Yes — you’re remembering something very real, and your memory matches a classic ritual at Sensō-ji Temple (浅草寺) in Asakusa, Tokyo.
Here’s what likely happened:
At the entrance to Sensō-ji, there’s a large bronze incense burner called a jōkōro (常香炉).
Visitors light incense sticks (osenkō, お線香), not leaves or pine needles — but the rising thick, fragrant smoke is believed to have purifying and healing powers.
People wave the smoke over their heads or bodies to cleanse themselves spiritually or bring good health — for example, waving it toward one’s head to invite wisdom, or toward an aching area to heal it.
It’s easy to remember the burning incense bundles as dried leaves or needles, especially since the smoke is heavy and the scent is earthy.
So yes — your memory is absolutely right in spirit. You likely visited Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, and took part in the purification-by-smoke ritual at the incense cauldron in the main courtyard.