Choosing your first iroha

If you're thinking about your first iroha, feeling unsure is completely normal. Plenty of people don't know where to start, or worry about choosing the wrong one. This guide walks through what actually matters for a first choice, one thing at a time. There's no right or wrong answer, only what suits you.

What is iroha?

iroha is a brand from TENGA, a company based in Tokyo. It was created for women, with a core development team of women. The idea behind it is gentle self-care, so most iroha products have a soft silicone surface, pastel colours and simple shapes that don't stand out if they're left in a room.

Start with what feels comfortable: size and shape

For a first time, size is often the thing people care about most. Something smaller and lighter tends to feel more relaxed.

• iroha Stick is the slimmest and lightest of the three, about 10 cm long and just 44 g. It has a cap over the tip for clean storage or carrying.
• iroha Zen is rounded and fits comfortably in the hand, about 13 cm long, with an extra-soft Soft-Touch silicone finish.
• iroha Rin Akane is a little longer, about 15 cm, with a soft, flexible, rounded silicone tip.

If you can't decide, start smaller. You can always try another model later.

Strength: a dial or a set of modes

Each model adjusts its strength differently.

• Stick has one mode, but its dial lets you adjust the strength finely. It suits anyone who wants to start very gently and build up a little at a time.
• Zen and Rin Akane have four modes on one button: low, medium, high and pulse. Each press moves to the next one.

For a first time, always start at the lowest setting. Everyone's body responds differently, and there's no need to rush.

Batteries or rechargeable?

All three starter models run on AAA batteries, which you can buy at any convenience store.

• Stick takes one AAA battery and runs for about 5 hours at full power.
• Zen and Rin Akane take two AAA batteries and run for about 4 hours.
• Every battery model comes with tester batteries in the box.

A nice side effect of battery models is that there's no charging cable left out for anyone to notice. The rechargeable models, Rin+, Sakura, Yuki and Mai Toki, have more features and cost more, so they suit people who already know what they like. You can compare them in our Rin, Zen and Stick guide.

Budget

• iroha Stick: ฿990
• iroha Zen and iroha Rin Akane: ฿1,990
• Rechargeable models: from ฿3,690

Orders of ฿800 or more ship free, so every iroha qualifies for free delivery.

In short: which one suits you?

• You want the simplest, lowest-cost start: iroha Stick
• You want something soft in the hand with several modes to try: iroha Zen (Matcha or Hanacha)
• You'd like a slimmer tip for a more focused feel: iroha Rin Akane

Still undecided? Try the product finder on our For Her page.

Tips for the first time

1. Read the manual that comes in the box before you start.
2. Wash it with clean water and a mild, pH-neutral soap before first use.
3. Use a water-based lubricant only. Silicone-based lubricants and oils can damage the silicone.
4. Start at the lowest strength and give yourself time.
5. The iroha manuals advise not using it on the same spot for more than 15 minutes.

For aftercare, read our cleaning, charging and storage guide.

Discreet packaging, every order

Every Thai Tenga order ships in a plain box with no logo and no product names, and you don't need an account to order. The full details are in our guide to discreet ordering.