Cycle Of Scent 02 : The Story of Misogi

A Japanese Shinto Ritual of Purification 

Misogi (禊) is a Shinto ritual that goes beyond mere cleansing—it is a return to purity. Its origins trace back to the ancient Kojiki, literally “Records of Ancient Matters,” completed in 712 CE and regarded as Japan’s oldest surviving book, in which the deity Izanagi purifies himself in the sea after returning from the land of Yomi. From this myth comes the belief that water and salt possess the power to wash away impurity, symbolising flow—of energy, of renewal, and of karmic release.

As part of an annual misogi rite, Japanese people have, since the Edo era, taken baths on the day of Tōji infused with the fragrant peel of yuzu citrus to welcome the returning movement of yang energy.

The winter solstice, known in Japan as Tōji, is the moment when daylight is at its shortest and night reaches its deepest stillness. It marks the turning point when yin energy peaks before gently yielding to yang—a quiet promise that fresh blessings are on their way. 

Top note: Yuzu, Cardamom, Sage, Sweet Marjoram

Heart note: Juniper Berry, Petitgrain

Base note: Seaweed, Vetiver