Kyoto: Eco-Friendly Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience

This review explores an intriguing and environmentally conscious activity tucked away in the historic city of Uji, just outside Kyoto. The Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience is a one-hour workshop that combines the calming art of incense creation with a deep respect for sustainability. It’s a perfect fit for travelers who love handmade crafts, Japanese culture, and eco-friendly practices.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll create your own matcha incense using upcycled green tea leftover from manufacturing—a truly innovative use of waste. Second, the setting is beautifully peaceful, inside a traditional temple with views of a tranquil garden. Lastly, the chance to craft a beautifully molded incense in a variety of shapes adds a creative, almost edible appearance to your souvenir.

One potential consideration? The workshop is relatively short and intimate, which is fantastic for personalized attention, but travelers seeking a lengthy or more in-depth cultural activity might find it a bit limited in scope.

This experience suits those interested in Japanese traditions, eco-conscious travelers, and anyone looking for a unique, handcrafted souvenir from Kyoto. Whether you’re a tea lover, a craft enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful cultural activity, you’ll find something to love here.

Key Points

• Eco-Friendly Focus: Upcycles matcha waste into beautiful incense, promoting sustainability.
• Hands-On Creation: Make your own incense in a variety of elegant shapes with over 50 wooden molds.
• Cultural Setting: Conducted inside a peaceful temple with views of a garden, adding to the tranquility.
• Unique Fragrance: The world’s first incense made solely from matcha green tea, with a pleasant aroma.
• Souvenir Quality: Take home a custom incense burner and a fragrant keepsake, ideal for decorating or aroma use.
• Small Group Intimacy: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal guidance and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Incense-Making Experience

Location and Setting

The workshop takes place at Eshin-in, a serene temple positioned in the heart of Uji’s sightseeing area. Its proximity—less than ten minutes on foot from the famous Byodoin Temple—makes it an easy addition to a day exploring Uji’s cultural sites. The venue’s tranquil ambiance is complemented by views of a traditional Japanese garden, creating an atmosphere perfect for reflection and creativity.

Participants are guided up a gentle hill from the main street, passing through a traditional gate to reach the villa where the workshop is held. The quiet, almost meditative setting enhances the meditative quality of making incense—an experience that’s as much about relaxation as it is about craft.

What to Expect

The workshop lasts approximately one hour and begins with a brief introduction to the history of incense in Japan. The instructor, fluent in both Japanese and English, provides a demonstration of the mixing and molding process, ensuring even beginners feel confident.

The core activity involves working with upcycled matcha—the green powder that is typically discarded during the manufacturing process—transforming it into fragrant incense. The raw material is not used for eating but repurposed to create a product with a lovely green tea scent that’s exclusively made from matcha.

You’ll select a shape from a menu of over 50 wooden molds. These molds are beautifully crafted, often resembling Wagashi (Japanese sweets), making your finished incense not only fragrant but also a visual delight. You can choose classic shapes like stars, flowers, or more traditional Japanese motifs, and mold your incense accordingly.

The Crafting Process

The process is quite straightforward. You’ll mix the matcha with other ingredients, then press it into your chosen mold. The instructor will guide you step-by-step, sharing insights about the significance of the shapes and the properties of incense in Japanese culture.

Once your creation is shaped, it will be carefully dried and prepared for transport home. You’ll also receive a special incense burner designed specifically for matcha incense, which can be folded for travel—a thoughtful detail that emphasizes practicality.

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Creating a Unique Fragrance

Unlike typical incense that burns down to ash, this matcha incense retains its shape, allowing you to decorate it or soak it in aroma oil to reuse as aroma stones. This feature was praised in reviews, with one noting that it “does not turn to ash when the fragrance wears off but keeps its elegant shape,” which adds an element of longevity and versatility to your souvenir.

The Value of the Experience

Participants consistently mention the quality of guidance and the stunning presentation of the final product. The ability to choose from such a wide variety of molds makes each incense truly personal. The workshop’s small group size ensures individual attention, making it a relaxed and enjoyable activity.

Why it’s Worth It

For travelers who want more than just sightseeing, this experience offers a chance to connect with Japanese traditions in a meaningful way. Making your own incense brings a sense of accomplishment, and the eco-conscious aspect ensures you’re leaving with a product that’s both beautiful and sustainable.

Pricing and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the inclusion of high-quality molds, expert guidance, and a unique, eco-friendly product suggests this workshop offers excellent value, especially considering it’s a one-hour activity with a tangible souvenir. It’s an affordable way to gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese crafts and sustainability efforts in a short time.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive about five minutes early to settle in and avoid keeping others waiting.
• Wear comfortable clothing, as molding and shaping require some hand movements.
• If an interpreter is needed, it’s best to reserve well in advance, as last-minute English guides may not be available.
• Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about the history and cultural significance of incense—it’s more meaningful when explained by knowledgeable guides.
• Don’t rush your creation—this is as much about enjoying the process as making a souvenir.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for culture seekers, eco-conscious travelers, and craft enthusiasts. It’s well-suited for small groups or solo travelers looking for an authentic activity away from the typical tourist spots. Families with children interested in hands-on activities and anyone keen on eco-friendly practices will find it especially rewarding.

In Summary

This incense-making workshop offers more than just a creative outlet; it’s an eco-friendly, culturally enriching activity that creates lasting memories. The peaceful setting, expert guidance, and unique product make it a compelling choice for those visiting Uji and wanting to understand a lesser-known side of Japanese tradition. It’s a rare chance to craft something beautiful from waste material, blending artistry with sustainability.

The experience is especially suitable for those who value genuine, small-group interactions and want a souvenir that’s both meaningful and functional. Whether as a gift or a personal keepsake, your handmade matcha incense will be a fragrant reminder of your trip to Kyoto.

FAQs

What is the duration of the workshop?
The workshop lasts about one hour, making it a quick yet meaningful activity perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.

Where exactly does the activity take place?
It is held inside Eshin-in, a tranquil temple in central Uji. The venue is less than ten minutes on foot from Byodoin Temple, accessible via a short walk from the main sightseeing area.

How do I find the meeting point?
Go up the hill in front of Fukujuen Uji Workshop, cross the river from Byodoin, pass through the gate, and follow the path to the villa. If unsure, you can call the provided phone number for directions.

Is the workshop suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, the process is straightforward, and guidance is provided. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for all skill levels.

Are there options for last-minute reservations?
Yes, but English interpreters might not be available for very last-minute bookings. It’s best to reserve in advance to ensure language support.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended, as shaping and molding can involve some hand work.

Can I customize the shapes of my incense?
Yes, you can choose from over 50 wooden molds, allowing for a personal touch in your creation.

What is special about the fragrance?
It’s the world’s first incense made only from matcha, providing a fresh, green tea aroma that’s different from traditional incense scents.

Can I reuse or decorate my incense after the workshop?
Absolutely. You can decorate the incense or soak it in aroma oil to use as aromatic stones, thanks to its durable shape.

Final Thoughts

For those curious about Japanese crafts, sustainable practices, or just looking for a peaceful activity, this Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience delivers. Its focus on eco-friendliness, cultural authenticity, and creative expression makes it a standout option in Kyoto’s wide array of tours.

You’ll leave not only with a handmade souvenir but also with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s unique relationship with nature and tradition. It’s ideal for travelers eager to add a meaningful, handcrafted touch to their trip—something you’ll cherish long after you’ve returned home.

Whether you’re a tea lover, a craft enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a mindful activity, this workshop offers a charming and authentic slice of Kyoto’s artistic soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: