Kyoto Incense Making Workshop at Tenkodo Sagano Arashiyama

Visit Tenkodo, a long-established incense maker known for its artisanal craftsmanship and natural ingredients. Enjoy a private hands-on session where you’ll create your own zukō (powdered incense) using traditional materials and techniques passed down since the Heian Period. In a quiet tatami room overlooking a Japanese garden, learn how incense played an important role in aristocratic life—not just as a fragrance, but as a form of self-expression and refinement. You’ll also hear about the history of incense, the use of imported fragrant woods, and the distinctive characteristics of each scent—all guided by a knowledgeable local artisan. Conclude the experience with a serene boating excursion, reminiscent of how Heian nobles spent their leisure time.