Learn Traditional Ikebana with an Ikenobo Master Inside a Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Landmark in Tokyo

Ikebana Inside a Charming and Historic Japanese Structure

This experience is held in Ikebukuro, a town easily accessible from central Tokyo. Just a short walk from one of the busiest stations in the world, you’ll find Jiyugakuen Myonichikan, a former girls’ school campus designed by influential architect Frank Lloyd Wright in collaboration with his Japanese assistant, Arata Endo. Completed in 1921 and officially designated as a National Important Cultural Property, its original appearance - including its distinctive geometric patterns - has been carefully preserved for the public to appreciate. Entering one of its quiet buildings feels like stepping back in time, far removed from the bustle of the modern city.

With Wabunka, you’ll have part of this historic architectural masterpiece all to yourself as you experience ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Notice the charmingly patterned window frames and the use of Oya stone throughout the building, which creates a warm and gentle atmosphere. Your skills are sure to bloom with careful instruction from Professor Shinsui Fuse, who teaches ikebana at its oldest school, Ikenobo. Having grown up with a grandfather who was a tea master in a family that passed their arts down through the generations, ever since she could remember, Professor Fuse was surrounded by traditional culture, from tea ceremony and ikebana to Japanese gardens. As a high school student, she was deeply moved by an Ikenobo arrangement at an ikebana exhibition, inspiring her to join the school.

After earning her Ikenobo certificate, Professor Fuse moved to the Netherlands due to her family’s work commitments. Hoping to convey the identity of Japan to others, she began to teach people in English about Japanese culture, from ikebana and tea ceremony to kimono.

Developing a unique Fundamentals of Ikebana and the Difference Between Eastern and Western Aesthetics

First, you’ll learn about the history and background of ikebana. Buddhism is said to have been introduced to Japan during the 6th century, which was accompanied by the custom of offering flowers to the Buddha. Around the middle of the 15th century - during the time of Ikenobo Senkei, a monk at Rokkakudo Temple in Kyoto - Japan’s oldest form of ikebana was born.

Developing a unique philosophy and style, ikebana spread through Japan alongside other traditional Japanese culture that had been established during the same period, including tea ceremony and Noh, and continued to evolve with the times. Learning about ikebana’s history will also give you an appreciation of how people lived during the various eras.

Professor Fuse will also introduce a particularly fascinating aspect of studying ikebana: discovering the difference between aesthetics in the East and West. “Traditional culture like ikebana, tea ceremony, Noh, and Japanese gardens value the concept of “ma,” or space in the physical and temporal sense. Creating “ma” brings forth mental and physical spaciousness, as well as a lingering sensation.”

The Ikenobo philosophy of “less is more,” something she particularly bears in mind for shoka-style arrangements, is, so to speak, “the art of subtraction.” It is a brief way to express the essence of Japan’s traditional aesthetics, which is sure to give you a new perspective on the concept of beauty along with the rest of Professor Fuse’s lesson. 

Watch a Master at Work, then Create Your Own Freestyle Arrangement

After learning the basics of ikebana, observe Professor Fuse as she brings an arrangement to life. While ikebana is known commonly as flower arranging, you’ll see her use varieties of grass and twigs as well, which are also important elements in this traditional art. In addition, be sure to look out for the ikebana tools she uses, like florist’s scissors, needle-point holders, and vases.

What Professor Fuse will demonstrate is shoka, a style for which Ikenobo is well known, expressing the way that plants are rooted in the soil. Pay close attention to where she directs her gaze and how she handles the materials as you appreciate the quiet harmony of life that develops within a single vase.

The varieties of flowers used also depend on the season of the year, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy an arrangement that reflects the season of your visit.

Next, it’s time to try your hand at an arrangement. You’ll be making the jiyuka style, meaning freestyle, which came about due to a diversity of lifestyle. However, remember the foundation of ikebana: the flowers should appear fresh and lively. After all, the word literally means “to make flowers come alive.” That’s why it’s important to carefully consider which branches and flowers you’ll use, set aside, or trim and create “ma” (space, as mentioned above). If you’re feeling stumped, Professor Fuse will be there to offer useful advice. All that’s left is for you to let your creativity bloom.

After finishing your arrangement, it’s time to take a picture of it in the alcove - where ikebana is traditionally placed - and on the table as a reminder of your time in Japan. You’ll also be able to take your flowers home with a vessel made from paper and some floral foam. One way you can enjoy them is by using the knowledge gained from your experience to make another arrangement at your hotel.

Dive into the Essence of Japanese Aesthetics and Spirituality

During your time with Professor Fuse, you’ll gain an appreciation for the aesthetics and spirituality cherished by Japan for so long by learning about the history of ikebana and trying it yourself. It is a chance to slow down, observe closely, and express yourself through flowers in a way that reflects the season and your own perspective.