Experience Japan’s Incense Culture “Kaorihaku 2026” to Be Held in Ginza, Kyoto, and Kamakura
Category: experience Goods Japanese culture Sightseeing
Dating back to the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism, Japan’s incense culture boasts a history of over 1,400 years. These traditional Japanese fragrances, which spread from the nobility to the common people and have been cherished for generations, soothe not only the hearts of the Japanese but also those of visitors from abroad. “Kaorihaku 2026 (Fragrance Expo 2026),” an event where you can experience this Japanese incense culture, will be held for about a month starting on April 18, “Incense Day.”
Whether you’re a fan of Japanese incense, someone looking to learn more about it, or simply interested in Japanese culture, why not take this opportunity to discover the charm of Japanese incense?
What is the Kaorihaku?
“Kaorihaku (Fragrance Expo)” is an event that debuted in Tokyo and Kyoto in the spring of 2024. It was organized by three long-established incense companies with over 300 years of history—Kyukyodo, Shoeido, and Nippon Kodo—with the aim of encouraging people to “enjoy the scents while strolling through the city during the pleasant spring season” and to pass on Japan’s 1,400-year-old incense culture to future generations.
The third annual Kaorihaku, themed “Where Scents Meet Tomorrow,” will be held from April 18—which is “Incense Day”—through Sunday, May 17. As AI and digital technology continue to evolve and the nature of daily life and communication keeps changing, renewed attention is being focused on “fragrance” as an experience perceived through the five senses.
During the event, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities designed to explore the city’s fragrance shops on foot, including a stamp rally, limited-edition products, and hands-on workshops.
In addition to Kyukyodo, Shoeido, and Nippon Kodo, this year’s event will feature MUJI Ginza and MUJI Kyoto BAL. Furthermore, this year marks the first time the event is being held in the Kamakura area, with Kito Tenkundo making its debut.
Kaorihaku is being held in three popular tourist destinations in Japan. What aspects of Japanese fragrance culture can you experience there? Let’s take a closer look.
Highlights of the Kaorihaku 2026
Exploring Fragrances
We are hosting a stamp rally featuring incense shops in Ginza, Kyoto, and Kamakura. Collect three stamps to receive a special gift of incense. You can explore the culture of fragrance while strolling through the city.
*Stamp rally booklets are available at participating stores.
Last year’s event
Listening to incense
Each store will offer programs that allow you to experience Japan’s traditional culture of scent, including “Kodo” (incense appreciation), one of Japan’s three major artistic traditions; “Monko” (scent appreciation), where you can smell the fragrances of rare aromatic woods; and “Kikizake-kai” (sake tasting), where you can identify the aromas of sake.
Last year’s event
Creating Fragrances
We host workshops where you can create your own scents—such as making scented pouches—and enjoy the process. You’ll get to experience the depth and complexity of fragrance.
Last year’s event
Enjoying Fragrances
We will be offering incense exclusive to the Kaorihaku and hosting special fragrance-themed exhibitions at each of our stores.
Last year’s event
*Please note that advance reservations are required for hands-on experiences and workshops. Further details will be announced on the official website (https://kaorihaku.com) starting April 2.
This event offers more than just an introduction to Japan’s incense culture—it’s packed with interactive activities such as a stamp rally and workshops. The program is designed to be accessible even to those unfamiliar with incense culture, so we hope you’ll join us!
Incense exclusive to Kaorihaku
Based on the theme of the Kaorihaku 2026, “Where Scents Meet Tomorrow,” the three companies—Kyukyodo, Shoeido, and Nippon Kodo (TRI)—have jointly developed a limited-edition series titled “TRINEX
This product is the result of a collaboration between three companies with over 300 years of combined history, each bringing distinct manufacturing techniques, perfumery expertise, cultures, and sensibilities to the table. Together, they created “the scent of the future” from their unique perspectives and managed the entire process, from concept to production.
The packaging features a graphic design centered on three colors that symbolize each fragrance. The sides are finished with a holographic effect, creating a futuristic appearance that shifts with the light.
Kyukyodo “Strawberry Parfait”
Designed and manufactured by Kyukyodo. This light, approachable fragrance playfully captures the scent of the future, blending the sweet-tart notes of “strawberry” with a gentle sweetness. With a touch of whimsy, it leaves a lingering scent that gently lifts your spirits.
Shoeido “MISORA”
Conceived and manufactured by Shoeido. This incense offers a deep, resonant fragrance reminiscent of a quiet, open space—evoking the vastness of the future cosmos. With sandalwood as its base, it releases a gentle sweetness and a refreshing coolness. To capture the twinkling of stars in the universe, we have incorporated light-reflecting materials into the incense.
Nippon Kodo: “Heritage Hybrid 2026”
Conceived and crafted by Nippon Kodo. A fragrance that bridges the past and the future by harmonizing diverse elements, grounded in the essence that has been passed down across eras and cultures.
Blending Japanese cypress and frankincense, this multi-layered “Mineral Forest” fragrance weaves in the subtle hints of rock, water, and air.
[Product Overview]
Product Name: TRINEX
Lineup: 3 varieties: “Strawberry Parfait,” “MISORA,” “Heritage Hybrid 2026”
Release Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Price: 1,760 yen each (tax included)
Net Weight: Approx. 20g
Where to Buy: Participating stores at the Kaorihaku 2026 (excluding some stores) *Not available for online purchase.
Experience Japan’s Incense Culture
Japanese fragrances are cherished not only for traditional uses such as Buddhism and the art of incense, but also as tools for relaxation—including mindfulness practices—that soothe both body and mind.
“Kaorihaku” offers a chance to experience Japan’s traditional incense culture and soothe your daily fatigue through the power of scent. Plus, the limited-edition items showcasing the future of incense make perfect souvenirs from Japan. Why not enjoy a pleasant spring outing and experience the charm of incense from various perspectives?
“Kaorihaku 2026” Event Overview
Event Name: Kaorihaku 2026
Dates: Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Incense Day) – Sunday, May 17, 2026
Venues: Ginza (with select products available in Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro), Kyoto, and Kamakura
Theme: “Where Scents Meet Tomorrow”
Participating Stores:
[Tokyo Area] Tokyo Kyukyodo (Ginza Main Store, Shibuya Store, Shinjuku Store, Ikebukuro Store) / Shoeido Ginza Store / Koju Ginza Main Store / Ginza Rangetsu / MUJI Ginza
[Kyoto Area] Kyoto Kyukyodo / Shoeido (Kyoto Main Store, Kunshukan, Kun-Kun, Sannenzaka Store) / Koju Ninenzaka Store / MUJI Kyoto BAL
[Kamakura Area] Kito Tenkundo
Organizer: Kaorihaku Executive Committee (Kyukyodo, Shoeido, Nippon Kodo) Participating Stores: Kojyu,
Kito Tenkundo, Ginza Rangetsu, MUJI
Main Activities: Stamp rally visiting fragrance shops, incense ceremony and perfume blending workshops, incense making, themed exhibitions at each store, release of limited-edition products, and more
Official Website: https://kaorihaku.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaorihaku_official/
X: https://x.com/kaorihaku_418
