[Awaji, Hyogo] Learn about the history and basics of fragrance from a fragrance master in this town of incense that has been around since the Edo period, and create your own original incense by choosing the scent and shape.

Approximately 70% of domestic incense sticks are produced on Awaji Island. Among them, the Ei district is where many manufacturers gather, and you can smell the delicious aroma of incense as you walk through the town. It has even been selected as one of the "100 Scented Landscapes" by the Ministry of the Environment. Visit an incense manufacturer that has been producing incense since 1905 and continues to produce it by hand, learning about the history of Awaji Island incense sticks, knowledge of fragrance, and the manufacturing process from a fragrance master called a "Koshi", and experiencing making your own original incense. After learning the basics of incense by visiting a manufacturer of incense sticks on Awaji Island, which accounts for approximately 70% of domestic incense sticks, and learning about the history and knowledge of fragrance of Awaji Island incense sticks, as well as the traditional manufacturing process, it's time to make your own incense! Choose the color of the incense, put the ingredients and water in a mortar and knead. Blend your favorite fragrances and knead again, then use a die to shape the incense. Take it home and let it dry thoroughly for about a week, and your incense is ready! You can experience making your own scent at home. [Experience Schedule] 11:00 Meeting Observe the traditional incense manufacturing process at Awaji Umekundo Ei Factory (30 minutes) 11:30 Learn about the history of incense and fragrance knowledge from a Kohshi (producer) and experience making incense (80 minutes) 12:50 Scheduled to end

Ei, also known as Eiura, was the most prosperous port on Awaji Island from the early Edo period, with its thriving shipping industry (maritime transport and commerce). However, in winter, the port is often closed due to seasonal winds, making it impossible to work. Men are away from home for about six months to find work elsewhere. As a way to combat the winter's devastation, incense production was suitable for women to do at home, and Eiura's climate and location were ideal for bringing in raw materials and transporting the finished products, so incense production began.

According to the Nihon Shoki, in the era of Empress Suiko (the aunt of Prince Shotoku) in 595 AD, a resident of Awaji Island casually burned a piece of wood that had washed up on the shores of the island. When a fragrant aroma wafted from the wood, the resident quickly pulled it out of the fire and presented it to the Imperial Family. It is said that the Kannon statue at Horyuji Temple was carved out of this fragrant wood. The fragrant wood is still treasured today and is enshrined as the deity of Kareki Shrine.