Hello everyone! I’m looking for a perfume that can be used in some occassions and preferably light smell. I’m currently living in Japan for almost 9months now and I havent been able to use perfume when I’m going out. Thank you very much.
As I’m kinda poor, I just buy Adidas ones from Amazon ranging from 1-1.5k yen 😅
May I recommend scented soap rather than full on perfume / cologne? Depending on company and venue I’ve had Japanese friends mention that even light applications of cologne are distractingly strong. Which must have been an understatement for them to say anything at all come to think of it.
Lacoste and Calvin Klein have some good options for light scents that work well in summer. I like Montale and Tom Ford in winter.
I rarely use perfume, and most of my daily products are unscented since fragrance can give me a headache. However, whenever I feel like adding a touch of scent, I use Muji’s roll-on fragrance made out of essential oils.
They’re all gender neutral. I use the すっきり blend (product code 44295267). I think it smells like fancy hotel soap (lemon, lime, eucalyptus, etc).
I have been using Davidoff Adventure for about 10 years now and I have only received compliments from both men and women, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike. My wife absolutely loves it and sometimes even asks me if she can put it on herself.
It’s not heavy or strong and it doesn’t assault the nostrils.
My understanding is that Japan tends to prefer odorless to traditionally ‘pleasant’ odors, and that any extra smell is unnecessary or a little invasive
If cruelty-free products appeal to you, [The Body Shop](https://www.the-body-shop.co.jp/shop/r/r2419/) has several masculine fragrances available in colognes, soaps, body lotions, etc. Their products are reasonably-priced and I find them to be pleasant yet not overpowering.
My general rule is I only use deodorant when I’m going to use public transport cuz I hate it when I’m stand next to someone with heavy perfume or cologne. If I’m going out and only taxi then I’ll use cologne
Remember to try the perfume at the store first. Not only on the test paper but on your skin and leave it for an hour then decide. No need to rush buying the perfume. Good luck.
Cologne 4711, you won’t make any mistake with this.
Bought one from Jo Malone a few years ago in London and still use it occasionally. I recommend going in one if the stores and try out different scents to see what you like.
The recently released Hermes line is incredible and will get you attention if applied right. Might be like ¥22,000 for a bottle though
Drakkar Noir.
You can try clean eau de parfum. Not so strong as per my husband says. As per the name it just smells clean not too much that you seem like laundry soap.
For a “light smell” you might look at…
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Universalis. It’s a super fresh, clean scent, much like fresh laundry. Not a lot of personality, to be honest, but I find it’s a big compliment getter here in Japan. If it’s a little too boring for you you might also try Aqua Celestia or Gentle Fluidity Silver. They remain fairly light but has a bit more personality.
The entire Blu Mediterrano line from Acqua di Parma. The series leans very fresh but has plenty of variety. I own Bergamotto di Calabria, Cipresso de Toscana, and Fico di Amalfi, and all are great, fresh scents, perfect for the summer. (The rest of the Acqua di Parma line is great as well — Colonia is the classic.)
Tom Ford’s Private Blend has some nice fresh offerings as well. Neroli Portofino Acqua, Soleil Blanc and Soleil Neige, and maybe something from the new Rose line might do the trick.
Personally, I would stay away from the big designers like Dior, D&G, and Chanel. Although they have some fantastic perfumes on offer they tend to be a little “heavier” to my nose. Also, remember that everyone buys designer stuff so you’re going to end up smelling like other people if you go that route. That’s why I personally lean niche — there’s much more interesting scents on offer and you’re much more likely to find your own unique “signature” scent.
The Nose Shop has branches in all the major cities and has an absolute ton of fantastic niche fragrances, and conveniently they have a “top ten” best sellers in Japan section, which always leans to the lighter, fresher side (matching Japanese customers’ tastes, I suppose). I would highly recommend going somewhere like that. Isetan Mens carries a good selection as well.
Really, **there is no substitute for going to a shop and smelling for yourself.** Perfume is such a personal thing; what works for one person may fall flat for the next.
Edit: to keep things light, don’t overspray! Don’t spray a cloud and walk through it (what a waste!) but maybe just one spray on your neck and one on your wrists. Even a very light, fresh perfume will be overwhelming if you go crazy with it. Start out light and move up to more sprays once you get a feel for how the perfume is going to perform.
Good luck!
Ultimately it comes down to what you like, but whatever it is it can’t be put on so strongly. The rule for perfume/cologne is generally if people can smell it more than a meter away from you then you have too much on
It’s a bit pricey but it smells good and usually gets positive remarks from people here.
I have some D&G stuff. Not too strong. Not really Japan-specific advice, but usually you’ve already sprayed “enough” even if you think you haven’t.
>Edit: to keep things light, don’t overspray! Don’t spray a cloud and walk through it (what a waste!) but maybe just one spray on your neck and one on your wrists. Even a very light, fresh perfume will be overwhelming if you go crazy with it. Start out light and move up to more sprays once you get a feel for how the perfume is going to perform.
Yeah I generally spray a bit on my neck (more like the center of my collar bone) and then run my finger through that and pat it behind my ears and on my wrists. At that point it’s given me an extremely thin layer on all those areas but it’s still enough for my girlfriend to notice so obviously doing its job.
I think CK One is a good EDT for those who have never worn any before to start with. It’s light, a little citrus, easy-to-wear and can be found pretty easily without breaking the bank (￥3000-￥4000/50ml).
I surprisingly like D&G The One too, it’s a bit warmer and more intimate. It spiked in popularity last year when that song (香水/Kosui – 瑛人/Eito) came out and mentioned D&G. It’s a bit more (￥7500/50ml) but a solid choice nonetheless.
Dior Sauvage is a classic scent. It’s incredibly well-liked and has a stereotype for drawing a lot of compliments, although some people think it’s a victim of its own success calling it too universal and safe. In any case, I really like it and given perfume/cologne usage in Japan it won’t be too big of an issue. A bit pricer (￥13,000/60ml).
Mr Burberry is my most compliment scent I’ve worn in Japan and one of my personal favorites (￥3000-￥4000/50ml).
Prada has some nice offerings too, I like Luna Rossa (￥8000-9000/50ml) but L’Homme (￥13,000/50ml) which someone else mentioned too is fine. Jo Malone is also absolutely wonderful, I’d recommend going in to try some for yourself.
22 comments
As I’m kinda poor, I just buy Adidas ones from Amazon ranging from 1-1.5k yen 😅
May I recommend scented soap rather than full on perfume / cologne? Depending on company and venue I’ve had Japanese friends mention that even light applications of cologne are distractingly strong. Which must have been an understatement for them to say anything at all come to think of it.
Lacoste and Calvin Klein have some good options for light scents that work well in summer. I like Montale and Tom Ford in winter.
I rarely use perfume, and most of my daily products are unscented since fragrance can give me a headache.
However, whenever I feel like adding a touch of scent, I use Muji’s roll-on fragrance made out of essential oils.
They’re all gender neutral. I use the すっきり blend (product code 44295267).
I think it smells like fancy hotel soap (lemon, lime, eucalyptus, etc).
I have been using Davidoff Adventure for about 10 years now and I have only received compliments from both men and women, friends, colleagues, and strangers alike. My wife absolutely loves it and sometimes even asks me if she can put it on herself.
It’s not heavy or strong and it doesn’t assault the nostrils.
My understanding is that Japan tends to prefer odorless to traditionally ‘pleasant’ odors, and that any extra smell is unnecessary or a little invasive
If cruelty-free products appeal to you, [The Body Shop](https://www.the-body-shop.co.jp/shop/r/r2419/) has several masculine fragrances available in colognes, soaps, body lotions, etc. Their products are reasonably-priced and I find them to be pleasant yet not overpowering.
My general rule is I only use deodorant when I’m going to use public transport cuz I hate it when I’m stand next to someone with heavy perfume or cologne. If I’m going out and only taxi then I’ll use cologne
If you want something inoffensive for the office I would recommend [Prada L’Homme](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Prada/Prada-L-Homme-39029.html) or [Tom Ford Grey Vetiver](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tom-Ford/Grey-Vetiver-6697.html). One pump on the back of your neck and one on your shirt should do the job.
For everyday perfume, [Dior Sauvage EDT or EDP](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dior/Sauvage-31861.html) is good. Just don’t overspray it too much. But in this high heat summer, something citrusy and fresh is better ([Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Issey-Miyake/L-Eau-d-Issey-Pour-Homme-721.html) or [Terre d’Hermes Eau Tres Fraiche](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Hermes/Terre-d-Hermes-Eau-Tres-Fraiche-24060.html))
For the club, nobody cares how powerful you smell so just put something strong. I use [Yves Saint Laurent Y EDP](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Yves-Saint-Laurent/Y-Eau-de-Parfum-50757.html). [Versace Eros](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Versace/Eros-16657.html) for a cheaper alternative.
Remember to try the perfume at the store first. Not only on the test paper but on your skin and leave it for an hour then decide. No need to rush buying the perfume. Good luck.
Cologne 4711, you won’t make any mistake with this.
One I’ve found that is light enough for wearing often here is by [sinn purete](https://sinnpurete.com/Form/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?shop=0&pid=S-T05200&cat=002). That one in particular smells kind of like Aveda/Muji stores, if you’re into that. Otherwise, [Nuxe’s neroli dry oil](https://www.nuxe.com/huile-prodigieuse-neroli-100ml/13128403.html) is my go to, as it also does not have a strong, lasting scent, but is enough to use in daily life.
Clinique Happy for Men
Some of my go-to:
Creed: Virgin Island Water
Penhaligon’s: The Tragedy of Lord George
Hermes: Un Jardin sur le Nil
Bought one from Jo Malone a few years ago in London and still use it occasionally. I recommend going in one if the stores and try out different scents to see what you like.
The recently released Hermes line is incredible and will get you attention if applied right. Might be like ¥22,000 for a bottle though
Drakkar Noir.
You can try clean eau de parfum. Not so strong as per my husband says.
As per the name it just smells clean not too much that you seem like laundry soap.
For a “light smell” you might look at…
Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Aqua Universalis. It’s a super fresh, clean scent, much like fresh laundry. Not a lot of personality, to be honest, but I find it’s a big compliment getter here in Japan. If it’s a little too boring for you you might also try Aqua Celestia or Gentle Fluidity Silver. They remain fairly light but has a bit more personality.
The entire Blu Mediterrano line from Acqua di Parma. The series leans very fresh but has plenty of variety. I own Bergamotto di Calabria, Cipresso de Toscana, and Fico di Amalfi, and all are great, fresh scents, perfect for the summer. (The rest of the Acqua di Parma line is great as well — Colonia is the classic.)
Tom Ford’s Private Blend has some nice fresh offerings as well. Neroli Portofino Acqua, Soleil Blanc and Soleil Neige, and maybe something from the new Rose line might do the trick.
Personally, I would stay away from the big designers like Dior, D&G, and Chanel. Although they have some fantastic perfumes on offer they tend to be a little “heavier” to my nose. Also, remember that everyone buys designer stuff so you’re going to end up smelling like other people if you go that route. That’s why I personally lean niche — there’s much more interesting scents on offer and you’re much more likely to find your own unique “signature” scent.
The Nose Shop has branches in all the major cities and has an absolute ton of fantastic niche fragrances, and conveniently they have a “top ten” best sellers in Japan section, which always leans to the lighter, fresher side (matching Japanese customers’ tastes, I suppose). I would highly recommend going somewhere like that. Isetan Mens carries a good selection as well.
Really, **there is no substitute for going to a shop and smelling for yourself.** Perfume is such a personal thing; what works for one person may fall flat for the next.
Edit: to keep things light, don’t overspray! Don’t spray a cloud and walk through it (what a waste!) but maybe just one spray on your neck and one on your wrists. Even a very light, fresh perfume will be overwhelming if you go crazy with it. Start out light and move up to more sprays once you get a feel for how the perfume is going to perform.
Good luck!
Ultimately it comes down to what you like, but whatever it is it can’t be put on so strongly. The rule for perfume/cologne is generally if people can smell it more than a meter away from you then you have too much on
I use [Égoïste Platinum by Chanel.](https://www.chanel.com/jp/fragrance/p/124460/platinum-egoiste-eau-de-toilette-spray/?gclid=CjwKCAjw6MKXBhA5EiwANWLODDbEy2U88Q50w-YF2v2KyHpHTwfEFwfdURiKi1W5Q8xTuQpB5TAhsRoC2QYQAvD_BwE)
It’s a bit pricey but it smells good and usually gets positive remarks from people here.
I have some D&G stuff. Not too strong. Not really Japan-specific advice, but usually you’ve already sprayed “enough” even if you think you haven’t.
>Edit: to keep things light, don’t overspray! Don’t spray a cloud and walk through it (what a waste!) but maybe just one spray on your neck and one on your wrists. Even a very light, fresh perfume will be overwhelming if you go crazy with it. Start out light and move up to more sprays once you get a feel for how the perfume is going to perform.
Yeah I generally spray a bit on my neck (more like the center of my collar bone) and then run my finger through that and pat it behind my ears and on my wrists. At that point it’s given me an extremely thin layer on all those areas but it’s still enough for my girlfriend to notice so obviously doing its job.
I think CK One is a good EDT for those who have never worn any before to start with. It’s light, a little citrus, easy-to-wear and can be found pretty easily without breaking the bank (￥3000-￥4000/50ml).
I surprisingly like D&G The One too, it’s a bit warmer and more intimate. It spiked in popularity last year when that song (香水/Kosui – 瑛人/Eito) came out and mentioned D&G. It’s a bit more (￥7500/50ml) but a solid choice nonetheless.
Dior Sauvage is a classic scent. It’s incredibly well-liked and has a stereotype for drawing a lot of compliments, although some people think it’s a victim of its own success calling it too universal and safe. In any case, I really like it and given perfume/cologne usage in Japan it won’t be too big of an issue. A bit pricer (￥13,000/60ml).
Mr Burberry is my most compliment scent I’ve worn in Japan and one of my personal favorites (￥3000-￥4000/50ml).
Prada has some nice offerings too, I like Luna Rossa (￥8000-9000/50ml) but L’Homme (￥13,000/50ml) which someone else mentioned too is fine. Jo Malone is also absolutely wonderful, I’d recommend going in to try some for yourself.