Gontadou
Ikebana Studio
Contemporary ikebana art in the heart of Tokyo. Bespoke English-language immersions for the global traveller.
Creative, modern, and personal. We use any material, anytime, anywhere.
Who We Are
Gontadou Ikebana Studio is a contemporary space in the heart of Tokyo dedicated to Sogetsu—one of Japan’s pre-eminent ikebana schools. We move beyond traditional arrangement, treating the plant as a medium for sculptural expression and personal creative discovery. Through nuanced English-language instruction, the studio serves as a bridge for international guests and residents to master this heritage art with a distinctly modern sensibility.
Our Classes
A bespoke, one-to-one immersion for international guests. This distilled session introduces key principles and techniques, tailored to the pace of your Tokyo visit.
The Tokyo Private Experience
Curriculum-based study for Tokyo residents. A steady, chapter-by-chapter immersion designed for those seeking deep technical growth and a sustained creative practice.
Sogetsu Foundation Course
A contemplative programme for international schools, prioritising sustained focus and reflective intention over the noise of the modern classroom.
Ikebana for Schools
Refined creative solutions for high-performance teams, valued clients, and bespoke site-specific installations.
Corporate Solutions
Your First Ikebana
No prior experience is required to join our 1-on-1 private experience. We provide all the necessary seasonal materials and traditional tools. Arrive as you are; leave with a new perspective. Your experience:
Step 1
Appreciate Japan’s finest seasonal flora while uncovering the secrets of Ikebana’s 400-year history. We demystify intimidating traditional rules, giving you the confidence to find your own creative starting point.
Step 2
Master traditional tools and the art of floral placement. Under patient guidance, you will craft a classical Sogetsu arrangement that balances centuries-old principles with your own unique vision.
Step 3
Photograph your masterpiece in professional studio light—the perfect digital souvenir. While finished arrangements are too delicate to transport, you are encouraged to take your blooms with you to enjoy at your hotel, alongside the skills to recreate them back home.
What is Sogetsu Ikebana
Founded in 1927, the Sogetsu School revolutionised Japanese floral art. While we remain grounded in traditional aesthetics, we believe Ikebana should be boundless—practised anytime, anywhere, and with any material. This philosophy encourages you to see the natural world with new eyes. Whether using seasonal branches from a Tokyo market or botanicals from your own garden, Sogetsu opens the door to truly unique, personal compositions. From intimate home displays to grand public installations, our work enriches every space it inhabits.
Experience this shift in perspective. Join us in the studio for a private session and begin your first arrangement.
The Instructor
Benedict ( 顕豪 )
Sogetsu Ikebana Artist & Certified Instructor
Tokyo-based Ikebana artist Benedict is a rare recipient of the Japanese Artist Visa—an official status given by the government to recognise his professional standing in the arts. A certified Sogetsu teacher and international exhibitor, Benedict has dedicated his career to bridging East and West. Fluent in four languages and having lived in London and Hong Kong, he offers exclusive, private workshops that translate the profound philosophy of ikebana into an accessible, creative practice for the global traveler.
He is a certified member of the Sogetsu Teachers’ Association.
Follow him on Instagram @gontadou.com
Access
Gontadou Ikebana Studio
1 Chome-5-7 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 151-0071
By Reservation Only
Situated in the tranquil neighbourhood of Hatsudai, the studio offers a serene escape from Tokyo’s frantic pace while remaining remarkably well-connected. We are just a short walk from Hatsudai Station (Keio New Line), a mere two-minute train ride from Shinjuku.
Typical journey times to Hatsudai Station:
2 minutes from Shinjuku Station
15 minutes from Shibuya Station
25 minutes from Akihabara Station
25 minutes from Tokyo Station
25 minutes from Ueno Station
50 minutes from Haneda Airport
90 mintutes from Narita Airport