Information
The candles
What do the candles smell like?
Leaf captures the bright green aroma and natural sweetness of sencha, with a soft, clean finish. Stem brings the toasted, woody aroma of hojicha, brewed from stems roasted gently over fire.
Both fragrances were developed in Japan to recall the aroma of the tea itself.
What are they made of?
Soy wax, a cotton wick and a fragrance blend, hand poured in Japan into a Japanese ceramic tea cup.
How long does a candle burn?
Approximately 25 hours. Burn time depends on how long each burn lasts and on the room the candle is in.
Why should I trim the wick?
A wick trimmed to 3–5mm burns with a steady, even flame and less soot. Trim it each time before lighting, once the wax has cooled.
Is every cup the same?
No. Each cup has a yōhen (kiln-changed) glaze that shifts in the heat of the kiln, so the colour and speckling of your cup will be its own.
Can I reuse the cup?
Yes. Once the candle is finished, pour warm water into the cup to loosen the remaining wax, then wipe it clean. The cup can hold a single stem, brushes or small objects. We do not recommend using it for food or drink after it has held a candle.
Are your products made in Japan?
Yes. Our ceramic vessels are made in Japan, and every candle is hand poured in Japan.
Care & safety
How should I burn my candle the first time?
Let the wax melt all the way to the rim of the cup, which takes about 2 hours. This sets an even melt pool and prevents tunnelling in later burns.
How do I care for my candle?
Trim the wick to 3–5mm before each burn. Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, and stop when about 1cm of wax remains.
Is it safe?
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep it away from drafts, curtains, children and pets, and always place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface. The cup becomes hot while burning; let it cool before moving it.
Gifting
Is it gift-wrapped?
Every candle arrives in the signature ISSEN KODO box, ready to give, at no extra cost.
Can I send it directly to someone?
Yes. Mark your order as a gift in the cart and enter the recipient’s address at checkout. Prices will not be included in the parcel.
Shipping & returns
When will the candles be available?
The first batch of Tea Room Candles goes on sale in late November 2026. Each fragrance is limited to 100 candles; once they are gone, it shows as sold out until the next batch.
Join our mailing list to hear the moment they are available.
Where do you ship?
We ship within Japan, and to Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. See International shipping for rates and delivery times.
How much is shipping?
Shipping within Japan is complimentary. For international rates, see International shipping.
When will I receive my order?
Please allow 3–5 working days. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information.
Can I return an item?
Because candles cannot be resold once used, we can only accept returns of unopened, unused items in their original packaging within 7 days of delivery. Shipping fees are non-refundable.
What if my order arrives damaged?
Ceramic can be fragile in transit. If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please email enquiry@issenkodo.jp within 7 days of delivery with your order number and photographs of the item and packaging, and we will make it right.
How do I contact you?
Use our contact form, or email us at enquiry@issenkodo.jp.