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  6. [Incense stick craftsman experience: introductory level] Learn from a current craftsman of a manufacturer who maintains traditional handmade manufacturing, and experience some of the processes involved in Awaji Island's traditional incense stick industry in a town of incense that has continued since the Edo period! (Awaji, Hyogo)
Product #271138
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A visitor and master artisan collaboratively pressing incense dough with traditional machinery at Awaji Island's Edo-era factory.
An artisan at Awaji Island's incense factory carefully stacks processed fragrance boards, meticulously preparing materials for traditional incense making.
A visitor at Awaji Island's incense making experience proudly holds a newly-formed black incense board and wooden tool, showcasing their traditional craft.
A seasoned artisan in traditional attire skillfully operates machinery at an Awaji Island incense workshop, precisely extruding fragrance into slender sticks.
At the Awaji Island incense factory, an artisan skillfully guides freshly extruded green incense sticks from the machine onto a wooden tray.
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[Incense stick craftsman experience: introductory level] Learn from a current craftsman of a manufacturer who maintains traditional handmade manufacturing, and experience some of the processes involved in Awaji Island's traditional incense stick industry in a town of incense that has continued since the Edo period! (Awaji, Hyogo)

Japan-Hyogo
Booking confirmed within 3 working day(s)
Free cancellation 11 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Approximately 70% of domestically produced incense sticks are produced on Awaji Island. Many manufacturers are concentrated in the Ei district, and you can smell the delicious aroma of incense as you walk through the town. It has even been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's "Top 100 Fragrant Landscapes." This is a valuable experience where you can visit an incense manufacturer that has been producing incense since 1905 and still maintains traditional handmade manufacturing methods, learn about the history of Awaji Island incense sticks, knowledge of fragrance, and the manufacturing process from a fragrance master called a Koshi, and experience part of the manufacturing process while listening to a lecture from a veteran craftsman.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Product Info

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.

At an incense manufacturer on Awaji Island, which accounts for approximately 70% of the domestic incense market, you will learn about the history of Awaji Island incense making, knowledge about fragrances, and the traditional manufacturing process from a fragrance master called a "Koshi." After learning the basics of incense, you will then listen to a lecture from a veteran craftsman and experience part of the actual manufacturing process.
This is a great opportunity to hear from the craftsmen!
*The experience will involve bonkiri and namatsuke.

■Time 11:00~

■Time required: Approximately 40 minutes

■ Price: 7,050 yen/person (2-6 people) Limited to one group

[Awaji Island, the birthplace of incense stick making: Ei]
Ei, also known as Eiura, was the most prosperous port on Awaji Island, with a thriving shipping industry (maritime transport and commerce) since the early Edo period.
However, in winter, ports are often closed due to monsoons, making it impossible to work.
The men are away from home for about six months to work.
As a way to combat the winter withering, incense production began as a job that was suitable for women to do at home, and Eiura's climate and location were ideal for bringing in raw materials and transporting the finished products.

[Is it a coincidence? The history of fragrance]
According to the Nihon Shoki, during the reign of Empress Suiko (the aunt of Prince Shotoku) in 595 AD, some local residents happened to burn a piece of wood that had washed up on the shores of Awaji Island. When a fragrant aroma wafted from the wood, they quickly pulled it out of the fire and presented it to the Imperial family.
It is said that the Kannon statue at Horyuji Temple was carved out of this fragrant wood, which is still treasured today and enshrined as the object of worship at Kareki Shrine.

[Incense manufacturing process]
1. Mixing, stirring, and kneadingThe ingredients are mixed according to the type of incense, and after stirring, dyes and water are added and the mixture is kneaded while strictly controlling the temperature and humidity.
*The raw material for incense sticks is a mixture of powdered bark from a tree called Tabu, which is a type of Lauraceae, mixed with various fragrant woods and fragrances.

② Making the “Mixed Ball” The mixture produced in step ① is formed into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 30 cm.
This block-shaped mass is called "neridama."

③ Extrusion and cutting The kneaded ball is placed in an extruder and passed through a metal hole called a "sugane" to make it into a long string.
(Bonkiri) This string-like material is collected on a tray and separated using a bamboo spatula.

④ Forming (Nama-tsuke) The string-like material is lined up tightly on a drying board, cut to the specified length (Dogiri), and the shape is straightened out.

⑤ Drying The drying board is moved to a drying room and exposed to the western wind to dry the string-like material naturally. Drying takes about 3-5 days.

⑥ Binding and packaging

Intro

Purchase Notice

There is a parking lot for about 10 cars (large buses can be parked) on the right side in front of the Awaji Baikondo Ei Factory (across the Awaji Sunset Line).Only one car can be parked on the left side of the factory (on a slope).
If a typhoon or other severe weather is expected on the day of the experience, we will contact you by the day before. If there is a possibility of this, we will contact you by the day before.
Cancellations will be accepted if requested by the customer during business hours (9:00-17:00).

Includes/Excludes

  • Incense stick making experience fee
  • Others not specified
  • Transportation costs

Reminders

  • [What to wear] Comfortable clothes

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Meeting Point

Location Name: Awaji Baikondou Ei Factory

Address: 2738-2 Ei, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-1531

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 11 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 8 to 10 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

FAQ

1. During the Awaji Island incense making experience, what characteristics of incense materials like sandalwood and agarwood will artisans introduce?

During the Awaji Island incense making experience, incense masters will provide a detailed introduction to the origins, aromatic characteristics, and uses of two precious incense materials: sandalwood and agarwood. Sandalwood is known for its warm, sweet woody aroma, which helps relax the body and mind. Agarwood, on the other hand, is renowned for its deep, complex resinous scent, often used in high-end incense and for medicinal purposes. Artisans will allow participants to personally experience the scents of different materials and explain how to blend them to create unique incense sticks. This is not only a learning experience about incense materials but also a deep dive into the essence of Awaji Island's incense culture.

2. When experiencing incense making on Awaji Island, what are the safety and health considerations for burning the finished incense sticks?

During the Awaji Island incense making experience, incense masters will emphasize the importance of using natural incense materials to ensure the burning safety of the finished incense sticks. Qualified incense sticks should avoid the addition of chemical fragrances or burning accelerators to reduce the production of harmful substances during combustion. It is recommended to use incense in a well-ventilated environment, avoid burning in long-term enclosed spaces, and ensure they are kept away from flammable materials. The experience will also explain how to judge the quality of incense sticks to ensure the ones you make are safe to use, allowing you to enjoy pure fragrance and minimize potential health impacts.

3. When visiting Awaji Island and experiencing incense making, which season or month is the best time to go?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for visiting Awaji Island and experiencing incense making. The weather during these times is pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring offers blooming flowers, while autumn brings cool weather and abundant produce. Winter (December to February) is colder but offers a chance to enjoy hot springs and a tranquil atmosphere. Summer (June to August) can be hot but is suitable for beach activities. Regardless of the season, the incense making experience on Awaji Island can be enjoyed indoors in a comfortable learning environment, unaffected by the weather.

4. What is the recommended transportation method from Awaji IC Interchange to the incense manufacturing plants on Awaji Island?

The most recommended mode of transportation from Awaji IC Interchange to the incense manufacturing plants on Awaji Island is by car. After exiting the Awaji IC, drive south along National Route 28 for approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the incense manufacturing plants in the Eki area. Some factories may offer free parking. If you don't have a car, consider taking a local taxi, which will take about 15-20 minutes. Public transportation is less convenient with fewer bus services, so it's advisable to check the bus schedules in advance and plan your route.

5. As the 'Land of Incense,' what is the history and cultural significance of incense production on Awaji Island?

Awaji Island, known as the 'Land of Incense,' has a history of incense production dating back to the Edo period. It was during this time that ships carrying agarwood to the island marked the beginning of the incense industry. The incense industry on Awaji Island has a history of over 150 years, preserving unique traditional handmade incense-making techniques. Approximately 70% of Japan's incense sticks are produced on Awaji Island, making it a major supplier of incense materials. The air in the Eki area is often filled with fragrance, and it has even been selected as one of the Ministry of the Environment's '100 Scented Landscapes,' showcasing its deep incense culture.

6. During the Awaji Island incense making artisan introductory experience, what are the main incense-making processes that participants can actually practice?

During the Awaji Island incense making artisan introductory experience, participants can practice some core incense-making processes. This typically includes grinding the incense materials, mixing the powder with binders, kneading it into an incense paste with water, and then extruding the paste through specialized tools to form incense sticks. The artisans will guide participants on how to control their strength and technique to ensure the incense sticks are uniform and firm. The experience not only allows you to personally craft unique incense sticks but also provides an in-depth understanding of the essence and joy of traditional incense making, allowing you to experience the craftsman's skill.

7. During the incense making experience on Awaji Island, what professional knowledge about incense materials will the incense master share?

During the incense making experience on Awaji Island, the incense master will share extensive professional knowledge about incense materials. This includes: - Types and Characteristics of Incense Materials: Introducing the origin, grade, scent characteristics, and uses of common materials such as agarwood, sandalwood, and cloves. - Principles of Incense Blending: Explaining how to balance the proportions of different materials to create harmonious and layered aromas, as well as their effects on the body and mind. - Incense Manufacturing Process: Detailing the steps and techniques of traditional handmade incense making, such as how to select materials, mix powders, and knead them into shape. Through the professional explanations of the incense master, participants will gain a deep understanding of the mysteries of incense materials and the art of incense making.

8. What makes the incense factory experience on Awaji Island unique compared to other incense-making activities?

The incense factory experience on Awaji Island offers unique aspects, primarily reflected in the following points: 1. Historical Heritage: The experience takes place at a manufacturer established in 1905 that still preserves traditional handmade production methods, unlike general tourist workshops. 2. Professional Artisan Guidance: You will be personally guided by current incense artisans, known as 'incense masters,' who will impart professional knowledge of incense materials and manufacturing techniques. 3. Authentic Production Site Experience: As the largest incense-producing region in Japan, visiting the production site allows for a deeper appreciation of the 'Land of Incense' cultural atmosphere. 4. In-depth Process Understanding: Beyond hands-on making, you will learn about the history and complete manufacturing process of Awaji Island incense, offering a more profound learning experience.

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