Kenmei Do – The Path of Perfection – Kodama | Spirit of the Tree

These incense sticks were included when I bought a second-hand incense stick holder on Kleinanzeigen. A fortunate coincidence, as I was curious about Kodama anyway due to the ingredients list: besides sandalwood, Japanese oak is mentioned, and that’s quite an unusual ingredient that I hadn’t yet come across. Furthermore, there’s mention of additional woods and herbs not named specifically.
One shop also mentions anise as an ingredient. I inquired about this but received no answer.

Kodama are sold packaged in simple paper rolls. Contained are approx. 36 sticks or 14g. The price ranges between about €7 and €10; Sonnlicht have the most affordable offer I’ve found at €7.29.

In Kodama, the sandalwood is already nicely present in the raw scent, and continues in the fragrance when burning.
I don’t smell anything I’d perceive as herbaceous, green or even spicy like anise; it’s simply a warm, woody fragrance with a clear sandalwood note.
At summery temperatures of well over 20°C, I have the impression that the sweetness of the sandalwood comes out particularly well; if temperatures are below that, its buttery aspect seems to be emphasised instead.

What makes the smell special is a notably deeper, also woody smell, in which I think I recognise the oak wood. It doesn’t distract from the sandalwood at all but lends it another dimension.

I experience Kodama as a very calm and relaxing fragrance. I find the name ‘Spirit of the Tree‘ wonderfully fitting. The variety belongs to my favourites of the Kenmei Do and Hikali Koh brands (which both belong to Anvenor e.K.).