Harajuku is known worldwide as a fashion paradise, attracting tourists with its blend of trendy boutiques and vintage stores. YUBUNE's shop, located on the second floor of the Harakado complex, which opened recently in 2024, offers a serene, bright space that invites visitors to explore. Many stop to admire the beautiful displays, eager to experience these one-of-a-kind scents.

The standout of YUBUNE's collection is their range of perfumes, a favorite among those seeking a unique and meaningful souvenir. Each of the eight scents is crafted by a Japanese perfumer, inspired by the soothing aromas you encounter while traveling through Japan.

YUBUNE perfumes are "parfum" grade, meaning they contain a higher concentration of fragrance oils for longer-lasting wear. One of their most appealing qualities is how the scent evolves over time, offering more than simple sweetness or fruitiness. Each fragrance captures a powerful, layered essence, evoking a sense of vitality and depth, refreshing you continuously throughout the day.

YUBUNE's collection of eight distinct perfumes draws inspiration from Japan's traditional landscapes and nature. Each scent captures the subtle beauty and elegance of Japanese motifs, offering restrained and sophisticated fragrance profiles.

TAKE (Bamboo)
The most popular scent, TAKE (pronounced tah-kay), starts with the fresh, botanical aroma of bamboo but gradually transforms into a sensual sweetness over time. The base notes of vanilla and musk evoke the rare bamboo flower, which blooms only once in a century. This clean yet captivating fragrance is loved by both men and women alike.

JI (Temple)
Inspired by the serene atmosphere of Kyoto temples, this fragrance is reminiscent of burning incense. Using notes of agarwood and sandalwood—both traditional ingredients in incense—it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort, especially for those who enjoy visiting temples. Wearing it brings back memories of Japan's tranquil temples, allowing you to relive those peaceful moments at any time.

KOYAMAKI (Japanese umbrella pine)
This fragrance captures the Japanese umbrella pines that thrive on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,200 years of cultural and religious significance. The initial scent is crisp, full of the freshness of a forest, before deepening into a soft, rich aroma as it settles on the skin, capturing the subtle warmth of nature. Just like strolling through the sacred grounds of Mount Koya, this scent calms the wearer and elevates their mood.

SAKURA (Cherry blossom tree)
Based on Jindai-Zakura, Japan's oldest cherry blossom tree and a Designated National Natural Monument, the fragrance blends the ruggedness of the trunk, roots, and moss to evoke all the strength and vitality of a 2,000-year-old tree. The restrained floral notes are balanced with an earthy depth, making this scent appealing to men as well.

RINGO (Apple)
This fragrance stands out among the other YUBUNE perfumes for its rich and layered scent. Apples are a key motif, inspired by the Westernization of the early Meiji period, when apples were first introduced to Japan. Just as the Japanese people experienced the fruit's freshness for the first time, the fragrance opens with a crisp note that gradually deepens into a sweet, indulgent aroma over time.

TSUKI (Moon)
This fragrance captures the serene beauty of the terraced rice fields found in Nagano Prefecture. In May and June, when rice planting begins, these mountainside rice paddies are full of water and beautifully reflect the moon at night, a breathtaking scene encapsulated in this scent. The fragrance evokes dewy grass and trees after rain, exuding a subtle sense of moisture with every wear.

KEMURI (Smoke)
This fragrance is inspired by "noroshi," a smoke signal communication method used during the Sengoku Warring States period (15th to 16th century). Its base notes are musk complemented by spicy star anise, giving it a distinctly Asian twist. This unique scent is perfect for those looking to stand out and express their individuality.

HOTARU (Firefly)
Exclusive to the Omotesando store, HOTARU is inspired by the fireflies that inhabit the serene grounds of nearby Meiji Shrine, adjacent to Harajuku Station. The joy of a refreshing summer evening, where fireflies dance above clear waters, is embodied in this light and airy scent. It's a popular choice for fragrance beginners as well.

These perfumes evoke the stories of Japan, serving as a delightful reminder of your travels. Treat yourself by selecting your favorite scent as a personal souvenir!

Perfect as souvenirs for friends and family, the Solid Perfume (2,200 yen) and Lip Balm (2,750 yen) can be personalized with a charming message. These compact yet beautifully crafted items encapsulate Japan's rich traditions, making them ideal gifts!

"Japan wax," a natural plant-based wax unique to Japan, is used in these items. Historically, this wax was an ingredient in hair oils used to make traditional hairstyles as well as in lipsticks. It creates a protective layer that helps retain moisture for extended periods.

YUBUNE offers a wonderful service to make your gifts truly unique. Certain products can be personalized with initials or engraved with quotes from famous figures, available in either English or Japanese.

Choose from a selection of quotes from famous figures available in a booklet within the store. Currently, there are 83 quotes to pick from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your mood. For gifts, pick out a heartfelt message or capture the recipient's personality with the perfect quote.

You can also add some colorful painted artwork to the package. The subject of the painting and the colors are chosen by the staff, reflecting the seasonal atmosphere and the essence of Tokyo. It dries in about 10 minutes, allowing you to take home a unique, one-of-a-kind design right away.

Don't miss the original shopping bags given with every purchase. The deep blue, mixed with shades of yellow and green, is used for the lip balm and hair care bottles as well. Blue is said to have a calming effect, making the journey home feel even more special.

YUBUNE is dedicated to environmental sustainability. Many of the ingredients in their cosmetics are naturally sourced and make use of materials that would otherwise be discarded. One such ingredient is rice bran, which is repurposed into items like their 100% Organic Rice Bran Oil, extracted through a special method, and the Rice Bran Body Scrub, which uses pressed rice bran residue. These innovations reflect their commitment to utilizing resources efficiently and minimizing waste.

These processes are labor-intensive and not suited for mass production. However, their dedication to "contributing to people and the environment" and the belief that "experiencing nature relieves stress in the mind and body" motivates them to continue crafting beautiful products every day.

YUBUNE also considers how their containers and packaging impact the environment. They aim to minimize plastic use and offer refill pouches.

Additionally, their offerings include skin creams infused with minerals derived from the heat energy generated by volcanic activity and multifunctional serums that use organic, pesticide-free domestic nameko mushroom extract to improve the firmness of skin. Unlock the power of nature with these perfect souvenirs.

YUBUNE is dedicated to preserving Japan's traditional and cultural industries and encouraging harmonious coexistence with nature. Their Japanese candles are carefully crafted via traditional methods by artisans in Kanazawa, using washi paper, cotton wicks, and wax from the Japanese wax tree.

Fragrance is deeply connected to memories. Experiencing scents from your travels can give you a burst of joy at any moment. YUBUNE's perfumes, rooted in rich history and respecting Japan's traditional culture, make for the perfect mementos of your trip. They also offer a variety of other gifts that your family and friends will love. If you visit Tokyo, be sure to stop by their store in Harajuku to find a truly special souvenir.