Forgive the incense sticks at Lisn Kyoto their New Age-y monikers—names like Whisper Drops, Sepia of Tears, and Dive Into the Blue. The 3-inch “designer” sticks smell incredible, and at about ¥40 a piece (36 cents), they’re a lovely introduction to Shoyeido, a 300-year-old company credited with introducing imperial Japanese incense to the West. Variety packs with minimalist burners make elegant souvenirs, or you can customize your own mix at the scent bar in the back of the shop. Sticks are grouped by color and note (citrus, spice, floral, etc.), and the staffers, who speak a bit of English, will happily make suggestions for inspired combinations.

COCON, Karasuma-Shijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan; +81-75-353-6466.