PRIVATE IKEBANA WORKSHOPS IN KYOTO
A workshop that is exclusively for you and your group. Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers who want a more intensive workshop.
Workshops are located in a historic building in the heart of an old geisha district easily accessible by train or taxi from Kyoto Station.
Minimum age for guests: 10 years old.
Workshops last about 2 hours and are taught in English. Participants will have the chance to create one classical style ikebana arrangement and one freestyle arrangement.
Ikebana talk: Enjoy green tea and sweets while getting a glimpse into the fascinating history of ikebana from its origins in Kyoto more than 400 years ago and its connections to Buddhist cosmology to the revolutionary flower art of the Sogetsu school and the many forms of ikebana being practiced today.
Ikebana hands on arranging: I will work closely with you to make sure you are comfortable with the hands-on techniques for cutting and arranging floral materials, allowing you to learn skills that you can bring into your floral arranging at home. You will create one classical style arrangement grounded in Sogetsu style ikebana principles. Then, let your creativity run wild as you create one more freestyle arrangement—you are free to follow your own vision and with my guidance we’ll create a beautiful ikebana composition.
Workshops are designed to create a relaxed, creative, inspiring atmosphere that will provide you a memorable, only-in-Kyoto experience. We will make sure that you have opportunities to take photos of your finished arrangements. While ikebana arrangements themselves cannot be transported, you are welcome to wrap up some flowers to take with you at the end of the workshop.
Solo travelers are welcome to book—please understand that the minimum booking price for a private workshop is the same as a 2 person workshop.
Maximum private group size is limited to 4 guests. If you have a larger group (up to 8 guests) please contact me via email and I can design a custom workshop for your group.
Flowers must be specially ordered in advance for workshops, please book at least 72 hours before your desired workshop date/time. Check availability and book here:
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Seanacey Yabe and her husband are the owners and caretakers of Kinse Ryokan. She began practicing Sogetsu style ikebana in 2008 and received permission to teach ikebana in 2014. In 2019 she received the First Rank Somu Teacher’s Diploma. In addition to teaching workshops at Kinse, she does custom floral work and is pursuing her own project creating “Foraged Ikebana.”
【講師について】
シャナシー・ピアス 草月流１級総務
きんせ旅館生花教室、店舗や結婚式などのイベントでの装花のほか、自身のプロジェクトである「Foraged Ikebana」も不定期で更新しています。
ABOUT SOGETSU IKEBANA
The Sogetsu school of ikebana is grounded in traditional Japanese aesthetics while also proposing that ikebana can be done "anytime, anywhere, using any materials." This gives students the chance, no matter where they are, to see the natural materials and seasons around them with new eyes, opening the way for truly unique and interesting compositions. For more information, please visit http://www.sogetsu.or.jp/e/
草月とは
初代家元・勅使河原蒼風が形式主体のいけばなに疑問を持ち、「個性」を尊重した自由な表現を求めたことから草月のいけばなは始まりました。草月のいけばなは「型」にとらわれることなく、常に新しく、自由にその人の個性を映し出します。いつでも、どこでも、だれにでも、そして、どのような素材を使ってもいけられるのが草月流。いけ手の自由な思いを花に託して、自分らしく、のびやかに花をいけていきます。
REVIEWS
“We loved everything about our experience. From the charming and authentic location to the knowledgeable, friendly and thoughtful instruction, this was a lovely experience that we would be happy to repeat. Definitely a highlight of our trip to Kyoto that we will long remember. We look forward to taking what we learned back home.”
“This is a fantastic intro into the world of ikebana. Seanacey is a very friendly and patient teacher— she explained the principles and history and then helped turn our first ikebana attempts into truly beautiful arrangements. She made us feel at ease and gave great tips for future flower arranging as well as shops in the area for supplies. My mom, who was initially unsure about flower arranging, came away excited to try more. We had such a wonderful time and would highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about this aspect of Japanese culture.”
“I can’t even begin to describe the joy this experience brought me! A florist of 17 years and an educator for 12 (in western style design) this gave me a tiny glimpse into the world of ikebana and it made my heart sing!”
FAQ
What is ikebana?
Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging, is both a traditional practice and a form of contemporary creative expression. It emphasizes harmony, balance, and natural beauty while also incorporating asymmetry and artistic expression. Arrangements are often highly seasonal and ephemeral.
Why take an ikebana workshop?
If you are looking for a cultural experience while visiting Kyoto, an ikebana workshop is a wonderful way to escape the crowds while learning more about traditional aesthetics. Ikebana has fascinating connections to tea ceremony, samurai culture, and Japanese religion; you will leave the workshop with a deeper insight into many of the things you’ll see while walking around Kyoto.
If you are looking for a way to celebrate a special event like a birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon, an ikebana workshop is an unforgettable way to mark the occasion. All of my workshops are private to ensure a peaceful and special atmosphere for you.
I truly think that ikebana has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, aesthetics, culture, or just want a peaceful moment during your travels. My goal is for you to leave the workshop happy and inspired!
Who can join a workshop?
Beginners, couples, families, and solo travelers are all welcome. Children 10 years and older can also participate. If you have prior floral or ikebana experience I can adjust the workshop content to your needs.
What do I need to bring?
Just yourself! I will prepare all of the necessary tools and floral materials. If you have luggage, you are welcome to store it in our lobby space during the workshop.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, you are welcome to take photos at any time during the workshop and I will make sure that you have dedicated time to photograph your finished arrangements.
Can I take my arrangement with me?
While it is not possible to take your actual arrangement home, you are welcome to wrap up your floral materials and bring them with you after the workshop.
Can you accommodate large groups or offsite workshops?
For groups of 5 or more, please contact me via email for a custom quote. Offsite workshops are sometimes possible, please contact me for more information.