[Incense making experience] Approximately 70% of domestic incense is produced here! Learn about the history and basics of fragrance from a fragrance master in this town that has been producing incense since the Edo period. After thoroughly learning about fragrance, choose a fragrance and shape to create your own original incense.

During the incense making experience on Awaji Island, you will first learn about the history and basics of fragrance from a skilled master. Following this, you will select your preferred fragrance and shape for your incense. The hands-on process involves mixing ingredients, kneading the mixture, and shaping it into your desired form, such as sticks or cones, to create your unique original incense.

At the Awaji Island workshop, participants can choose from a variety of natural ingredients to customize their incense. Common selections include traditional woods like sandalwood and agarwood, various aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cloves, and different herbs. These natural components are combined with binders to create unique and personalized fragrance blends.

Awaji Island is renowned as a major center for incense production in Japan, accounting for approximately 70% of the domestic market. Its historical significance, dating back to the Edo period, combined with its favorable climate and established manufacturing traditions, has led to a high concentration of skilled artisans and manufacturers in areas like the Ei district, fostering a unique incense-making heritage.

The history of incense making on Awaji Island dates back to the Edo period, when sailors returning from sea brought various incense ingredients to the island. Local artisans began to develop techniques for blending and shaping these materials. Over centuries, these traditional methods were refined and passed down, transforming Awaji Island into a leading producer with deep cultural roots in fragrance creation.

Participants in the Awaji Island incense making experience can expect to gain comprehensive knowledge from a fragrance master, known as a Kohshi. You will learn about the rich history of Awaji Island incense sticks, acquire essential knowledge of various fragrances, and understand the intricate traditional manufacturing processes. The master will guide you in selecting scents and techniques to craft your personal incense.

During the Awaji Island incense making session, personalization is key. You can choose from a diverse range of natural fragrance ingredients, allowing you to create a scent profile that appeals to you. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to select the shape of your incense, whether it's traditional sticks, cones, or other forms, making your creation truly unique to your preferences.

Awaji Island's Ei district is recognized as a "Fragrant Landscape" due to its high concentration of incense manufacturers. As you walk through the town, the air is often filled with the delightful aromas of various incense types being produced. This unique olfactory experience, combined with its recognition by Japan's Ministry of the Environment as one of the "Top 100 Fragrant Landscapes," highlights its special significance in incense culture.

Yes, the Awaji Island incense making experience maintains traditional handmade manufacturing methods. You'll learn the techniques used by manufacturers, some of which have been established since 1905. Participants will use basic tools for mixing and shaping the incense paste, adhering to authentic processes for kneading and forming the incense, ensuring a genuine artisanal experience.