Savour the afterglow, like a "makura kotoba"
Makura kotoba, a rhetorical device used in Japanese waka poetry, is a set phrase placed before certain words to harmonise the tone or enhance the mood. Though seemingly insignificant, its presence makes a world of difference in the overall effect.
For sweet citrus, use a clean chip of thin leaves, a hint of bergamot for a blend with a strong herbal fragrance. When the package is opened, dissolved in hot water and rubbed in, a post-bath remembrance.
Each blend tells a unique story, the delicate balance of ingredients melting away with the water, yet leaving behind a lingering, unmistakable sensation.
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"Yufuzukuyo" is a makura kotoba that brings the image of "night."
This relaxing blend combines a base of salt, ginger, and camellia oil with lavender. It also includes chips of persimmon leaves, which are known for their anti-swelling and antibacterial effects. Beneath the rich scents of lavender and spices, a faint green aroma emerges. This fragrance gently invites you into a soothing rest.
Recommended for: Those who want a good night's sleep or suffer from back pain or neuralgia.
Place the sachet directly in the bath and enjoy its scent while gently massaging it to dissolve the contents into the water. Massage until the white powder fully dissolves. Bathing is a prayer to oneself.
Recommended for: Those looking to boost their energy or suffering from cold sensitivity.
"Hisakatano" is a makura kotoba that brings the image of "light."
This meditative blend combines a base of salt, ginger, and camellia oil with hinoki and cloves. Cloves have been used in special baths for monks during training. The strong scents of ginger, hinoki, and cloves are softened with sweet bergamot, while a hint of loquat leaf adds depth. This fragrance promotes mental clarity and emotional balance.
Recommended for: Those who want to clear their mind or have beautiful skin.
Gift Box
This gift box contains one sachet each of the blends Yufuzukuyo, Akanesasu, and Hisakatano. These blends help deepen sleep, restore energy, and promote emotional balance. We recommend enjoying them in the order of "Yu", "A", "Hi".
It's also perfect as a thoughtful token of appreciation or a casual gift.
Sho (Writing)
Ms. Mikiko Kayama
Born in Kagoshima, raised in Chiba.
She has lived in Kyoto since 2018 and creates art using calligraphy. Recently, she has taken an interest in sculpture and plans to exhibit three-dimensional works. She enjoys sake and traditional Japanese sweets.
The oldest form of amulet is the talisman inscribed with calligraphy. Talismans, marked with the names of deities or sacred incantations, are placed in the home or carried for divine protection. Since words are believed to hold spiritual power, it was forbidden to casually write the names of gods or prayers. Calligraphy, with its potent presence, evokes feelings of healing at times and awe at others.
At Hiiragi, we wanted to share the beauty and healing power of calligraphy with you, so we asked Ms. Mikiko Kayama to inscribe these words.
Ms. Kayama's works are captivating for their powerful elegance, with a touch of subtle edginess. The path traced by her brush, the way the ink soaks into the washi paper—every element is irreplaceably precious and sacred.
Ms. Mikiko Kayama
Born in Kagoshima, raised in Chiba.
She has lived in Kyoto since 2018 and creates art using calligraphy. Recently, she has taken an interest in sculpture and plans to exhibit three-dimensional works. She enjoys sake and traditional Japanese sweets.
Bathing as a Prayer to Oneself
In our busy lives, our breathing often becomes shallow. Shallow breathing increases anxiety and tension, slows the body's circulation, and can eventually lead to physical and mental illness. While it's ideal to incorporate light exercise, meditation, and morning and evening stretches into daily life, there are times when we lack the time or energy to do so.
During such times, I recommend turning your bath into a moment of quiet meditation. Add bath salts, enjoy the scent, and take deep breaths. Bathing is not just a time to cleanse the body—it is a ritual to dispel negative energy, deepen breathing, and rejuvenate the mind and body.
Hiiragi's meditative bath product, "Aroma Bath of Makura Kotoba," is designed to comfort both mind and body. The blend, which uses salt, ginger, and camellia oil as a base, is gently scented with essential oils and medicinal herbs extracted from nature. By gently massaging the sachet, a pleasant aroma rises, allowing you to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
With each breath, direct your awareness inward, and reclaim deep breathing and balance for both body and mind.
How to Use the Bath Sachet
How to Use the Bath Sachet
Place the sachet directly in the bath and enjoy its scent while gently massaging it to dissolve the contents into the water. Massage until the white powder fully dissolves. Bathing is a prayer to oneself.