Tokyo captures people's imagination with its poetic charm. A traveller discovered Japan through the beauty lenses of YUBUNE.

The entrance of YUBUNE Shop(Photo credits: YUBUNE)

A journey through the scents of Japan and its sense of beauty is the experience proposed by the exclusive cosmetic brand YUBUNE. A must-visit in Tokyo.

Sheryl discovers how to relieve stress and fatigue from her full days in the city of Tokyo. In looking for a sense of calmness in her schedule, up-and-coming cosmetic brand Yubune, shares their sensory experience you’d be crazy to miss if you're planning to visit Tokyo this season.

The entrance of YUBUNE Shop (Photo credits: YUBUNE)

When you think about Japan, the first place that comes to your mind is Tokyo. It's a city with overloaded neon lights, minimalist cafes, and meticulously presented delicious food. If you’re anything like me, who enjoys scouting for new and upcoming cafes, one place that recently caught my eye was YUBUNE.

Interestingly, what sets this brand apart is how well they entwine both the modern Japanese demands of cosmetic finesse whilst extracting the undying love of ryokan culture. If you don't know much about ryokan, it's time you look into it before you visit Japan. A game changer at best.

Travellers in search of the exclusive and authentic can be satisfied to the full when it comes to Tokyo. The spirit of Tokyo is original and creative; the devotion of Tokyo shop owners to the customer is unparalleled. YUBUNE offers the traditional purist experience and without spoiling the surprise too much, another element.

YUBUNE store is located in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo. Shinjuku alone is famous for its own ecosystem of uncertainty, anonymity and frenzy that tourists and locals alike arrive in complete awe. The perfect location for hidden surprises and YUBUNE strides in with this vibe perfectly.

From the moment I spotted the YUBUNE sign outside, I knew I was in for something else. Along my way, I passed by some highly regarded restaurants, chic cafes, and stunning buildings that added to the overall ambience of this area.

Entering YUBUNE, you're greeted with a beautifully designed interior that exudes cosiness and invites you to stay a while. And I mean a while.

Walking through the front door, what came to my mind immediately was art. Their pure products lined up like a collection you’d see in a Dior museum. Filled with scents that only make you feel the Japanese elegance with modern luxury only Tokyo can give you.

I couldn't help but be mesmerised by the attention to detail in every corner. The decor, the lighting, and the overall layout created a warm and inviting ambience.

The fragrances mentally take you somewhere else. It's like stepping into a dreamy wonderland! All the senses are here at Yubune. That’s how they intentionally curated the experience here.

Aesthetically pleasing to the eyes from first glance, with sounds to their own signature mood, tastes of something delicious in the air but you have that to discover for yourself as you linger. And with what you can touch, and sample; your senses are awakened as you hear the staff tell you the wonderful things inside these refreshing and rejuvenating cosmetics.

Products With A Poetic Story, A Magnificent Phenomena

Yes, I said cosmetics. Japan is loved and admired from afar for its skincare products. If you've ever noticed, most Japanese people have incredibly youthful and radiant skin.

One of the things that YUBUNE will enjoy sharing with you is their careful sourcing of natural ingredients. From organic oils, and mud produced by magnificent natural phenomena, yes, you must ask them about this.

The shop also repurposes raw materials, such as packaging, to help reduce the impact on the environment. That's what I love the most about the shop, they don't just sell products but also help the environment. And it is something I am always looking for ways to support, amongst independent businesses.

So, whether you're a fan of Tokyo's vibrant city life or simply looking to enhance your skin, YUBUNE is worth a visit for your itinerary.

Delving into skincare details is essential, please stick around for exclusive particulars. You can find some serious skincare products at YUBUNE that you won’t get anywhere else.

YUBUNE Product (Photo Credit: YUBUNE)

Naturally All Chemical-free To Achieve That Coveted Japanese Dewy Glow.

Using the mineral-rich hot spring water and Nameko (Japanese mushroom), you are receiving nature's power to help you achieve a flawless complexion.

I personally tried their oxygen skin mist for the face, I learned that oxygen can be effectively delivered to the surface of the skin. What I love about it is that it is vegan, fragrance-free, and it is safe to be used for babies or kids. Isn't that amazing that babies can use the same skincare adults use?

Hair Care by YUBUNE

YUBUNE’s hair products (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

Yubune hair care line is specially formulated to nourish and strengthen your hair using keratin leaving it healthy and shiny. For their hair oils, it contains a high concentration of astaxanthin extracted from algae that helps reduce damage to hair caused by exposure to UV rays, this would be one of your must-haves this summer season.

YUBUNE’s Most-bought Hair Oil (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

One of their most popular products is their shower gel where people who have thin hair can benefit! Containing keratin and ore powder from an actual volcano. The ore powder, when mixed with keratin, creates a powerful blend that leaves hair looking voluminous and healthy. I know.

Fragrances: “Tsuki” Is Our Editor’s Pick

YUBUNE’s fragrance (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

This is something you may have seen viral online. Their fragrances use natural ingredients that have a modern and yet Japanese smell. You’ll know what I mean when you try it. It is a perfect finishing touch to any look to enhance your beauty. Their “Tsuki” (Moon) fragrance is my recommendation. It’s YUBUNE’s new scent and it draws out a scene of the moon reflected with several rice fields lying in tiers on a hillside.

Body Care by YUBUNE

Rice Bran Body Scrub (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

YUBUNE is here to change your perception of body care. They use premium components that work wonders for your body.

Picture this: rice bran, sea salt, and sunflower seed oil coming together to create a magical blend that leaves your skin irresistibly soft and supple.

Not only do their products provide hydration, but it also exfoliates and cleanse your skin, revealing its glow. It's like a spa experience right in the comfort of your own bathroom.

A Foot Bath At YUBUNE’ Cafè

Photo credit: YUBUNE
caption: "Just like the hot springs of Shirahone, their cafe aims to bring you both outer and inner beauty through the healing power of nature."

Step into a world of tranquillity and serenity at their cafe, inspired by the breathtaking beauty of Shirahone in Nagano. Just like the hot springs of Shirahone, their cafe aims to bring you both outer and inner beauty through the healing power of nature. Customers can experience a foot bath to soak their tired city toes and sip traditional tea and sweets.

As you enter, be prepared to be in a realm of relaxation, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and the refreshing scent of the great outdoors. The ambience is carefully crafted to resemble Shirahone, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Whether you're seeking a moment of solitude or a swanky place to catch up with friends, YUBUNE's cafe provides the ultimate sanctuary.

Let the healing of nature wash over you, as you take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Sensory Finish Of Taste: YUBUNE Welcomes You To Feel The Sweetness

Japanese rice ball (Photo credit: YUBUNE)

But wait, it gets even better! Imagine mouthwatering Japanese sweets, made with love. These delectable treats are the perfect companion to your soothing tea, adding an extra touch of sweetness to your pampering session with Japanese sweets.

There's something truly magical about the combination of pleasure, delicious treats, and a warm cup of tea. It's like a mini escape from the chaos of everyday life, allowing you to recharge your mind, body, and soul.

I left the shop feeling like a brand-new person. The stress and fatigue that had been weighing me down all day were replaced with a sense of calmness. It was truly a transformative experience. It is a place that deserves to be shared and cherished.

Find YUBUNE online and hidden gems from the Capital on Instagram with @sherylannee.

YUBUNE is at: 2SKY BLDG 1F, 5-10-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 with the closest station at a 4-min walk from Shinjuku Sanchome.

When choosing a new perfume or aftershave, the amount of choice can feel overwhelming. The first step towards making a decision is to make sure you understand the different fragrance scent profiles out there.

Ph. Ruslan Zh (Unsplash)

This guide will talk you through all the basics you need to know about different fragrances, from the different scent families to the scent wheel.

Scent Families

There are four main scent families - Oriental, Woody, Fresh, and Floral.

Oriental Scents

Ph. Earl Wilcox (Unsplash)

Oriental scents are decidedly unisex, as they are equally as sweet as they are rich and powerful. Inspired by eastern aromas, Oriental scents are frequently used when the sun has set, giving off sensual vibes, and long lasting enough to keep up with your dancing.

Oriental scents span from sensual cinnamon, to warm chocolates and vanillas, to rich sandalwood.

Woody Scents

Ph. Ph. Ju Desi (Unsplash)

Woody scents are typically associated as being more masculine, thanks to their earthy base, and thus play a huge part in most aftershaves. However, some of the more aromatic scents are unisex, boasting a mature calmness to them.

Woody scents consist of the aromatic warmth of cedar wood, earthy oakmoss, smokey notes and leather, to aromatic herbs like lavender.

Fresh Scents

Ph. Debby Hudson (Unsplash)

Fresh scents are lively, refreshing and vibrant. Think about the smells of summer - sun, sea, zesty notes and fresh herbs. They are one of the most popular scent profiles in perfumery due to their versatility, crispness, and infinite combination opportunities.

Common fresh scents span from zesty citrus fruits, to aquatic notes, light and bright herbs, to juicy berries and fruits.

Floral Scents

Ph. Anthony Delanoix (Unsplash)

Floral scents are most popular for women's perfume, boasting a wide variety of soft feminine aromas. They can either have a singular floral fragrance or combine several flowers as an aromatic bouquet. Due to their floral base, they are often associated with the smells of spring.
Popular floral notes range from freshly cut flowers like rose, powdery florals like jasmine, to oriental florals like orange blossom.

What is the scent wheel?

Starting at the top, and working clockwise, the scent wheel consists of the following scent families and subfamilies touched on above:
● Oriental →
○ Soft Oriental → Oriental → Woody Oriental →
● Woody →
○ Woody → Mossy Wood → Dry Wood → Aromatic →
● Fresh →
○ Citrus → Water → Green → Fruity →
● Floral ↻
○ Floral → Soft Floral → Floral Oriental ↻

The bordering families blend into one another since they share similar scent profiles. For example, ‘Woody Oriental’ is the natural middle ground between ‘Oriental’ and ‘Woody’.

However, opposite families on the scent wheel have opposing properties. For example, Oriental scents are often dense and powerful, whereas Fresh scents are light and airy.

For this reason, the subfamily that falls exactly opposite another often blends with it particularly well. Just look at orange from ‘Fresh Citrus,’ and clove from ‘Soft Oriental’ - a classic Christmassy combination!

Another option is to find three subfamilies that create a triangle with one another. For example, lavender from ‘Woody Aromatic’, rose from ‘Floral’ and honey from ‘Oriental’ are a fantastic combination both for perfume and dessert flavourings!

With these things in mind, you will be one step closer to understanding which fragrances suit your tastes. Don’t be afraid to try out a few blends before settling on your favourite.