Kyoto: Eco-Friendly Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience

Kyoto: Eco-Friendly Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience

This unique workshop offers an intriguing blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and eco-conscious innovation. Located in the heart of Uji, a city famous for its matcha and tea heritage, the experience promises not just a creative activity but a chance to connect with local culture and environmental values.

What sets this tour apart? First, you get to craft your own incense using discarded matcha, transforming waste into a fragrant treasure. Second, the setting—a peaceful temple with garden views—offers a serene backdrop for your creative journey. Lastly, the process results in a beautiful, reusable incense that retains its shape even after fragrance fades, making it both a keepsake and practical aroma piece.

A possible consideration? The workshop is about an hour long, so it’s a quick taste of craftsmanship rather than an in-depth class. If you’re looking for a full-day culture, this might be a little light on content. Nonetheless, it’s perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities and want an authentic, eco-friendly souvenir from Japan.

This experience is ideal for travelers interested in Japanese traditions, eco-conscious practices, or unique souvenirs. It’s also suited for small groups seeking a quiet, intimate activity with knowledgeable guides. If you value craftsmanship combined with sustainability, this tour will resonate well.

Good To Know

• Eco-Friendly Focus: Upcycled matcha turning into incense reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
• Hands-On Creation: Make your own incense, choosing from over 50 intricate wooden molds, many inspired by wagashi (Japanese sweets).
• Cultural Insight: Learn about the history of incense in Japan while enjoying the tranquil environment of a historic temple.
• Unique Souvenir: Take home a beautifully crafted incense and a specially designed incense burner that’s portable and versatile.
• Authentic Setting: The venue, Eshin-in, offers a peaceful atmosphere with garden views and proximity to famous sites like Byodoin.
• Limited Group Size: With only 8 participants maximum, the workshop offers personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience in Detail

Location and Accessibility

The workshop takes place at Eshin-in, a temple positioned in the center of Uji’s sightseeing spots. Less than a 10-minute walk from the UNESCO World Heritage site Byodoin, it’s easy to reach from central Uji. The venue’s quiet, garden-filled setting provides the perfect environment for relaxation and concentration.

Getting there involves climbing a hill in front of Fukujuen Uji Workshop, crossing the river, and passing through a gate leading to the temple. A helpful tip from past attendees is to call the contact number if unsure of the location, as the venue isn’t marked on Google Maps as “Incense Kitchen”.

Workshop Structure and Content

The workshop lasts around one hour, making it a great addition to a day exploring Uji’s tea culture or Kyoto’s temples. Upon arrival, a local guide, fluent in Japanese and English, introduces the history of incense-making in Japan. You’ll see a demonstration before getting your hands dirty, mixing and molding your matcha-based incense.

The raw material—matcha that’s normally discarded after manufacturing—is upcycled into a fragrant product. This eco-conscious approach emphasizes sustainability without sacrificing craftsmanship. You’ll select your favorite shape from a selection of over 50 wooden molds, many designed to resemble beautiful wagashi sweets, adding an elegant visual element to your incense.

The Crafting Process

The process involves blending matcha with other ingredients to form a soft paste, then carefully shaping it within your chosen mold. The molds’ beautiful designs make the final product as visually appealing as a small piece of Japanese art. As one reviewer noted, “The incense looked like a tiny, delicate wagashi, almost too pretty to burn.”

After shaping, the incense is dried and packaged to take home. You’ll also receive a specially designed incense burner, which is foldable for easy packing—ideal for travelers. The incense’s fragrance is pure matcha, with a gentle, calming aroma that lingers pleasantly. Interestingly, when the fragrance fades, the incense retains its shape, allowing you to decorate or soak it in aroma oils for reuse.

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The Fragrance and Its Uses

While the scent is only once, it’s rich and authentic, a true highlight for tea lovers and scent enthusiasts alike. Many reviewers mention how the aroma of matcha incense evokes a sense of calm and familiarity—perfect for relaxing at home or adding a touch of Japan to your daily routine.

One attendee shared, “I loved how the scent reminded me of my favorite matcha latte, but in a subtler, more refined way.” This makes it not just a craft but an experience that connects you to Japanese culture through scent.

Additional Details

The workshop’s small-group format—limited to eight participants—ensures a relaxed, engaging environment. The guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into both the craft and its cultural significance. The session is designed for all levels; no prior experience needed, just an interest in creative activities.

Pricing is reasonable considering the quality of the experience and the handcrafted souvenir you’ll bring home. While not explicitly detailed here, the value is in the eco-friendly concept, the craftsmanship, and the intimate setting.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on workshops and local crafts. It’s an excellent choice for those who wish to experience a unique, eco-friendly aspect of Japanese culture.

If you’re a tea enthusiast, the fragrance alone offers a nostalgic reminder of matcha’s calming qualities. Art lovers will appreciate the aesthetic beauty of the molds and finished incense shapes. And eco-conscious travelers will value the sustainable approach, transforming waste into something beautiful.

It’s also ideal for small groups or couples seeking a quiet, meaningful activity—something different from the usual sightseeing. Plus, the opportunity to create a reusable, fragrant souvenir makes this a memorable keepsake of your trip to Japan.

Practical Information

• Duration: 1 hour, ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.
• Start Times: Check availability, and arrive 5 minutes early to avoid delaying the group.
• Languages: Guides speak Japanese and English, ensuring clear explanations.
• Location: The temple, not Google’s “Incense Kitchen,” so watch for directions or call ahead.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
• Price: Good value given the creative process and unique souvenir.
• Cancellation: Full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

The Kyoto: Eco-Friendly Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience offers more than just a craft session—it’s a chance to learn about the sustainable use of matcha, connect with Japanese traditions, and create a beautiful keepsake. Thanks to its serene setting, knowledgeable guides, and inventive approach to waste reduction, it stands out as an authentic cultural activity.

For those who love Japanese tea, craftsmanship, or eco-conscious travel, this workshop provides a meaningful, memorable way to spend an hour in Uji. It’s a charming addition to any itinerary, especially if you want a quiet, creative break from busy sightseeing. The combination of tradition, beauty, and sustainability makes it a rewarding experience for curious travelers.

FAQ

Is the workshop suitable for all ages?
Yes, the activity is accessible to most ages and doesn’t require prior experience, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are fine, but since it involves shaping and handling paste, it’s best to wear something that can get slightly stained or cleaned easily.

Can I make different shapes?
Yes, you can choose from over 50 different wooden molds, many inspired by wagashi sweets, to personalize your incense.

Will I get to take home everything I make?
Absolutely. You’ll receive your crafted incense along with a foldable incense burner, making it easy to carry and use later.

Is there an option for an English interpreter?
Yes, the guides speak both Japanese and English. However, for last-minute reservations, English interpretation might not be available, so booking in advance is recommended.

How long does the incense last?
The matcha scent is a one-time fragrance, but the incense retains its shape even when the scent fades, allowing you to reuse or decorate it.

Can I customize the fragrance?
The workshop uses pure matcha, so customization options are limited to the shapes and decorations. The scent itself is authentic matcha.

Is this experience good for a special occasion?
Yes, it’s a thoughtful activity for a cultural date, a meaningful gift, or a memorable way to celebrate a trip milestone.

What is the best way to get there?
Follow the directions to the hill in front of Fukujuen Uji Workshop, cross the river, and find the temple gate. Calling the contact number can help if you’re unsure.

To sum it up, this workshop is a well-balanced blend of craft, culture, and sustainability. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful, creative activity that results in a beautiful, functional souvenir. Whether you’re a tea lover, a craft enthusiast, or simply curious about Japanese traditions, you’ll find value in this authentic experience—an eco-conscious way to take a piece of Uji home with you.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby