If you are ever in Tokyo (that’s where the other branch is). Here’s the address:
Tokyo Kyukyodo co. ltd
7-4, Ginza 5 chome
Chuo-ku
Tokyo
104-0061
Japan

Otto

I bought a lot in Kyoto which lasted for a long time. Sadly, I was never able to re-stock and they weren’t really set up to sell long-distance to a non-Japanese speaking wannabe customer…

The closest thing I found was actually Shoyeido. Again, not available on-line but purchased through a catalogue in Germany. Not easy, but with trial and error, I discovered some very nice ones, such as Plum and Trea of the nature series (short sticks) to name just 2. I couldn’t find these at Shoyeido.com, but they might have them under a different name. If they don’t, I’d be happy to send some by mail if you want to give them a try.

As with everything, quality comes at a price, but it’s worth it. I don’t like the wooden core cheap sticks which fume like an old diesel engine in winter (yes, diesels are quite popular in Belgium) For me, it has to be the Japanese type stick - fragile yet wonderful.
I even tried the expensive ones, with high levels of Kyara wood, but didn’t appreciate them as much as I expected. At least now I know how it feels like to set fire to a lot of money.

Especially on a winter’s day, a single stick of incense is a great start of the day.
However, it does sometimes make it hard to wake up to the harsh reality of the daily routine as the last bit of smoke drifts away…

Otto