Gontadou
Ikebana Studio
Modern ikebana in Tokyo. Seamless English studio sessions for residents and global travellers.
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Course Details at a Glance:
Curriculum: Official Sogetsu School Textbooks (Levels 1–5).
Certification: Path to recognized Sogetsu Teachers’ Association credentials.
Frequency: Weekly or bi-monthly enrollment options.
Focus: Long-term technical mastery and sculptural floral design.
Language: Instruction in English; suitable for international residents in Tokyo.
Online Ikebana Study Group
The Experience
Master Sogetsu Ikebana from anywhere in the world. For students residing in areas without local access to an authentic instructor, this online study group connects you directly with our certified teacher based in Tokyo for live, hands-on learning in the Sogetsu school.
Working independently in your own space with seasonal botanicals, you will receive real-time demonstrations, personalized critiques, and technical guidance via a Zoom meeting group.
Sogetsu Ikebana:
The Modern Approach,
Now Online.
Departing from traditional perceptions of ikebana, Sogetsu treats botanical materials as structural elements for bold self-expression. Founded on a radical, progressive philosophy, it operates on the belief that anyone can create Ikebana anywhere, with any material. In our online study group, we look past the surface of the branch and blossom, transforming nature into striking, three-dimensional living sculpture.
The Sogetsu Curriculum,
Learnt Online
Your Online Sogetsu Ikebana journey is structured to take you from foundational techniques to creative self-expression
Phrase 1: Foundations
Your initial 40 lessons focus on traditional styles known as kakei. Using Sogetsu Textbooks 1 & 2, each covers 20 lessons, you will learn the fundamental rules and structural techniques of arrangement, and familiarize yourself with a wide variety of botanical materials.
Phase 2: Creative Expression
Once you have mastered the fundamentals, you are ready to move beyond traditional forms and express your unique artistic vision. Guided by Sogetsu Textbooks 3, 4, and 5, this advanced stage deepens your artistry by focusing on three core elements: line, colour, and mass. Upon completing Textbook 5, students become eligible to apply for official Sogetsu teacher certification.
Official Certification, Earned Remotely
Advance through the curriculum to earn official ranks and certificates issued directly by Sogetsu Headquarters in Tokyo. As an active member of our study group, you can remotely pursue formal certification, tracking your artistic growth and mastering ikebana from anywhere in the world.
What Happens in an Online Lesson?
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1: Connect via Zoom: Join the live virtual session from your computer.
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2: The instructor demonstrates the technique for the chapter you are studying today.
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3: Create your floral arrangement in your own space following the guidance.
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4: Display your work and receive personalized feedback and critique from the instructor.
Membership Details
Our online study group operates on a consistent monthly rhythm rather than a per-class model. Membership is billed as a monthly tuition covering three structured sessions per month, ensuring steady, cumulative advancement through the curriculum.
Capacity: Minimum 4 participants for group study via Zoom
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes per session.
Language: Fully fluent English instruction.
Requirements: Open to adults aged 20 and above.
Group Study
Schedule: Saturdays at 3:00 PM Tokyo JST
JP¥ 23,000 / month (covers 3 lessons per month)
Private Study
Schedule: Flexible scheduling tailored to your local time zone.
JP¥ 45,000 / month (covers 3 lessons per month)
Where Our Students Come From
Australia
Belgium
Canada
China
Denmark
France
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Italy
Japan
Mexico
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Taiwan
The Netherlands
The Philippines
The USA
The United Kingdom
Vietnam
Our Online Study Is Suitable for:
The Instructor
Benedict Tsang ( 顕豪 )
Sogetsu Ikebana Artist & Certified Instructor
Benedict is a Sogetsu Ikebana artist and certified instructor. Recognised by the Japanese government for his professional mastery, he is also one of the extremely rare cultural practitioners granted the official Japanese Artist Visa to maintain an independent creative practice in Japan.
His journey began in Kyoto, later continuing in Hong Kong, and ultimately leading to Tokyo to study under Sogetsu Master Reiko Takenaka. Benedict’s work spans international exhibitions, commercial collaborations, and major seasonal installations—including the New Year arrangements at the Hotel New Otani Tokyo. In 2025, his practice was part of a group honoured with the prestigious Sogetsu Excellence Award.
Fluent in four languages, Benedict brings a global sensibility to his teaching, making the profound depth of Japanese aesthetics fully accessible to international minds.
Follow him on Instagram @gontadou
Who We Are
Gontadou Modern 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
Private Ikebana Immersion
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.
Weekly Ikebana Ritual
A weekly modern Ikebana class for Tokyo international residents, offering a serene, offline sanctuary to master the Way of Flowers.
Ikebana for Schools
A contemplative programme for international schools, prioritising sustained focus and reflective intention over the noise of the modern classroom.
Corporate Solutions
Refined creative solutions for high-performance teams, valued clients, and bespoke site-specific installations.
Access
Gontadou Modern Ikebana Studio
〒151-0071 Tokyo, Shibuya, Honmachi, 1 Chome−5−7 Esperanza HATSUDA
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