The Way of Incense: Traditional Japanese Kodo Ceremony (Genji-kō) at – Newport Beach, CA
The Way of Incense: Traditional Japanese Kodo Ceremony (Genji-kō) at – Newport Beach, CA
Get your tickets to see The Way of Incense: Traditional Japanese Kodo Ceremony (Genji-kō) in Newport Beach, CA. Happening on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at . Doors open at 12:00 PM.
Join us for a Japanese Kodo ceremony, where we explore the art of incense appreciation in the traditional style
Discover Genji-kō: The Ancient Japanese Incense Game
Genji-kō is an ancient Japanese incense game from the Heian period, where fragrance becomes both play and meditation.
In this formal ceremonial experience, you will “listen” to several carefully prepared incenses, each one subtle, each one distinct. Instead of seeing or tasting, you will awaken your sense of smell, comparing the fragrances and noticing the patterns they create. Historically, these patterns were linked to chapters of The Tale of Genji, Japan’s classic literary masterpiece. Today, they serve as a path to mindfulness, presence, and deeper awareness.The benefit of Genji-kō is not only in the refinement of your senses but in the way it changes your state of being. In this experience, the presentation will be minimal. You will be invited to sharpen your focus, quiet your mind, and discover a meditative calm where even the smallest nuance holds meaning. It is at once a playful game and a profound journey—a bridge between art and spirit.
Join us for Genji-kō and discover subtle beauty, inner stillness, and the timeless Way of Incense.Guided by John Launius, a recognized fragrance expert of over 40 years and Master of Ceremonies (Kōmoto) in the Japanese incense tradition, this session provides a rare opportunity to experience the profound art of Kōdō. Participants will deepen their sensory awareness and gain insight into a cultural practice that harmonizes the senses, spirit, and tradition.
Tickets-RSVP Link
Explore thousands of upcoming events, local tours, top restaurants, and the best places to stay in California. You can also check out our dedicated city guide for Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose.