Ikebana Flower Arrangement Lesson & Tea

I had an excellent experience with Ms. Kayoko.

This was my first ever ikebana practice which I regarded as the opportunity to explore Japanese culture. Ms. Kayoko shared with me basic techniques of traditional ikebana, and guided me completed my first work. She also taught me how to make a proper cup of mocha, which I totally failed. 😆

I spent one chilly December afternoon at the cozy home of the charming Kayoko Kondo who met me with a warm smile at the last stop on Nagoya’s Sakura-dori line. It took a lot less than the 15-minute drive to Kayoko-san’s hilltop home for us to warm up to each other. I was intrigued by her ikebana journey, her tea ceremony practice, and her English training.
After a bit more chitchat over green tea and some nibbles, we moved on to the lesson of the day. Kayoko-san started with a brief history of the art of Ikebana and Sogetsu Ikebana. And then she demonstrated with clear instructions the basic forms using flowers purchased from her regularly-visited flower market. I made my own arrangement after Kayoko-san’s demonstration. She had me choose a vessel and she patiently guided me through the arrangement. Then it was photo shoot time. Kayoko-san was equipped with an array of light stands, diffusers, backdrops, and camera tripods, all for that perfect shot.
More lovely green tea and sweets followed the lesson with Kayoko-san opting this time to whisk the tea in a chawan with firmness and grace until the tea turned creamy and smooth.
A quick stop and walk around the beautiful and well-preserved, Edo period post town of Arimatsu capped our time together.
I spent a wonderful afternoon at a Nagoya native’s home where I was showered with warmth and hospitality. Apart from the enriching Ikebana lesson, I took away from the experience a genuine connection grounded on many heartfelt and candid conversations.

I did the Ikebana Flower Arrangement Lesson & Tea. I was a great experience, a great way to be introduced into a hobby ive wanted to pursue. Kyoko was professional, warm and super knowledgeable. Highly Recommend

Forget about your travel schedule and stress and enjoy some time with Kayoko! So pleasant, accommodating and helpful our Instructor Kayoko, picked us up at Zengo station and we enjoyed our first Ikebana Lesson in a private Japanese home. My 18y.o. daughter and I were first treated to a lesson in the Tea ceremony and some Matcha tea and seasonal Sakura treats which were lovely. Kayoko had custom selected plants and flowers that we liked and after some background history about Ikebana she provided us with a detailed demonstration. We were free to work as fast or slow as we wanted on our own Ikebana and it seemed as if time stood still for a moment while we explored our creativity with beautiful plants and flowers.
When we finished we critiqued our work and then Kayoko took some beautiful pictures we could share with friends and family. The smile on my daughter’s face when we said Good Bye to Kayoko on the old Tokaido road in Arimatsu was priceless!

Such a Wonderful Experience!

Because of my interest in Ikebana, I visited Kayoko sensei’s residence not far from Arimatsu town. She picked me up from Zengo station (Meitetsu Line) & drive me to her home. I enjoyed her Ikebana lesson & took photos. I meet Kayoko sensei for the first time yet she’s friendly & open to conversation. She can speak English well so foreigners like me has no difficulty when it comes to communication. Also, she offered her elegant green tea matsa & demonstrated how to drink it the proper way.

Later, she toured me to the beautiful town of Arimatsu. The Arimatsu shibori some ( tie dying) history is quite exciting & educational that also tooks my interest. We visited several shops where we can buy various kinds & design of the shibori some for souvenirs or gifts.
Why not try the experience & find out “ Nagoya is not boring”.

Thank you very much Kayoko sensei 🤩