PRIVATE Ikebana and Flower Arranging in Tokyo

Japan is known for its kimonos, sake, and Tea Ceremony. The delicate art of flower arranging is another product of Japan. Known as Ikebana and translated as “arranging flowers” the practice of creating beautiful pieces began in the 7th century when people started to leave flowers at altars across the country. The first real change in the tradition was seen when people put flowers in a special place in the home called the tokonoma alcove. The rituals with flowers would not see much of a difference until the 16th century when Buddhist tea masters used flowers in worshipping Buddha. The tradition was called Mitsu-gosu ko. In Tokyo, guests can now partake of the ancient art. Ikebana has grown to over one thousand schools of style throughout Tokyo, Japan, and the world. Ikebana is also known as kado or the “way of flowers”. Historians have researched the Japanese art of flower arranging and believe the origins of current Ikebana styles came from not only Buddhist traditions but Shintoism beliefs regarding benevolent spirits residing in nature as well. Ikebana is much more than just sticking flowers in a vase. Flower arranging is an art requiring patience and discipline. Unlike other types of flower arrangements that focus on bountiful blossoms, Ikebana encourages using other parts of a plant including the leaves, stems, and stalks. Often minimalism is attributed to Ikebana, but not all Japanese flower arrangements use that form. The pottery or vase can be attractive and draw attention, or it may be used as a mere holder or container. There is a spiritual aspect to Ikebana for the people who practice the art form. Ikebana is an opportunity to slow the mind, release stress and be in tune with nature.

•    Discover Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement.
•    Learn the origin and history of Ikebana
•    Flower arranging is a long held tradition.
•    Ikebana focuses on the art found in nature.

Ikebana Experience

When in Tokyo a visit to the Maikoya must include Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement.  You will learn about the history of Ikebana from a teacher with years of experience in the art. The instructor is familiar with different techniques and styles and sharing knowledge about the art form. If you are searching for a novel experience that is also relaxing and soothing Ikebana is a perfect choice. Students will receive four fresh picked flowers to use in their arrangements. Although there are guidelines or rules for Ikebana, the result comes from personal choices while giving thought to what you wish to communicate. Ikebana encourages the relationship between the student and the natural world. Practitioners often work in silence or a quiet area. A peaceful environment is conducive to allowing daily stresses to fall away and the creative process to begin. Ikebana will change your view of the world. Art and beauty are found in many places, including unlikely and overlooked areas. Ikebana calls for the elements of your arrangement to be simple.  The focus of Ikebana is on the form rather than a bursting cornucopia of brilliantly colored masses of blossoms. The materials for Ikebana are abundant in nature. Flowers are often incorporated but in small numbers. Appropriate materials can be found anywhere in the natural world. A simple stem, gracefully curved and weathered to a warm color can make an outstanding beginning to an attractive and meaningful work of art. When you have completed your Ikebana creation, you may take it to your hotel to enjoy for the remainder of your visit to Tokyo.

•    An accomplished teacher will help you understand the ways of Ikebana.
•    Guests are taught the basic foundation of flower arranging.
•    Four fresh flowers will be given to each guest to make their arrangement.
•    Take your beautiful creation back to your hotel to enjoy for the remainder of your stay in        

    Tokyo.

Review

KIMONO TEA CEREMONY MAIKOYA TOKYO

5.0

Based on 11 reviews

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Blandville

11:21 05 Mar 20

We had the most beautiful experience of learning calligraphy and wearing traditional kimonos. The staff are so friendly... and helpful. I highly recommend this experience to all visitors to Tokyo.read more

Joakim Sundén

08:12 04 Mar 20

Very smooth organization, wide variety of kimonos to choose from. They help you dress, do your hair and make you look... beautiful and take pictures with your cameras. The tea ceremony was beautiful and we got to mix our own tea as we were told about the history and the practice of tea ceremony as well as other interesting Japanese culture tidbits.read more

Marsha L

02:54 04 Mar 20

All the ladies there were lovely. Beautiful kimonos for you to choose from, and everything was just sp graceful ❤. You... make your own tea, eat traditional Japanese sweets. Love all the photos and just enjoyed the entire experienceread more

Alisa Ediger

05:48 28 Feb 20

The experience was lovely. The ladies there were all very kind and gave clear instructions that made the whole thing go... smoothly. The kimonos to choose from were all beautiful and the tea ceremony was a good balance between instructional and experiential. Definitely a good choice if you want to attend a tea ceremony but don’t yet know the proper etiquette.read more

Annie Teri

14:00 09 Feb 20

Best place to learn about their tea culture. You will get choose your own kimono and take many photos in it. It is... worth a visit.Do this if you are free and wish to experience like a japanese.read more

Kathryn Geiger

04:09 17 Jan 20

Had a great time. The ladies who run the shop are all very friendly. They all spoke English very well so it made it... very easy to communicate. Having a kimono put on and having your hair done was fun. The tea ceremony itself was very nice. Your walked though step by step of what goes into a tea ceremony. The matcha tea and sweets are delicious.read more

Chelsea Southe

08:04 04 Jan 20

The three of us has a wonderful experience learning more about this beautiful culture. Our tea master was very... knowledgeable and gladly answered any questions we had. It was truly a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity!read more

Dan Dexter

23:16 01 Dec 19

My wife and I took the course that teaches students to make traditional Japanese sweets and is followed by a tea... ceremony. We thought it was a fun way to spend some time during our vacation and were really happy with the experience. It's definitely a fun way to learn about a small piece of Japanese cultural history.read more

Xenia Uth

05:54 16 Nov 19

We went to participate in the tea ceremony, and it was absolutely perfect! The staff was so kind, spoke very good... English and the kimonos were beautiful! I definitely recommend this place. We also took pictures for about 20-30 minutes afterwards, in a little room they have decorated for this purpose, and the staff was very patient with us! 😍read more

Naomi Bonnici

11:18 18 Oct 19

Had an absolutely wonderful experience. We experienced the tea ceremony as well as traditional Japanese sweets making.... The hosts/tea masters delivered a professional and traditional experience while also staying light hearted and comical enough for touristical enjoyment. Everything is well explained + they are open to all questions. Our host was very conversational and we really felt like she placed our enjoyment as a priority. This is definitely something you can not miss !!!read more

Kristel Topalova

16:04 25 Sep 19

I was the first person ever to take part in a tea ceremony in the Tokyo location. I chose the kimono + tea ceremony... option. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!My instructor was so professional and kind. First, she helped me with the choice of kimono and then she put it on me. Another young lady took care of my hair and I totally loved the result.The instructor really explained and demonstrated the respect that the Japanese people show to their guests and the tea. She took her time explaining everything to me and let me ask any kind of questions. After her explanations I was allowed to prepare a tea by myself. The instructor was so sweet and positive that I did not want to leave. She even offered to take pictures of me and with me afterwards :)I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to get a feel for traditions in Japan and an authentic experience. The price is very reasonable and the location is easy to find.read more

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