Experiencing Japanese Incense Culture in Lush Green Kyoto: 'Kaori Haku 2026' Starts April 18 <Incense Day>
The Japanese incense culture experience event "Kaori Haku 2026" will be held in Kyoto, co-hosted by Kyukyodo, Shoyeido, and Nippon Kodo. It features the release of limited-edition incense "TRINEX" and various workshops.
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"Kaori Haku 2026" (Incense Expo 2026), an event where you can experience Japanese incense culture, will be held in Kyoto for about a month from Saturday, April 18, 2026 () to Sunday, May 17.
The theme for this year, which is the third edition, is "Scents Connecting to Tomorrow -Where Scents Meet Tomorrow-".
In conjunction with this event, the limited incense series "TRINEX " (1,760 yen each, tax included), which expresses the "scent of the future" jointly developed by three long-established incense companies, Kyukyodo, Shoyeido, and Nippon Kodo, will be released.
Three types will be available: "Strawberry Parfait" by Kyukyodo, "MISORA" by Shoyeido, and "Heritage Hybrid 2026" by Nippon Kodo.
Set in Kyoto during spring when the fresh greenery is beautiful, "Kaori Haku" will unfold as an excursion-type event where visitors tour the city while engaging with the culture of fragrance.
In addition to Kyukyodo, Shoyeido, Nippon Kodo (Koju), and MUJI Kyoto BAL, "Shoyeido Kunkun" at Kyoto Station and "Shoyeido Sannenzaka Store" in Sannenzaka/Seiryuen will newly participate, expanding the fragrance experience to various locations in Kyoto.
During the exhibition period, a total of 5 programs and 21 hands-on workshops will be held, including experiences of "Kodo" (Incense Ceremony), a traditional Japanese art form alongside tea ceremony and flower arrangement, and "Scented Sachet Making," where participants blend fragrances based on their own sensibilities. In addition, a "Fragrance Stamp Rally" (free of charge) visiting participating stores will be held, and those who collect stamps will receive a special Kaori Haku incense as a gift.
At Kyukyodo on Teramachi Street, a fair themed around the scent of "Strawberry Parfait" will be held. A limited strawberry parfait design will also appear in the popular "Letter Buffet" project, where you can freely combine your favorite writing paper and envelopes. Furthermore, each store is planning exhibitions exclusive to Kaori Haku.
Please enjoy the opportunity to touch the depth of Japanese incense culture and encounter your own scent that connects to the future while touring Kyoto in spring.
■ Event Name: Kaori Haku 2026 (Incense Expo 2026)
■ Period: April 18 (Sat) - May 17 (Sun), 2026 *Held for 1 month from Incense Day (4/18)
■ Theme: Scents Connecting to Tomorrow -Where Scents Meet Tomorrow-
■ Participating Stores: Kyoto Kyukyodo, Shoyeido Kyoto Main Store & Kunjukan, Koju Ninenzaka Store, MUJI Kyoto BAL, Shoyeido Kunkun, Shoyeido Sannenzaka Store *Held simultaneously in Ginza and Kamakura
■ Implementation Details:
① Fragrance Stamp Rally (Free to participate / Collect 3 stamps for a special incense gift)
② 5 programs and 21 fragrance workshops including "Kodo Experience" and "Scented Sachet Making" (First-come-first-served / Reservation required)
③ Sale of "Kaori Haku" exclusive collaboration item "TRINEX "
④ Kaori Haku exclusive exhibitions at each store
■ Organizers: Kyukyodo, Shoyeido, Nippon Kodo
■ Experience Workshop Schedule [Kyoto Area]
Please check the Kaori Haku website (https://kaorihaku.com) for details and applications.
■ Scented Sachet Making Workshop @ MUJI Kyoto BAL 5th Floor, 1,980 yen (tax included, pay on site on the day)
A talk about raw materials and types of incense, and Japanese fragrance culture. Afterwards, enjoy making your original scent by freely mixing natural fragrances. You can take home your one-of-a-kind scent in a drawstring pouch.
Dates: 5/16, 5/17
■ Kodo Experience @ Kyoto Kyukyodo, 3,850 yen (tax included)
Kodo has been inherited as one of Japan's traditional arts along with tea ceremony and flower arrangement. We hope you will touch the elegant world of this "Way" where you can enjoy a literary atmosphere along with elegant scents. The Kumiko (incense smelling game) will be "Kokusako". As it is for beginners, while explaining Kodo, we will have you listen to the deep scents of Kyara and Rokkoku fragrant woods and play Kumiko (guessing the scent).
Dates: 4/24 (11:00-), 4/30 (11:00-), 5/8 (11:00-), 5/15 (11:00-)
■ Scented Sachet Making Workshop @ Shoyeido Kunjukan, 1,980 yen (tax included) *If booked online
A talk about raw materials and types of incense, and Japanese fragrance culture. Afterwards, enjoy making your original scent by freely mixing natural fragrances. You can take home your one-of-a-kind scent in a drawstring pouch.
Dates: 4/18 (11:00-/13:00-/14:30-/16:00-)