Here are our favorite Japanese perfume brands and its reviews. Check it out!
Just like your outfit and accessories, your choice of perfume is important. It makes an impression and a statement. So it is important that you choose a perfume that suits your personality and style.
The perfume industry in Japan goes back more than a hundred years. Back then they produced mostly incense but now, Japan has gone on to produce some of the best perfume in the world.
The world of perfumes is a rather complex one, especially when we talk about Japanese perfumes. You require just a few spritz of these masterfully created products and you’ll be set.
Most Japanese perfumers draw inspiration from Japanese sights and occurrences like the cherry blossoms that Japan is known for.
It can be overwhelming with all the different brands that you see at the store. Where do you begin?
We have put together a list of the top Japanese perfume brands with some of their top perfumes for you to explore and choose from.
Top Japanese Perfume Brands: Quick Summary
| Top Japanese Perfume Brands | Recommended Products |
| Shiseido | Shiseido Zen Eau De ParfumShiseido Ever Bloom Eau De Parfum |
| Kenzo | Kenzo JungleFlower by Kenzo |
| Issey Miyake | L’eau d’Issey |
| Monocle | Scent one HinokiScent three Sugi |
| Parum Satori | SakuraHyougeSatori |
| Miya Shinma | Sakura Eau de Parfum |
How did we choose the top Japanese perfume brands?
It is no easy task to choose top Japanese perfume brands. Not only are there so many brilliant brands out there but also the fact that one person’s sweet smell can be a scent that the other cannot stand.
However, after an intense and critical research, our in house experts have come up with this list of the top Japanese perfume brands. Each brand was rated on the popularity of their products, affordability, and choice of ingredients.
We found that Shiseido is the best Japanese perfume brand. The brand is trusted and known for producing quality products. Their perfumes are well known globally for their subtle yet refreshing scents.
Top Japanese Perfume Brands
Shiseido
Established in: 1872
Recommended products: Shiseido Zen Eau De Parfum, Shiseido Ever Bloom Eau De Parfum
Back in 1872, Shiseido began as Japan’s first Western style pharmacy. Today, Shiseido is a leading giant in the world of beauty.
Not just in Japan, but all over the world the brand is associated with excellance and is known to produce some of the best beauty products and fragrances.
The brand has been setting high international standards with its high quality products in the fashion, beauty and cosmetic scene.
Shiseido launched its first perfume in 1918 and it was an instant hit. Since then, the brand has come a long way with its many fragrances.
With its perfect blend of art and science that goes into every perfume, Shiseido is producing perfumes that are among the best of the best.
Shiseido’s Zen Eau De Parfum is a must try from the brand’s perfume section. It has a woody fragrance that combines zesty notes of grapefruit and sweet scents of orange, pineapple, and bergamot.
I find that the scent is great for special occassions and for when you need a little confidence boost.
Another scent to try from Shiseido is the Ever Bloom Eau De Parfum. The scent is a subtle blend of violets, jasmine, orange blossom, and Bulgarian rose. It reminds me of almost like a lovely bouquet in a bottle. This scent is great for everyday use.
- Related: Best Japanese Deodorant
Kenzo
Established in: 1994
Recommended products: Kenzo Jungle, Flower by Kenzo
Kenzo has been producing world class perfumes for more than 20 years now. They specialize in perfumes for men and for women.
The brand was founded by a Parisian designer, Kenzo Takada in 1970. The perfume section was created by his wife Michiyo in 1994.
The brand has been producing some of the most sort after perfumes that are unique and fresh. The fragrances draw inspiration from nature and mankind and have a mild and smooth scent.
Besides the fancy bottle it comes in, Kenzo Jungle is a spicy floral fragrance that is created by Dominique Roupion. It has zesty notes of mandarin and the freshness of cardamom and cloves. I absolutely love the fruity touch of mango and sweetness of vanilla and patchouli add to the sensual scent.
Flower by Kenzo Eau de Toilette is a creation for women. It features floral notes of Damascena rose and violet blended perfectly with vanilla and white musk. The subtle scent makes it great for everyday use.
Issey Miyake
Established in : 1992
Recommended products: L’eau d’Issey
You’ve probably heard of Issey Miyake’s clothing line. However, besides women’s clothing, the brand also produces furniture designs and perfumes.
The brand has its headquarters located in Japan as well as France. That explains why a lot of the product names are in French.
L’eau d’Issey is hands down Issey Miyake’s best perfume. It has a fresh and timeless fragrance that every woman should have.
The aquatic yet floral fragrance has hints of lotus rose and fresh white flowers, with a subtle woody tone. It is long lasting and a classic statement all on its own.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the brand also has a body lotion to go with the perfume.
Monocle
Established in: 2002
Recommended products: Scent one Hinoki, Scent three Sugi
Monocle is a top luxury brand and has been producing some of the most popular perfumes in the world. The brand has other subsidiary brands and produces clothes, beauty products, and bags.
The brand introduced a series of fragrances in collaboration with Comme des Garcons in 2007. Out of this series two top featured scents are Scent one: Hinoki and Scent three: Sugi.
Scent one: Hinoki is best seller and highly sought after product from Monocle. It has a natural spring inspired scent. The floral and citrus notes blend with the earlthy notes well to give a refreshing scent.
Scent three: Sugi is a unisex fragrance from the series. It has a clean and delicate fragrance that makes it great for everyday use.
It has top notes of Mediterranean cypress and Madagascar pepper that blends well with floral notes and pine. I have seen that these scents are long lasting. Just a couple of spritz and you’re good for the whole day.
Parum Satori
Established in: 2000
Recommended products: Sakura, Hyouge, Satori
Parum Satori was founded by Satori Osawa in 2000. She is known for infusing her products with natural ingredients.
These perfumes are truly one of a kind. The brand has been producing various collections of perfumes that are not just scents but a statement.
Some of the best perfumes from the brand are Sakura, Hyouge, and Satori. The perfume Satori is infused with the scents of agarwood and Kyara. It is a subtle fragrance for women that has top notes of bergamot and coriander with middle notes of cacao and vanilla.
Inspired by the 16th century tea master Furuta Oribe, Hyouge has a green citrusy scent that is infused with sage, jasmine, patchouli, and iris. The subtle, yet refreshing fragrance is a great addition to any perfume collection.
Miya Shinma
Established in: 1927
Recommended products: Sakura Eau de Parfum
Miya Shinma is a world renowned Japanese perfume brand that was founded by Masami Shinma and Kiyoshi Kuroki.
The brand uses the finest raw materials and aims to produce fragrances that are affordable without compromising on quality.
The brand boasts of its fragrances that are odes to traditional Japanese culture. It is the perfect combination of originality and modern and classic Japan.
Miya Shinma’s Sakura Eau de Parfum is one of their best creations. It is a light floral perfume that pays tribute to the delicate cherry blossoms of Japan. The subtle hints of peonies and blackcurrant enhance the uniqueness of the scent.
Sholayered
Launched in: 2013
Bestsellers: Sugar Lychee, Fresh Pear, Wite Musk, Olive Vodka, Bergamot Jasmine,
Sholayered is a Japanese perfume brand that was founded by Sho Ishizaka in 2013. Sho Ishizaka is a well-known fragrance expert who has worked for several major fragrance companies before creating Sholayered.
He wanted to create a brand that would showcase the beauty of Japan and its changing seasons through unique and complex fragrances.
The brand’s fragrances are known for their layered and intricate compositions, using high-quality ingredients sourced from around the world.
Many of the fragrances are inspired by Japanese culture, traditions, and the natural beauty of Japan, such as the cherry blossom season, the rainy season, and autumn leaves.
Some of Sholayered’s most popular fragrances include “Hanami,” which is inspired by the blooming of cherry blossoms, “Jour de Pluie,” which translates to “rainy day” and is a fresh and clean scent perfect for a rainy day, and “Ohanami,” which captures the essence of the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Sholayered has gained a following in Japan and internationally, and the brand continues to release new fragrances that are innovative and unique, while still staying true to the brand’s Japanese heritage and inspiration.
Keiko Mecheri
Launched in: 2000
I recently tried a fragrance from Keiko Mecheri and was blown away by the luxurious and complex scent. The fragrance I tried was called “Jasmine,” and it was an intoxicating blend of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and tuberose.
The jasmine was the star of the show, but it was beautifully balanced by the other floral notes.
What I loved about this fragrance was how rich and long-lasting it was. Even hours after applying, I could still catch whiffs of the beautiful scent. It also had great sillage, which is always a plus for me when it comes to fragrances.
The bottle itself was also a work of art. The minimalist design was sleek and elegant, and the weight of the bottle made it feel substantial and high-quality.
Overall, I highly recommend Keiko Mecheri’s fragrances to anyone looking for a luxurious and unique scent. The quality and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the fragrance, from the beautiful blend of notes to the stunning bottle design.
I can’t wait to try more scents from this brand.
Perfume Satori
I recently discovered Perfume Satori, and I have to say that I’m completely enamored with this fragrance brand. The fragrances are created by founder and perfumer, Satori Osawa, who has a true talent for crafting unique and captivating scents.
I tried the fragrance “Mizu,” which means “water” in Japanese, and it truly captured the essence of water in a way that I never thought possible through scent.
The fragrance is a blend of aquatic and green notes, with a touch of floral and woody elements. It’s fresh, clean, and invigorating, like a splash of cold water on a hot summer day.
What I love about Perfume Satori is the attention to detail that goes into each fragrance. The brand uses only high-quality ingredients, and the fragrances are designed to be layered and customized to the wearer’s preferences.
The fragrances also have great longevity, and I found that the scent lasted for hours after application.
The bottle design is also noteworthy, with a sleek and minimalist design that is both modern and timeless. The attention to detail extends to the packaging as well, which is elegant and refined.
Overall, I highly recommend Perfume Satori to anyone looking for a unique and high-quality fragrance experience.
The fragrances are truly works of art, and the brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the product. I can’t wait to try more scents from this brand and continue to explore the world of Perfume Satori.
DI SER
DI SER is a perfume brand based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, and was founded by perfumer Yasuyuki Shinohara in 2018.
Shinohara created DI SER with the aim of capturing the essence of Hokkaido, a region known for its natural beauty and diverse climate.
DI SER’s fragrances are made with high-quality natural ingredients, many of which are sourced from Hokkaido and other parts of Japan.
Each fragrance is designed to evoke the emotions and memories associated with the Hokkaido landscape, from the fresh and cool air of the mountains to the salty sea breeze of the coast.
DI SER’s fragrances have gained a following among fragrance enthusiasts for their unique and evocative scents, as well as their high-quality ingredients and attention to detail.
Some of the fragrances in the DI SER collection include:
- “Nube,” a fresh and invigorating scent with citrus, floral, and woody notes, and a touch of sweetness.
- “Mizore,” a cool and refreshing scent with mint, lavender, and woody notes.
- “Koibumi,” a romantic and feminine scent with floral and fruity notes, inspired by the love letters exchanged by Japanese couples.
The fragrances come in sleek and modern bottles, which add to the luxurious feel of the brand.
Overall, DI SER is a brand that is known for its commitment to quality and its ability to capture the essence of Hokkaido in its fragrances.
If you’re looking for unique and evocative scents that transport you to the beauty of Hokkaido, DI SER is definitely worth checking out.
Hanae Mori
Hanae Mori is a Japanese fashion and fragrance brand that was founded by fashion designer Hanae Mori in 1951.
The brand became known for its elegant and feminine clothing designs, and later expanded into fragrance.
Hanae Mori’s fragrances are known for their luxurious and sophisticated scents, which often feature a combination of floral, fruity, and woody notes.
Some of the most popular fragrances from the brand include:
- “Hanae Mori Eau de Parfum,” a classic and timeless scent with notes of strawberry, blackberry, jasmine, and vanilla.
- “Hanae Mori Butterfly,” a light and airy scent with notes of wild strawberries, jasmine, peony, and rose.
- “Hanae Mori Him,” a masculine and sensual scent with notes of mandarin, bergamot, cedarwood, and vanilla.
The fragrances are presented in elegant and stylish bottles, which are often decorated with intricate designs and patterns.
The brand has also collaborated with other artists and designers to create limited edition bottles and packaging.
In addition to fragrances, Hanae Mori also offers a range of skincare and makeup products, as well as clothing and accessories.
The brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail has made it a favorite among fashion and beauty enthusiasts around the world.
Overall, Hanae Mori is a brand that is known for its luxurious and sophisticated fragrances, which capture the essence of femininity and elegance. If you’re looking for a fragrance that exudes class and style, Hanae Mori is definitely worth checking out.
How To Choose The Right Japanese Perfume For You
Choosing a Japanese perfume can be a personal and subjective decision, but here are some general tips to help you select a scent that suits your preferences:
- Consider your fragrance preferences:
Do you prefer fresh and citrusy scents, floral and romantic fragrances, or warm and spicy scents? Japanese perfumes offer a wide range of fragrances, so it’s essential to consider what type of scent you enjoy the most.
- Research the brand:
Japanese perfume brands, such as Sholayered, Keiko Mecheri, and Di Ser, are known for their unique and sophisticated scents. Research the brand’s history, philosophy, and fragrance offerings to get a better understanding of their style and approach to scent.
- Smell the perfume:
Most perfume stores offer samples or testers, which allow you to smell the scent before purchasing. Take advantage of these options and smell the perfume on your skin to determine if the scent suits you.
- Consider the season and occasion:
Japanese perfumes can vary in intensity and longevity, so it’s essential to choose a scent that’s appropriate for the occasion and season. For example, lighter and fresher scents are suitable for summer, while warmer and spicier fragrances are perfect for fall and winter.
- Trust your instincts:
Ultimately, the choice of fragrance comes down to your personal preferences and instincts. Choose a scent that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and reflects your personality.
Top Japanese Perfume Brands: FAQs
What perfumes are popular in Japan?
Some of the most popular perfumes in Japan are:
Flower By Kenzo Eau De Parfum
Shiseido Zen Eau De Parfum
Shiseido Ever Bloom Eau De Parfum
Anna Sui Live Your Dream Eau De Toilette
Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Music Eau De Toilette
Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Eau De Toilette
Sholayer Sugar Lychee Sholayer Body Spray
Hiya! I’m the main author of Japan Truly. I love everything Japan and love testing out Japanese products, be it skincare and makeup or gadgets! You’ll find reviews of some of the best selling Japanese products (tried and tested) right here!
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