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.
The Weekly
Ikebana Ritual
A Creative Circle for Tokyo International Residents
The Experience
Designed as a grounding ritual for Tokyo’s international community, this weekly hands-on class provides a sanctuary from digital exhaustion. Each lesson explores a specific ikebana theme, offering a deliberate pause to step away from the screen, master Ikebana techniques, and translate shifting seasons into a unique seasonal arrangement.
By completing curriculum stages, you earn credentials issued directly by Sogetsu Headquarters—one of Japan’s three major schools, renowned for its avant-garde philosophy.
Sogetsu: The Modern Approach to Ikebana
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 studio, we look past the surface of the branch and blossom, transforming nature into striking, three-dimensional living sculpture.
The Community
Our English-speaking studio brings together like-minded, nature-loving individuals from all walks of life, creating a shared space where your unique background is welcomed into the creative practice.
While our primary focus is exploring the depth of Sogetsu Ikebana across Japan’s beautiful seasons, the intimate studio setting naturally offers a wonderful opportunity to connect and build meaningful community with fellow English-speaking Tokyo residents along the way.
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
The Studio Trial
JP¥ 7,500
Ensure our environment and design philosophy align with your creative journey. To preserve our focused, intimate atmosphere, all prospective members begin with a single trial immersion before committing to a monthly membership.
Membership Details
Pricing: ¥7,500 trial session, then a monthly membership of ¥23,000.
(Includes three monthly sessions and all premium seasonal botanicals. To maintain studio intimacy, individual drop-ins are not available.)
Capacity: An intimate group of just 3 to 4.
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes per session.
Language: Fully fluent English instruction.
Requirement: Adults aged 20 and above.
Schedule:
Mon Mornings: 11:00-12:30
Wed Mornings: 11:00–12:30 (2 seats left)
Wed Evenings: 19:30–21:00 (2 seats left)
Friday Evenings: 19:30-21:00
Sun Mornings: 09:30–11:00 (3 seats left)
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