Experience Japanese Tradition

at Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Japan is renowned for its refined aesthetics, rich traditions, and rituals. Many people have this beautiful country on their bucket list. However, you don’t have to travel far to experience authentic Japan—Hotel Okura Amsterdam offers a unique opportunity! Immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most extraordinary cultural traditions with the Kōdō Experience. This exclusive experience combines a luxurious stay and Japanese hospitality with Kōdō (香道), an ancient ceremony of appreciating fragrance.

Kōdō is a meditative ritual centred around the art of fragrance, where mindfulness and aesthetics come together. Dating back to the sixth century, it remains one of the most refined expressions of Japanese culture. It is also one of the three classical Japanese fine arts, alongside the tea ceremony (Sadō) and the art of flower arrangement (Kadō).

An Ancient Tradition of Fragrance Appreciation

During this exclusive afternoon, Japanese Kōdō expert Mina Hayakawa will guide you through the craftsmanship, rituals, and interactive elements of this ancient tradition of fragrance appreciation. Born near Kobe, she has dedicated herself to Kōdō since the age of 18. Mina Hayakawa will introduce you to a ritual steeped in refinement, sensory discovery, and poetic symbolism. You will learn to appreciate fine incense through structured ceremonies and interactive games that bring scent to life in a truly unique way.

The 90-minute session begins with an introduction to the historical origins of Kōdō, followed by a demonstration of the intricate process of preparing the incense burner. This refined ritual involves carefully arranging fine ash in an elegant incense vessel, concealing a small smouldering charcoal within. This precise method ensures the perfect temperature to release the subtle aromatic oils of the incense.

Next, you will be introduced to five signature scents within Kōdō. You will be invited to create your own fragrance profile—can you distinguish a smoky, light, sweet, or warm scent?

The experience then becomes interactive with two traditional Kōdō games:

• The first game challenges you to identify and match identical scents using a symbolic system that translates fragrance into visual art.
• The second game, inspired by Japanese literature, links scent interpretations to randomly selected chapters from The Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s most celebrated classical novels.

To refresh the senses, a short break will be taken, during which you will enjoy Japanese tea and an elegant wagashi — a traditional Japanese sweet made from rice, sugar, and nuts.

THE Kōdō EXPERIENCE

Would you like to immerse yourself even deeper in Japanese culture? Enhance your stay with our optional upgrades, offering authentic Japanese experiences:

• An overnight stay in a luxurious Panorama Junior Suite
• A delicious breakfast
• Participation in the Kōdō workshop with Mina Hayakawa
• A special amenity in your room

Would you like to enhance your stay even further? Choose from our optional upgrades:

• A Michelin-starred Kaiseki dinner at Yamazato Restaurant
• A luxurious Nagomi Spa treatment
  

DATE & TIME

The Kōdō workshop will take place only once on 28 April, from 16:30 – 18:00. A rare opportunity to experience Kōdō first-hand. Discover the harmony, mindfulness, and timeless beauty of Kōdō in the heart of Amsterdam.

Book now and immerse yourself in the essence of Japan! For more information or reservations, contact reservations@okura.nl.