Although it is hailed as one of the three major art forms that symbolize the traditional Japanese culture, Kodo or “Way of incense” did not become publicly widespread due to scarcity of fragrant woods. Therefore, Kodo remains largely unknown. The origins of incense can be traced to the landfall of Buddhism in Japan in the 6th century and its long history saw it develop from prayer to a pastime and ultimately an art form. On this tour you will have the opportunity to explore the history and mystery, as well as the gradual evolution of incense.

Incense experience tour: tracing the history and evolution of incense

Kyoto

Experience details

LocationKyoto
Days availableIrregular days off
Time10:00〜17:30
Duration7.5 hours
Participants2 to 6 people
GuideIncluded
LanguagesEnglish, Japanese
Starting pointIn front of the Shinkansen Hachijoguchi ticket gates at the JR Kyoto Station
Finishing pointIn front of the Shinkansen Hachijoguchi ticket gates at the JR Kyoto Station
Product numberX-011
  • Learn about the ancient incense through powdered incense making and incense burning
  • Enjoy the fragrance of incense favored by Heian Era aristocrats along with a delicious meal
  • Monk-guided tour of Sennyuji temple, where incense is offered to the Imperial Household over generations
  • “Kumiko” experience at a privately rented and otherwise off-limits Japanese-style room

Incense made its way to Japan along with Buddhism and soon enough became a refined pastime embedded into the aristocratic culture. Later it spread among the warrior caste as an art form to enhance spirituality. Its history is closely intertwined with Kyoto, where it was popular with the imperial household and aristocrats alike, including the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa who was captivated by it.

The journey begins at a place closely related to the origin of the incense culture, a local Buddhist temple. We shall pay our respects to the main object of worship with an offering of incense. After that you will experience powdered incense making, using authentic traditional methods and materials to create your very own unique incense.
Lunch will be an original menu provided by Kyoto style restaurant Rokusei, adapting the grand feast enjoyed by the Heian aristocracy to the contemporary palate. You will have an exclusive opportunity to enjoy exceptional cuisine along with the fragrance of incense beloved by the Heian Era aristocracy. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that recreates the luxuries in which the aristocracy used to indulge in.
The last stop of the tour will be the only Imperial Household temple in Japan, Sennyuji, where you will get to finish the tour with a “kumiko” experience held by the instructor of the Senzan Goryu school of Kodo, the head of which is an elder of the Sennyuji Temple.

<Tour contents>
・Explore the roots of incense culture through making powdered incense and incense burning
・Enjoy Heian dynasty cuisine at Rokusei, together with the fragrance of incense used by the aristocrats of the Heian period
・Embark on a tour guided by temple monks and immerse yourself in the charms of Sennyuji Temple
・Experience Kumiko in an otherwise off-limits Japanese-style room with beautiful sliding door paintings, an important cultural property originally from the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Plan overview

Tracing the evolution of incense

・Learn about the ancient incense through powdered incense making and incense burning
・Enjoy the fragrance of incense favored by Heian Era aristocrats along with a delicious meal
・Monk-guided tour of Sennyuji temple, where incense is offered to the Imperial Household over generations
・“Kumiko” experience at a privately rented and otherwise off-limits Japanese-style room

1 person
603.90USD~

Meeting Place

Get Directions from Google Maps

Address

Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho

Access

From the train platforms at the JR Kyoto Station go to the Hachijo Higashiguchi (Hachijo East exit) ticket gates

Reviews(1)

Write a Review
  • Traveler

    An Experience to Remember Forever

    When my travel companion and I set out to learn more about Japanese incense culture and practices, we were led to Deep Experience X's incense experience tour. The communication and assistance we received from the company, the informative and eager spirit of our guide, and all of the hospitable and passionate individuals we met at Sennyu-ji Temple made the entire experience memorable and a highlight of our trip to Japan.

    The company was very accommodating to our specific desires for the experience and were willing to make the event unique to our request. The thoughtful emails leading up to the day of the incense experience were assuring that we had made the right choice in choosing Deep Experience X to host us.

    Upon meeting our guide, Seanacey, we felt we were met by a kindred spirit that understood our enthusiasm for unique travel experiences and she was so kind. Throughout the entire tour and experiences, she was so helpful in communicating the messages of our hosts at the Sennyu-ji Temple. Without her translation and interpretation of the cultural situations we encountered, our time spent that day would have been much less rich. We especially wish to thank Seanacey for the wonderful service she provided and would gladly recommend her as a guide to anyone wishing to find the perfect guide for an experience in Japan.

    Lastly, I do not think that words can really capture the immense joy and appreciation we have for the staff at Sennyu-ji Temple that made the incense experience possible. The priest that guided us and informed us about the temple complex was so caring and sensitive to our curiosity about everything that we were seeing. He explained the various applications of incense in temple life and ceremonies. The smell inside of the temple chambers was divine! The two ladies that hosted us for the Kumiko activity brought an air of refinement and were so patient to teach us the way of appreciating incense in a more ceremonial setting. The willingness to share was a common trait among all of the individuals that were a part of creating such a unique space and event.

    This experience provided by Deep Experience X is unparalleled in quality and I recommend it to anyone looking for a truly unique experience in Kyoto and/or Japan. If you have an interest in incense/fragrance, history, traditional culture, this is an experience for you!

    When did you visit?:June 2024

    Plan:Tracing the evolution of incense

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