Guided session of the ancient Japanese incense ceremony in a traditional hall; plans from ~3.000 ¥.
Kodo —"the way of incense"— is one of the three classical arts of Japan, along with chado (tea ceremony) and kado (flower arrangement). Developed between the 14th and 15th centuries by the Kyoto aristocracy, it consists of "listening" with all the senses to the fragrance of selected aromatic woods —mainly oud or jinko— and guessing their origin and identity through a ceremonial game called kumiko. It is a practice that cultivates inner stillness and aesthetic sensibility. In Kyoto there are several studios and tea houses that offer guided kodo sessions in Japanese-style rooms, with tatami and authentic ceremonial utensils. The indicative price is 3.000 to 4.000 ¥ for a session of about 60-90 minutes. Prior booking is essential, as the groups are small —a maximum of 6 or 8 people— to maintain silence and concentration. No previous experience is required. It is a much less well-known experience than the tea ceremony and therefore more intimate and memorable.
