Koyasan is one of Japan’s most spiritual centres. The temple complex and the entire mountain range surrounding the temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Protected Site.
It was established over 1,200 years ago by Kobo Dashi Kukai, the founder of esoteric Shingon Buddhism - his spirit is said to still inhabit the koyasan mountains. Koyasan attracts pilgrims and travelers from all over the world.
Upon smelling Koyasan Sacred Mountain Mist, one of our Japanese customers, who had recently been to Koyasan (Koya mountain) said the mist contains Kukai’s energy. It was such a heartfelt comment and I was sincerely honoured by her description.
Many of the trees on the Koya mountain are hundreds of years old, and the forest around Koyasan is recommended for the practice of forest bathing. The limited-edition Koyasan sacred mountain mist is based on a very rare and precious essential oil made from Koyamaki, a rare and sacred tree which is unique to the Koya mountain, in the Wakayama prefecture.
Sourcing the Precious Koyamaki Essential Oil
Higashi san who distills the essential oils in our forest bathing essential oil kit, recently distilled a small batch of koyamaki leaf essential oil from the sacred pine tree – Sciadopitys verticillate.
Creating the Blend
I discussed with our Japanese Perfect Potion team how we could best use the Koyamaki essential oil and we decided to create the Koyasan sacred mountain room mist to embody the ambiance and feeling of the Koyasan mountains. The mist is a beautiful blend with koyamaki essential oil as the heart and soul. The blend was then balanced with a delicate, soft, woody base note with hinoki wood and just a dash of beautiful vibrant yuzu oil to add some sparkling top note to the blend. These oils were chosen to ensure they would not overpower the koyamaki, but add freshness to the blend.
Though it is a very simple blend, when needing to briefly describe the aromatherapy benefits of the mist, I found this difficult. Koyasan sacred mountain room mist is such a special blend, it embodies the sacredness of Koyasan, dare I say it contains the energy Kukai, whose spirit is said to inhabit the mountains. Personally, I feel a deep sense of reverence for nature, you may feel peace and tranquility, you may feel a sense of awe, you may feel uplifted or you may feel mindful and calm. But let it be known you are feeling the energy of the sacred Koyasan mountains.
In creating Koyasan sacred mountain room mist, I was ever so mindful and respectful of Japanese culture and spirituality which has such a deep reverence for nature. I wanted to acknowledge this reverence for nature and in doing so, I hope this mist will evoke those same feelings of awe and reverence.
How to Best Experience Koyasan Sacred Mountain Room Mist
- Step one - take time to contemplate the beautiful photo of the mountain (download here)
- Step two - close your eyes, and just spray two to three times over your head
- Step three – take the time to inhale deeply and enjoy the aromas of Koyasan Mountain.
The mist truly embodies the atmosphere of Koyasan and spiritual soul of Japan, I hope you can enjoy the energy of Koyasan when your surround yourself with the mist.
I hope you enjoy the sacredness of Koyasan when you use this beautiful mist.
