If you’re visiting Kyoto and crave something truly personal and memorable, this custom fragrance creation experience offers a delightful way to take a piece of Japan home with you—literally. For around $52, you’ll spend about 30 minutes with a fragrance advisor in the city’s center, choosing and blending your own unique scent. The process is straightforward, but packed with opportunities for fun discovery and genuine craftsmanship.
What we love about this experience? First, the personalized attention from experts who listen carefully to your preferences and guide you through the process. Second, the lasting memento of your very own fragrance, which is labeled with your chosen name—making it a wonderful, fragrant souvenir.
One possible caveat is that this tour is quite short, so if you’re expecting a deep dive into perfume history or multiple blends, this may not satisfy that curiosity. Still, it’s perfect for those who want a quick, hands-on, and authentic experience that’s easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.
This tour is best suited for scent enthusiasts, gift-seekers, or curious travelers who want an authentic, memorable activity in Kyoto without spending the entire day. It’s also great for those who appreciate personalized craftsmanship and enjoy unique souvenirs.
Key Points

- Personalized Fragrance: You create a one-of-a-kind scent tailored to your preferences.
- Expert Guidance: Advice from experienced fragrance advisors ensures a quality blend.
- Authentic Experience: Created in Kyoto, this is a true local craftsmanship activity.
- Short & Sweet: The experience lasts about 30 minutes, fitting easily into sightseeing plans.
- Memorable Souvenir: Your fragrance is labeled with your own name, making it a personal keepsake.
- No Hidden Fees: Included in the price are the fragrance, taxes, and guidance; there’s no extra service fee.
Detailed Review of the Kyoto Custom Fragrance Tour

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Starting Point and Overall Structure
The experience begins at a conveniently located meeting point in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward—specifically at 271-2 Tenmach. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a certified English-speaking guide, who will help you feel comfortable and confident from the start. The tour is designed as a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a personalized, relaxed atmosphere.
The entire session lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for those who want a quick yet meaningful activity during a day of sightseeing. The mobile ticket system ensures a seamless check-in process, and the experience ends right back at the starting point, so no extra travel time or logistics are needed.
The Fragrance Creation Process
The core of this activity is a step-by-step process that encourages your intuition and personal tastes. First, you’ll select a fragrance based on your initial instinct—a fun way to see what scents appeal to you without overthinking. Then, your guide will ask about your preferences, including the type of fragrance (perhaps floral, woody, citrus, or fresh) and the desired strength or amount of the blend.
What is notable is the expert advice you’ll receive. The guides at MY ONLY FRAGRANCEKAWARAMACHI are experienced, having worked with tens of thousands of customers. They help translate your vague preferences into specific scents, explaining the nuances of different fragrance notes along the way.
After blending, your fragrance is labeled with your own name, giving you a personalized, tangible product to take home. The entire process is designed to be both engaging and accessible, making it suitable even for first-timers or those new to perfumes.
The Value of Personalization and Authenticity
Creating your own scent means you’ll get a true one-of-a-kind product. Unlike mass-produced perfumes, this is a crafted fragrance that reflects your personality and preferences. It’s a rare opportunity to be involved in the art of perfume-making without the need for extensive knowledge or experience.
The price of $52.27 is fairly reasonable considering the level of personal guidance and the custom product you receive. For perfume enthusiasts or travelers looking for a meaningful souvenir, this activity offers excellent value—particularly because the fragrance is exclusive to you and labeled with your name.
Additional Considerations and Practical Tips
One thing to keep in mind is the short duration—30 minutes means it’s a quick activity, so if you’re hoping for an in-depth workshop, this might fall short. Also, since it’s a private tour, the experience is quite intimate, but that also means it might not suit travelers looking for a large group or more social settings.
Accessibility is another plus: most travelers can participate, although those with epilepsy are advised to refrain. The activity is near public transportation, making it easy to include in your day without hassle.
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What Travelers Are Saying (Based on Reviews)
While there are currently no formal reviews listed, the detailed description suggests that guests can expect a personalized, friendly, and engaging experience. The fact that the guides are certified and speak English helps ensure clear communication, especially for international visitors.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a tangible, personalized souvenir that’s truly unique. It suits scent lovers, gift-givers, or curious travelers eager to try something out of the ordinary in Kyoto. It’s especially appealing if you prefer experiences that are short, practical, and memorable rather than lengthy or overly commercialized.
Final Thoughts
In a city like Kyoto, where tradition and craftsmanship are woven into daily life, this custom fragrance experience stands out as a charming, authentic activity. It offers a perfect mix of personalization, expert guidance, and cultural craftsmanship—a wonderful way to take a small but meaningful piece of Kyoto home.
Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a fun activity, or simply a unique souvenir, this tour will satisfy. It’s a well-priced, straightforward experience with a personal touch that makes your trip to Kyoto even more memorable.
FAQ

How long does the fragrance creation take?
The entire process lasts about 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.
Is this a group activity?
No, this is a private tour for just your group, ensuring personalized attention from the guide.
Do I need prior experience with fragrances?
Not at all. The guides are experienced and will help you choose and blend your scent based on your preferences, whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers your exclusive fragrance creation, sales tax, and the guidance of a certified English-speaking guide. There is no additional service fee.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within that window.
Where does the experience start and end?
It begins and ends at the same meeting point in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward, making it very convenient.
Equipped with this detailed look, you can decide if this personalized fragrance experience fits your Kyoto itinerary. It’s a small investment for a big memory—an authentic, fragrant piece of Japan crafted just for you.
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