The mobile pop-up truck "Le Labo on Wheels" from New York-based slow perfumery "Le Labo" has journeyed from the seaside of Kamakura and the snowy mountains of Niseko to its next destination: Karuizawa, where young leaves are budding. It has parked within the grounds of the nature-rich "Karuizawa Commongrounds," weaving a story of fragrance in the verdant forest. The truck will be there from April 25th to May 19th.

At 10 AM, as the soft morning sunlight illuminates the forest, a large door with handwritten lettering and a sign with the logo appear, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.

Stepping inside the truck, one is greeted by glass windows adorned with gold leaf, tiled walls, and bottles elegantly arranged on vintage furniture. Beyond the bottles, shimmering in the light, lies a hidden world of fragrance. Outside the window, fresh green leaves sway in the breeze.

Founded in 2006 in New York, "Le Labo" is a slow perfumery that cherishes the beauty of creating perfumes with time and care, establishing a fragrance lab dedicated to artistry. They offer creations that emphasize craftsmanship, finished by hand. The store design, featuring well-used vintage furniture and lighting, is also distinctive. "Le Labo on Wheels" is a mobile version of this concept, embodying their entire world.

In the summer of 2024, their journey in Japan began along the coast of Shichirigahama in Kamakura, followed by the snowy landscapes of Niseko in Hokkaido. Now, it is parked in the forests of Karuizawa, weaving memories of fragrance as it moves with the seasons.

Inside the truck, a complex layering of scents fills the nostrils, a stark contrast to the humid morning air of Karuizawa. The unique atmosphere and aroma, a blend of multiple fragrances, permeate the space. Yet, another charm of this rich experience within the truck lies in the dialogue with the scenery outside the window.

Gazing out the window, one listens to their own senses, carefully discerning each fragrance that feels pleasant.

Among them, "ANOTHER13" particularly captivated the heart. Initially, a subtle hint of musk unfolds, gradually transforming with the warmth of the skin. The depth of woody notes and the richness of Ambroxan blend exquisitely, creating a scent that is both urban and mysteriously harmonious with the natural surroundings of Karuizawa.

The fragrance worn at that moment felt comforting, strangely evoking the tranquility of the morning forest and fragments of one's own old memories.

Le Labo's fragrances and candles allow for a personalized message on their labels. Additionally, the date of purchase and the location, "LLOW KARUIZAWA," are inscribed. This is not merely information but a magical ritual that encapsulates the sensations of that place and moment.

The impression of the same fragrance can change depending on humidity, temperature, location, and season.

Perhaps fragrance resonates with place. The air, time, temperature, and the feel of the skin when wearing it in that location. These elements blend together to create a subtly memorable scent. The "LLOW KARUIZAWA" inscribed on the label serves as a clue to recall that memory later.

At 4 PM, as the evening light begins to filter into Karuizawa Commongrounds, "Le Labo on Wheels" reveals a different aspect than in the morning. Shadows of the trees stretch diagonally, and the mountain ridges are visible in the distance.

Leaving the container, one walks around the grounds. The scent of paper lingering in the bookstore, the aroma of roasted coffee from the cafe, the smell of the wind brushing against the leaves of trees and grass. Scents that should naturally exist are perceived here with a certain definition.

The fragrance worn in the morning has subtly changed on the skin. The clear impression felt in the crisp morning air has gently melted into the evening light, transforming into a lingering scent with a deeper nuance.

Fragrance accompanies the flow of time. The lingering scent that gradually changes on the skin resembles the contours of memory. A clear impression softens and blurs over time, transforming into a subtle presence that is recalled in unexpected moments.

When the fragrance encountered in Karuizawa is brought back into daily life and worn amidst the bustle of the city, closing one's eyes can instantly conjure the image of the verdant landscape from that day. The morning mist seen through the truck's window, the light of dusk.

"Le Labo on Wheels" is more than just a mobile store. It is a place where travelers and fragrance stories intersect. Encountering a scent at a destination, inscribing the location's name on the label, and taking it home with memories. Then, each time that fragrance is worn elsewhere, it gently recalls the scenery of Karuizawa from that day. Perhaps, like threads weaving together, these scent memories gradually form a rich tapestry.

"Le Labo on Wheels" has embraced the sea breeze in Kamakura and the stillness of snow in Niseko. Now, it weaves new scent memories amidst the forests of Karuizawa. Why not visit to discover your own unique scent memory within the scenery visible from this truck?