Experience Ikebana and
Japanese Aesthetics in Nagoya
Touching the Essence of Japanese Beauty
through Flowers.
In Nagoya, two distinct stages await your creativity:
Arimatsu
“Private Workshop with International teacher”
In the historic town of Arimatsu, we welcome only one group per day. Kayoko, a First-Class Master of the Sogetsu School, will personally select the FLOWER MATERIALS and prepare the space specifically for you.
Take a moment during your journey to pause and face the flowers in silence.
Kanayama
Contemporary Ikebana Art Workshop at Ganko Ji Temple Studio
Across from Gango-ji—Nagoya’s oldest temple—awaits a special space where history meets the avant-garde. We invite you to experience Modern Ikebana, a practice of artistic expression, guided by Kayoko, a First-Class Master of the Sogetsu School.
Even in the heart of the city, we offer a sanctuary where you can pause, breathe, and explore the beauty of form.
- Arimatsu
- Kanayama
Why I Host This Experience
I grew up in Arimatsu, surrounded by lattice-door houses, dyeing workshops, and the wooden architecture of the Tokaido. Here, life moves with the rhythm of the seasons.
Arimatsu Narumi Shibori is a craft of patience, where artisans tie cloth with thread to create intricate patterns. Ikebana, too, is an art of facing nature and valuing Ma (empty space).
For many of my guests, this may be their only visit to Japan. That is why I dedicate an entire day to just one group—to offer the quiet, authentic Japan that sightseeing alone cannot reach.
What’s Included
- Create your own Ikebana with premium seasonal FLOWER MATERIALS.
- Learn Japanese aesthetics through a live demonstration.
- Professional digital photos of your work.
- Guided tour of the historic Arimatsu district.
- Matcha and traditional sweets.
- Seasonal Japanese lunch in a historic building.
The Journey (Approx. 5–6 Hours)
Welcome at Tokushige Station
the bustling city fades into a tranquil suburban landscape—a transition into a meditative state.
Preparing the Mind with Matcha
We begin with Matcha. Water is boiled in a traditional Nambu Tekki (iron kettle), giving it a mellow, gentle taste. In Japan, we create a “pause” before starting anything significant.
Ikebana Demonstration
Watch as I compose an arrangement. The sound of the shears. The “void” in the water basin. The moment a line is born in space. I will explain the philosophy and structure behind the creation.
Your Own Creation
Using seasonal FLOWER MATERIALS fresh from the market, you will create your own work. There is no rush, no competition. Focus on your own sensibility. It is not about how many flowers you use, but how you utilize the space between them.
creation.
Professional Photography
Your finished work will be photographed under natural light. Flowers change their expression like actors on a stage when they catch the light. Digital photos will be sent to you later as a lasting memory.
n. Focus on your own sensibility. It is not about how many flowers you use, but how you utilize the space between them.ation.
Walking the Streets of Arimatsu
Explore the 400-year-old townscape. Visit dyeing workshops and museums. The focused craftsmanship of Shibori mirrors the concentration required for Ikebana. I will be your English guide for conversation and shopping.
Washoku Lunch in a Historic Setting
Enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine in a traditional wooden building. The architecture, the garden, and the tableware are all part of the cultural experience.
A Gift to Carry Home
Within 2–3 days, I will email your photos. You will also receive an Arimatsu Shibori handkerchief as a gift. Please choose your favorite color—a small token to remember your time in the town that once provided towels to travelers on the Tokaido.
FAQ
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Can beginners join?
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Yes, I provide step-by-step guidance for everyone.
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Is English support available?
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Yes, the entire experience and tour are conducted in English.
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What should I bring?
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Nothing. Everything is prepared for you.
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Why only one group per day?
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Because I value the time prepared exclusively for you, without rush or comparison.
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What should I wear?
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Casual, comfortable clothing is perfectly fine.
Information
| Meeting Point | Tokushige Station 1-chome Hontokushige, Midori Ward Nagoya, Aichi 458-0852 Japan Please meet Ms. Kayoko at the ticket gate of Tokushige Station, the last stop on the Sakura-dori Subway Line. There are two ticket gates at the station, so please wait at the gate near the ticket machines. |
| Meeting Time | 09:30 |
| Duration | 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) |
| Participation Fee | 30,000 JPY / person 50,000 JPY / 2 people 60,000 JPY / 3 people |
| Participants | 1–3 people (Ages 20–59) |
| Language | English |
| Experience Level | Beginner friendly |
| Cancellation Policy | You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. |
Reservations
Please make a reservation from here.
Why Ikebana at a Temple?
Gango-ji is one of the oldest temples in Nagoya, steeped in local lore and history. While the setting is deeply rooted in tradition, the workshop focuses on Modern Ikebana—a form of expression that values freedom over rigid rules.
You may choose to learn the fundamental styles or explore contemporary sculpture. Whether it is a minimalist arrangement of two long leaves or a single bloom, you will learn to craft bold, powerful works by embracing the “void” (empty space).
Preparing the Mind: The Art of “Ma”
Before we begin, we invite you to enjoy sencha tea served with local Nagoya sweets. In Japan, there is a tradition of clearing the mind before undertaking meaningful work. This quiet pause, known as “Ma,” creates a meditative space and prepares your senses for the creative process. It is the first step toward connecting with the flowers.
Our studio houses an extensive collection of vessels—ceramic, glass, wood, and vintage pieces. The art of ikebana begins the moment you choose your vessel. The container you select will shape the character and spirit of your arrangement.
What’s Included
- Create your own contemporary ikebana artwork
- Premium seasonal flowers and ikebana materials
- Choose from a curated collection of unique vessels
- Live Sogetsu-style ikebana demonstration
- Cultural stories about GANKO-JI Temple and local history
- Japanese tea with traditional Nagoya sweets
- English guidance throughout the experience
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Welcome to the Studio
Enter a space of calm amidst the city.
Preparing the Mind
A moment of meditation with Sencha and traditional sweets.
Ikebana Demonstration
Kayoko will demonstrate the structure and philosophy of Ikebana.
Creative Time
Compose your own work using seasonal FLOWER MATERIALS.
Photography
YCapture your masterpiece under professional lighting.
Reflections
Enjoy a final moment with locally renowned wagashi and tea.
FAQ
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Are beginners welcome?
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Yes. We provide clear, structured guidance to ensure you create a beautiful, powerful work of art, regardless of experience.
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Is English support available?
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Yes, the entire experience and tour are conducted in English.
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Are there religious requirements?
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No, there are no religious rituals involved. This is a cultural experience held in a peaceful, modern studio adjacent to the historic temple.
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Can I choose my own vessel?
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Absolutely. Choosing your vessel is a vital part of the creative process, and you are free to select from our curated collection.
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What should I wear?
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Casual, comfortable clothing is perfectly fine.
Information
| Meeting Point | 4-chōme-5-14 Masaki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0024, Japan After exiting Kanayama Station South exit, turn right at the road. Cross the intersection with Rt. 22 and turn right at the second block. Turn left at the first road and meet at the stone monument of Owarigankoji temple. Read more about – Contemporary Ikebana Art Workshop at Ganko Ji Temple Studio |
| Meeting Time | 09:30 |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) |
| Participation Fee | 18,000 JPY / person |
| Participants | 1–8 participants This is a shared small-group experience. |
| Language | English |
| Experience Level | Beginner friendly |
| Cancellation Policy | You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. |
Reservations
Reservations start in May.