Cool Down in Kyoto : Traditional Incense Making Experience
Overview
Available languages
50 minutes
Mobile ticket
Create your own original Japanese incense in a traditional Kyoto setting.
In this hands on experience, you will blend natural fragrance ingredients to design a scent that reflects your personal taste and mood.
Incense has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, known as “Kodo” the Way of Incense.
Through this experience, you will not only create your own incense but also discover the cultural meaning and beauty behind it.
What makes this experience special:
Blend over 7 natural fragrance ingredients
Add your favorite aroma oil to create a unique scent
No rules design a fragrance that reflects you
Experience it inside a traditional Kyoto machiya
Relaxing and sensory experience for all travelers
What you get:
- Your own handmade incense sticks
- A one of a kind scent you created yourself
- A meaningful and memorable Kyoto souvenir
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Japanese incense craft in a traditional Kyoto Machiya Blend over 8 carefully selected natural ingredients with 4+ aroma oils to craft your own original incense, guided by the spirit of traditional Japanese fragrance culture.
Options
Kyoto Incense Making Experience in a Traditional Machiya
What‘s Included
Take-home handmade incense
All incense materials
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely workshop off the beaten path...
allisonkQ2576AQ,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful class that shared not only the process of making the incense but also the significance in Japanese culture. The staff were patient and the atmosphere was so calming. It was a rainy day and the entire feel of the workshop was serene and lovely. The location is tucked away in an artist filled alley making it an off the beaten path adventure.
Incense making in Kyoto
298marcantoiner,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Very zen yet creative at the same time. Marie was a great host 😌
Great smelling incense with a fun guide
adamsL946BE,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mari was great guide to help us create our first incense. We enjoyed the experience and recommend it to others who like scents.
Great Experience
Maps62792737638,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00For a personal and awesome experience, paid a very reasonable fee. It was a private lesson and hands on activity in making a personal incense. It was about 50 minutes and was a fantastic time. The guide was incredibly nice and contributed to the experience.
One of a kind
amandajR9136AB,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very welcoming. Nice atmosphere. Helpful, clear information and instructions. Loved learning about the use of incense and the meanings to each of the ingredients. Would absolutely recommend!
Definitely add this to your itinerary!
Lydia J,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I would definitely recommend this activity when visiting Japan! It was hands on and very unique! Plus you got to take the product home with you! They understand and spoke English and Japanese! They were very friendly and kind! All around amazing experience!
So fun!!
Jami L,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a beautiful and unique experience! The instructor Mari made the experience soooo fun!! This is SUCH a hidden gem and EVERYONE should do this!!
I’m an incense maker now!
Y144VVmichellet,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a fun class! It was a very close-knit experience with the instructor and it was fun getting to know both the instructor and other students. The class was very hands on and informative, and I’m really excited to make my own incense now. I’d love to come back and come with my friends too. Also a plus that it was located in such a small and sweet street.
Great Experience Must Do
mattdX5395HO,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crafting classic Japanese incense is a surprisingly meditative and rewarding experience. The process of blending natural ingredients like sandalwood, clove, and herbs feels both precise and deeply artistic, requiring patience and a good sense of balance. As the scents come together, there’s a quiet satisfaction. Mari did the best job demonstrating the classic art. Would definitely recommend if you are around Kyoto.
Incense making in Kyoto
H3065HKsimonw,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time . Was cute . Easy . And the guides were lovely !
Related Experiences
Operated by OHINERI