Perfection in a tea leaf
Confections refined on a day-to-day basis
A pharmacy of scents
Blooming sculptures
Objects to enrich our day-to-day life
OGATA Bookstore
The scent of freshly roasted tea fills the boutique-atelier, which offers a diverse variety of tea rigorously selected according to the season: hōjicha, sencha, rare teas and seasonal infusions. The diversity of production methods allows us to enjoy the same tea leaf in a rich variety of different fragrances, further enriching our appreciation of tea. Our tea master will propose teas to suit your taste.
The traditional culture of wagashi is transformed into a contemporary pleasure. Our boutique offers artisanal confections made on site as well as a selection of wagashi imported from Japan. These confections reflect the Japanese sensitivity to the beauty of the seasons and changing flavors. The confectionery of OGATA punctuates and enhances our day-to-day life.
KAORI space is temporarily closed for maintenance
Under the vaulted ceiling of the underground cellar there is KAORI, a space dedicated to the appreciation of the culture of fragrances, between cure and delight. There, you can find a selection of natural, original fragrances. You can also create tailor-made fragrances that are prepared according to a unique method to promote harmony and well-being.
YOKA
Traditionally, incense, whether it takes the form of a stick, a cone or a spiral, is directly burnt or can be warmed indirectly by placing an aromatic wood or pastilles over a charcoal covered with ash.
The YOKA series is the fragrance in all its simplicity: you appreciate it as it is, without being burnt or warmed. The natural, additive-free ingredients produce a soft though persistent scent. The quality of the fragrance is determined by a sophisticated composition, combining the classic elements of the Japanese culture of fragrances and ingredients from all over the world, creating a unique blend that reflects the taste and the esthetics of contemporary times.
The fragrance is to be appreciated as it is, placed on a dedicated vessel to permeate the room or worn everyday by placing a small amount in a sachet. Its smell evolves with time until it fades progressively, and will be finally replaced. As it is made with natural ingredients, you can compost this fragrance.
YOKA sur mesure
With our specialist you can prepare your personalized YOKA. Five fundamental fragrances are offered, created upon the traditional Asian cosmology that divides the universe in five principles: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. We invite you to choose the one that suits you the best.
You can enrich this fundamental fragrance with several base notes, according to the season or your physical condition, by choosing among a wide array of traditional fragrances obtained from plants’ roots or barks. Finally, you can complete the composition with herbs. Ingredients are ground with the yagen (the traditional Japanese mortar).
The YOKA sur mesure composition made with our specialist is on reservation.
Duration: about 60 minutes
Price: 350 €
KAORI - Fragrance workshops
Original YOKA An introductory workshop to "YOKA sur-mesure"
YOKA is a natural incense made from plant-based materials (woods, citrus peels, plants, berries, spices, etc.).
During a YOKA workshop, participants create their own original scented sachets.
The resulting fragrance can be carried in your pocket or bag and accompany your daily life.
It can also be gently warmed with a candle to fragrance a room.
WORKSHOP PROGRAM
1) Choosing the Base
Select one of two fragrance bases designed according to the Eastern theory of the “Five Elements,” passed down since ancient times.
2) Personalization
Choose one or more aromas from five predefined blends (sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty).
3) Finishing the Scented Sachet
Blend the different elements together and place the mixture into a small fabric pouch to create your personalized scented sachet.
This experience is recommended for those interested in fragrance culture, even beginners; for those wishing to create a unique fragrance; for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing and creative moment; and for those who would like to discover custom YOKA.
The workshop concludes with a tea and confectionery tasting, as well as a moment to share impressions with the other participants.
MONKŌ listening to incense woods
Monkō (聞香) is the art of appreciating fragrance by attentively “listening” to the aromas rising from gently heated precious incense woods. These aromatic woods contain natural resin and each possesses its own rich and distinctive character. The expression “listening” originates from Buddhist philosophy.
Monkō developed among cultivated circles in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district during the 15th century and has been passed down in Japan to the present day. In this experience, within a quiet and peaceful setting, you will focus your awareness on the fragrance, carefully sensing its delicate nuances and lingering impressions.
In this special time and space away from everyday life, your senses will gradually become refined, naturally guiding you toward stillness and tranquility.
At the end of the workshop, tea and a small Japanese sweet will be served.
Sustainable craftsmanship invokes the best methods and traditional techniques to create contemporary forms. OGATA offers a range of carefully selected objects, which will provide an aesthetic pleasure in your day-to-day life.
At the OGATA BOOKSTORE, we unveil an exceptional selection of Japanese books, both contemporary and vintage. Spanning photography, graphic design, architecture, craftsmanship, and fine arts, the selection includes antique books of high cultural and historical value. These Japanese publications reflect a refined visual culture and stand out for their poetic design and exceptional craftsmanship. OGATA bookstore will continuously show the exceptional creativity, uniqueness and know-how of Japanese book-making, from printing to folding techniques, from paper textures to binding.