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.
The Sogetsu Foundation Course
The Foundation Course is a structured programme designed for those committed to refining their craft as Ikebana artists. Following the official Sogetsu curriculum, students move through five distinct levels, transitioning from the essential foundations of form to the highest levels of contemporary self-expression.
This course 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, providing a structured journey for those aspiring to become certified teachers.
To ensure steady artistic progression, the programme requires a monthly commitment of three sessions. This rhythm allows for a deeper immersion into the technical precision and philosophical depth of the craft.
When: Sunday mornings, 10:30 – 12:00 (Three Sundays per month).
Duration: 90 Minutes per session.
Capacity: An intimate group of three to four practitioners.
Location: Hatsudai, Tokyo (One stop from Shinjuku Station).
Language: Taught in fluent English; no translators required.
Inclusions: All seasonal botanicals provided.
Entry Level: Reserved for those with prior Sogetsu experience.
Age Requirement: 20 years and above.
New to the craft? Please begin with “The Tokyo Private Experience” as your introductory prerequisite.
JP¥ 22,000 per month (three sessions)
Enrolment for our Sunday morning sessions is currently full.
To secure a priority invitation for our upcoming term, please join our waitlist.
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
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
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.