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January 2024 by Victor Corbelii
This is the best incense/ scent store in San Francisco without a doubt in my mind! The service is personable, the supply is plenty and diverse, the accessories/decor available are so unique. Thank you for keeping your doors open and allowing folks like me to shop. I appreciate the time that the clerk has taken to explain how to use the small ball incense holder with a ring to stabilize the stick as it burns. It looks and smells wonderful every time :) ?They have beautiful tea towels, stunning ceramic incense burning dishes, and countless other items that will likely pique your curiosity. ?If you’re into scents and Japanese decor, this is definitely the place for you. Easily accessible via bus. It’s a looooong walk from BART so I would not suggest that mode of transit to get here. Bus stops are on Fillmore and Webster and Post st for Japantown’s Kinokinuya mall. ?Hope you enjoy this location as much as I do!
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December 2023 by Melissa Lopez
I've been going to this shop for quite awhile now, and it's always had my favorite candles and a wide variety of incense when I want to try something different. The staff is always quite helpful and hospitable!
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October 2023 by Antonio Vera Giglio
Great selection of gifts and incense. The staff really listens and guides you to make a great choice. It's now my go-to incense supplier and also a go-to for gifts. A strong 5 stars.
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September 2023 by Sharon C.
No trip to Japantown is complete without a stop at Kohshi. It is such a nice environment. There is a fantastic selection of high quality incense and one can learn and expand an incense appreciation with every trip. The owner is so nice as are the employees. In addition to incense there are unique gifts, tea drinking accessories and beauty products, all of the highest quality. A most welcoming place.
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September 2023 by sydney volker
i love this shop! it’s the only shop i get my incense, and there’s lots of variety/choices. they also sell candles, plants, and dish sets/mugs:) it’s a nice little gem
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September 2023 by Galaxia
i'm seriously considering going back to california just to visit this store again. the owners are SO kind, the man is super knowledgeable and patiently showed me samples of many different incenses to help me decide. a little slice of heaven inside san francisco <3
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August 2023 by J. S.
Japan Center has a ton of stores that stock incense. If you only ever buy Morning Star incense (staple scents in plain, brightly colored boxes) then feel free to visit any ol' store because it's carried everywhere. You don't even have to go to Japan Center. The head shops and metaphysical stores in the Upper Haight carry it. Kohshi carries it, too, but you'll better appreciate the store and its available stock if your taste in incense is more... refined? Adventurous? Discerning? Not sure what the word should be. It's mainly variety that sets this store apart from the other options in Japan Center. But not the sort of variety where it's "engh, just stock as much as possible and wait to see what moves". The available stock seems like it has been carefully compiled, like attention and consideration were taken. There are brands and smells here that you'll have trouble finding locally. Most places, they'll set up a throwaway tester box that you're free to open up and huff. But the way something smells while idle in the package doesn't necessarily represent what you'll actually experience once you light a stick/cone and start filling your domicile with the end result. Ask this shop for assistance -- they'll light some so you can truly try before you buy. They can also make recommendations if you know what kind of aroma(s) you like but aren't sure what's available or what to purchase. For those with tea tree issues: Unlike other shops in Japan Center, Kohshi doesn't lean hard into it. That said, they also sells soaps here and there's at least one containing tea tree oil. Prepare accordingly.
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June 2023 by Wine Country Modelers
I love this place. The owner is so kind and helpful. My favorite place in Japantown
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April 2023 by Thien H.
Although I visit Japantown in SF quite often I don't often go inside this store because I am sensitive to strong fragrances. Even though they have cute little plants and pots in addition to incense I usually avoid this place because the smells give me a headache. I was desperate to find a nice gift box for a fancy pen I bought for a friend at Maido upstairs (the pen I chose didn't have a nice box sadly). After going to several gift shops and jewelry stores and asking about boxes I decided to go in here on a whim. They had a perfect plain Paulownia wood box that the pen fit in perfectly! It was $10, more than I would normally ever spend on a box, but it was worth it because I don't think I would have found a nicer option elsewhere. The box is normally supposed to hold incense. I usually know this as the place near Oma (omakase restaurant/stand) where they have taped up a cute, lost earring on the glass. So if you're missing a cute fan earring, they've had your earring taped up on the glass for a long time. The owners were friendly and nicely wrapped up the wooden box in paper to protect it.
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March 2023 by Matthew Koscica
Great place for incense. Very knowledgeable and kind people with fair prices. My new go to incense seller.
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March 2023 by Francis Tan
Amazing store in the heart of Japan Town! Must visit! ???
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November 2022 by Phil “Fox” Watson
Absolutely delightful place. The couple running it were fantastic and very kind. I was able to find a great selection of vintage ceramic tanuki and kitsune and I struggle to find those anywhere. The incense selection is huge and you're bound to find something you like.
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September 2022 by Allie K.
I'm not normally an incense buyer but I was checking things out while waiting for dinner and had such a lovely time. Incredibly helpful and friendly service, pointing out some interesting scents based on what I expressed an interest in and tossing in a few of their favorites. Then I bought a mug with a shiba ink on it, started chatting with Kotaro, and found out that our dogs are related. Such a sweet store, a lovely owner, and they both came outside to track me down when realizing I had left behind part of the purchase. I gave Reese some pets for you, Kotaro, and she enjoyed it! Now she just needs some lessons in being more friendly from your black & tan boy.
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September 2022 by rrCHRISxx
Having a superb experience receiving my first online order I thought we would check out the location yesterday. The Knowledgeable and friendly people helped me with purchasing a larger box of some fantastic kyara sticks as well as some other accessories. We hope to be back soon.
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July 2022 by K.A. Roche
Truly the best incense store! The variety is astounding with a vast range of scents, quality, and price, so there is always something for everyone to come home with and enjoy. The owner and staff are incredibly kind, attentive, and informative. Kohshi is a small local business that deserves every bit of patronage.
