Gontadou
Ikebana Studio
Contemporary ikebana art in the heart of Tokyo. Bespoke English-language immersions for the global traveller.
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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.
Weekly Group Practice
Escape the pace of the city and find your "ma"—the space between. Our weekly sessions are designed for Tokyo residents who wish to build a consistent, meaningful creative practice.
Guided by the official Sogetsu curriculum, you will progressively learn to see botanical materials not just as flowers, but as sculptural elements for self-expression. In our small-group setting, we move beyond the basics, cultivating a shared English-speaking community where every branch tells a different story across Japan’s beautiful seasons.
This course also offers a formal route to official certification. Upon the completion of each stage of the curriculum, students may apply for certificates issued by Sogetsu Headquarters.
When: Wednesday mornings 11:00-13:00 (full) /Sunday mornings, 9:30-11:00 (new seats available)
Duration: 90 minutes per session
Capacity: An intimate group of three to four
Location: Hatsudai, Tokyo (One stop from Shinjuku Station).
Language: Taught in fluent English; no translators required.
Age Requirement: 20 years and above.
Monthly Fee: JP¥ 23,000 per month (Includes three sessions and all seasonal botanicals)
New Sunday Seats Now Available
We are currently accepting new students for our Sunday morning cohort. To ensure the studio environment is the right fit for your creative journey, we invite all prospective students to begin with a Trial Session before committing to a monthly membership. Limited to one session per person.
The Studio Trial | JP¥ 5,800
Check Availability and Book Here:
The Instructor
Benedict Tsang ( 顕豪 )
Sogetsu Ikebana Artist & Certified Instructor
Benedict is a Tokyo-based, certified Sogetsu ikebana artist and instructor. He began his ikebana journey in Kyoto, later continuing his training in Hong Kong under Ho Hin Shing, where he earned his teaching certification. In 2024, he relocated to Tokyo to further his studies under Sogetsu master Reiko Takenaka, while developing an independent practice rooted in both tradition and contemporary expression.
Recognised by the Japanese government for his professional mastery, Benedict is one of the rare recipients of the official Japanese Artist Visa—granted to established cultural practitioners working in Japan. A certified Sogetsu teacher, his work spans exhibitions, large-scale installations, and cross-cultural workshops. He has participated in international exhibitions, collaborated with designers and brands, and contributed to major seasonal installations, including New Year arrangements at Hotel New Otani Tokyo. His work has been featured in media and publications across Japan and Hong Kong.
Fluent in four languages, Benedict brings a global sensibility to his practice, making the depth of Japanese aesthetics accessible to international audiences. In 2025, he was part of a group awarded the Sogetsu Excellence Award. Through his work, he creates spaces for cultural exchange, bridging tradition and contemporary life through ikebana.
Follow him on Instagram @gontadou
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 Group Practice
Curriculum-based study for Tokyo residents. A steady, chapter-by-chapter class designed for those seeking a sustained creative practice or technical growth.
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.
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.