Kōyasan and Its Iconic Cedar Trees

Kōyasan (高野山), or Mount Kōya, is one of the most sacred mountains in Japan. It is known as the center of Shingon Buddhism (真言宗), founded by Master Kūkai (空海, 774 – 835 AD). In 804, Kūkai traveled to China and studied at the Qinglong Monastery in Chang'an (西安, Xi'an), where he became a disciple of Master Huiguo (恵果). Upon his return, Kūkai established the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism at Kōyasan in 816. Till now, Mount Kōya remains one of Japan’s most significant religious sites.

In Shingon Buddhism, Master Kūkai believed that incense played a crucial role in Buddhist ceremonies and meditative practices. As a result, all the temples on Mount Kōya have been extensively using incense since a thousand years ago, making it one of the most important centers for incense culture in Japan. If travelling there, you will see many incense shops, one of the most famous is Kōyasan Daishidō (高野山大師堂).

Daishidō offers a wide array of incense, including their signature Kōya Reikō series, as well as other traditional powdered incense. Although its current incense contains a large amount of synthetic compounds, I can still feel the deeply-inspiring centuries-old heritage within it.

Apart from the ancient incense shops, what impressed me the most are the countless towering cedar trees at Okunoin Cemetery (奥之院). After the death of Kūkai, his disciples believed that he did not really die but entered nyūjō (入定, eternal meditation) and continues to reside spiritually within his mausoleum at Okunoin.

For a thousand years, other than the monks, it was these cedar trees acting as silent guardians of Kūkai’s eternal meditation.

Their towering presence offers a sense of protection and tranquility, reinforcing Koyasan’s sacred atmosphere. Some even believe that touching or praying under these ancient trees allows one to feel Kūkai’s presence.

These cedar trees have long been revered not only for their spiritual significance but also for their aromatic and medicinal properties. The essential oil extracted from these ancient trees carries a unique composition that offers numerous benefits for both physical and emotional well-being which has a deep, earthy, woody aroma that promotes a sense of calm and inner peace. This cedar oil can act as an invisible forcefield, keeping negativity and harmful spiritual influences at bay.

Kōya cedar oil has been used in Buddhist rituals and temple events for centuries. It is believed to open pathways to deeper meditation and insight. From a scientific viewpoint, it also has powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, and some studies suggest that it can help fight respiratory infections and improve air quality.

I was very fortunate to obtain this cedar essential oil at a temple in Kōyasan. The moment I smelled it, I felt as if I had stepped into an amazing universe of cedar trees. At that time, I thought of blending it with our vintage Oud to create this wonderful world of Mount Kōya and capture its immense energy.

After months of continuous experimentation and refinement, I am very happy to be able to offer you another fascinating attar – Koya Cedar Oud. It perfectly recreates the immense energy field of Mount Kōya. You can sense that beneath the boundless cedar forest lies a massive mountain formed by our vintage Oud, allowing both your body and soul to be deeply restored. Let us experience the mystical energy from Mount Kōya together.