties. The fresh scent of Hiba also has a relaxing effect and creates a forest-bathing atmosphere.
These premiums oils are precious and unique. Their distinctive fragrances evoke the deep forests of Japan.
Yakusugi
Yakushima Island is a World Heritage site. The felled cedar on this island used for oil extraction is known as Yakusugi. the wood is extremely limited–and therefore valuable–and can be purchased only by locals. Yakusugi is actually the remains of tress cut during the Edo era that were too large for locals to transport. The wood was left in the forest where it was naturally preserved, maintaining moisture by a covering of moss and water from the soil.
Kuromoji
Kuromoji, known as Japanese rosewood, is admired all over the world for its aroma. Because the extraction amount is very small, it is recognized as a rare oil.
Koyamaki
Koyamaki, admired as a sacred tree, produces a limited amount of oil because the tree species is becoming far less common.
Kitayama Sugi, Yoshino Sugi, Yakusugi
Japan‘s native evergreen coniferous cedar is the most familiar tree to Japanese people. Its habitat spreads from Aomori to Kagoshima on the main island of Japan.
Suitable for both relaxation and refreshment, the scent of cedar varies by region of origin. Find your favorite scent according to your occasion.
Wa Hakka (Japanese Mint), Furano Lavender, Todomatsu
Three Hokkaido essential oils are carefully distilled locally. Try them and enjoy the scents of Hokkaido.
Yuzu is a well-known Japanese citrus, and its essential oil has a refreshing and rich aroma. The extraction is made from the by-product of the juicing process, which reflects the Japanese “mottainai” spirit, which means “no waste.”