5 Japanese Fragrances for Spring/Summer 2023

It’s beginning to smell a lot like spring and summer, everywhere you go. If you’ve been searching for a new fragrance to ring in the warmer weather, well look no further. Savvy Tokyo has rounded up the best summer fragrances that are guaranteed to turn heads.

During the colder months, we reach for the empowering, “I’m-here-to-make-a-statement” type of perfumes. However, the warmer seasons naturally make us opt for a lighter version of our favorite fragrance or completely switch it up to something more fruity or floral. And as far as I’m concerned, no one does it better than Japanese perfume brands when it comes to producing soft, subtle, flowery scents. 

Just to prove it’s true, take a look at our spring/summer Japanese perfume picks, starting from ‘worth the splurge’ to ‘guilt-free save’!

1. Keiko Mecheri

Peau de Peche by Keiko Mecheri | ¥35,700 (100ml)

The most popular spring/summer scent by Keiko Mecheri. The Peau de Peche is a floral woody musk fragrance that captures the essence of fresh, white Japanese peaches in spring. With a hint of powdery sweetness, it’s extremely light and feminine, making it perfect for daily wear use. 

2. Kenzo

Flower by Kenzo Poppy Bouquet by Kenzo | ¥10,759 (100ml)

Inspired by a morning stroll in a Japanese flower market, this Eau de Toilette dresses you in a powdery floral bouquet. The top notes of green almond, tea leaf, and mandarin orange balanced with the base notes of white musk and cedar, makes this a pretty elegant scent. Definitely a crowd-pleaser!

3. J-Scent 

Daidai Matsurika/Aurantium Jasmine by J-Scent | ¥4,950 (50ml)

Matsurika is the Japanese name for Sambac jasmine and daidai, the Japanese bitter orange, also has the meaning “from generation to generation”. This lucky fruit symbolizes long life and prosperity. A spritz of this perfume will make you feel as though you are being warmly embraced by the sunlight. 

4. Shiro

Spring Letter by Shiro | ¥4,400 (10ml)

Launched in 2023, this floral fruity fragrance is a roll-on oil perfume that spreads gently and perfect for on the go. A scent that was created to signal the arrival of spring as well as to experience the cheerfulness of the flowers blooming. You’ll love the fruity top notes of grapefruit and cassis mixed with hints of freesia, rose, and musk. Very refreshing!

5. Shiseido

Ginza Murasaki by Shiseido | ¥3,300 (60ml)

Murasaki expresses the gentle yet slightly mysterious charm, creating a delicate balance. Starting off with a fruity scent from the apple and pomegranate notes which then slowly turns more floral from the freesia and violet notes. This refreshing scent does well to linger on the skin on warm days. 

Bonus: Canmake Tokyo

White and Fresh by Canmake Tokyo | ¥770 (8ml)

Perhaps (like me) you were unaware that Canmake Tokyo has their very own collection of roll-on eau de toilettes. If you love the idea of carrying around the gentle scent of Japanese cherry blossoms in a little bottle, try out Fresh. If you prefer a soft, white bouquet scent with hints of white peach, green apple, rose, and jasmine, go for White. 

What kinds of scent do you enjoy during the warmer seasons? Do you have any spring/summer perfume recommendations? We’d love to hear them in the comments down below!