If you've spent a summer in Japan, you've probably seen one of these — a slow-burning spiral sitting on a little metal stand, sending up a thin curl of smoke. That's a mosquito coil (蚊取り線香, katorisenko), and it's been a part of Japanese summers for well over a century.
They're sold everywhere once the weather warms up — drugstores, supermarkets, even convenience stores. I picked up a box recently and filmed the whole process so you can see exactly how it works. Honestly, the trickiest part is separating the two coils without breaking them. Once you get past that, the rest is easy.
One thing worth knowing: the standard mosquito coil in Japan is green. The pink one in the video is a scented version with a rose fragrance. The steps are exactly the same for both.
How to Use a Mosquito Coil
- Take out the coil. Open the box and carefully remove one coil. Coils are fragile, so handle them gently.
- Carefully peel apart two coils. Coils are packaged in pairs pressed together. Hold both coils firmly and slowly peel them apart. Take your time — they break easily.
- Break off a small piece from one end. Snap off a small piece at one end of the coil to expose a fresh tip for lighting.
- Light the tip, then blow out the flame. Hold a lighter to the broken end until it catches. Once it's lit, blow out the flame gently. The coil should continue to smolder on its own.
- It's ready when it starts smoking. A thin curl of smoke means it's working. Place it on the provided metal holder or another non-flammable surface.
Safety Tips
- Always read the package instructions before use
- Use in a well-ventilated area
- Keep away from children, pets, food, and flammable items
- Place on the holder or a non-flammable surface
More Japan Insect Repellent Guides
Looking for more options to deal with mosquitoes and other insects in Japan? Our Dealing with Insects page covers a wide range of products available in Japan — from skin repellents to plug-in devices and outdoor sprays.