Yume-no-Yume (The Dream of Dreams) - Winter - Whooping Crane Incense 12 Sticks by nippon kodo Japanese Quality Incense Since 1575

I originally became familiar with Nippon Kodo as their Morning Star products are sold in the store I work at.While doing some research on other products, I read a review recommending the Whooping Crane and Maple Leaf.So, I gave them a go and definitely wasn't disappointed.The Yume-no-Yume (The Dream of Dreams) line is of AMAZING quality. Sometimes, the Morning Star incense will leave a bit of a smokey smell once it's done burning, but these leave only a smooth scent that lingers for as long as two days (or, at least in the case of my room which is tiny). It has no bamboo filler/stick and burns for about 20 minutes.As far as the smell goes, in the beginning, I was turned off. Upon opening the package, it kind of has a...not necessarily sour smell, but a sharp musky smell that surprised me. I was expecting something a bit lighter since it's described as a "White Floral Musk."Nonetheless! When I finally lit a stick, oh boy! It smells heavenly. Just like Nippon Kodo described it: "The Cool and velvety-smooth scent of silvery shining snow land."$5-7 for 12 sticks might steer you away, especially if you use incense daily for religious reasons. But if you're like me, and use it just for the pleasure of having a wonderfully scented room, the price is completely worth it.

While the product was a bit more expensive than some others, it is PERFECT for use while traveling; the size and packaging are convenient, and the small but functional stand included works exactly as it should. I use incense daily in a small ceremony honoring my husband and other loved ones who have passed. Each stick lasts just long enough and the scent is lovely, not overwhelming at all. I have purchased a second time and tried other scents from the same maker--all have been very nice. More than meets expectations.

was very strong unatural smell made me irritable andi threw it inthe garbage.

I bought several of the Yume-no-Yume incense packs, but this is by far the most spellbinding.It's not only the silvery, mercurial cranes in flight on the shimmering packaging that I loved, but the cool, sweet musk of the incense I cannot get enough of.As another reviewer mentioned, in the package, it has a sharp, sour animal like aroma. The frankincense and musk are extremely powerful, and can be a bit off putting.But believe me, when you light the tip, it completely changes. If you have ever stepped outside on a very cold, clear morning, when the stars can still be seen shining in a crystalline sky, and a pale white frost crackles on the grass - this is that very, very same smell. It's the smell of pale gold and rose light breaking through the darkness of a long winter's night, clear, slightly sweet, a little mysterious. You get the medicinal chill of the frankincense, the smooth leather of the musk, a hint of some dry flower - the camellia. Whoever blended this together was a genius, because I am rarely the type of person who falls in love with one single scent, color, song - I find beauty in everything. Yet there is something so simply beautiful about this incense which speaks deeply to me, and makes me always purchase another pack. Of all the scents offered in the Yume no Yume line, and of ALL the scents I have gotten from Nippon Kodo, I absolutely love this. It would break my heart if I couldn't buy it again...