Japan Ikebana Intensive — Tokyo & Fukui

15–22 December 2026 · Tokyo & Fukui, Japan · By application only

Eight days together across Tokyo and Fukui, immersing ourselves in flowers, ceramics, Japanese culture, workshops, gardens and creative practice. Rather than simply visiting Japan as a tourist, this trip is designed to give you the feeling of stepping inside the ikebana world itself — studying at Sogetsu Headquarters, staying near the Sogetsu kiln in Fukui, creating your own vessels and flower holders, visiting flower shops, completing daily ikebana assignments and sharing the experience with a small group of people who love flowers just as much as you do.

TOTAL COST A$7,880 AUD per person.

INCLUDED Accommodation throughout the trip (Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, Japanese ryokan in Fukui), daily breakfast, dinner during the Fukui stay, welcome dinner, all ikebana and workshop activities, train travel between Tokyo and Fukui, English-speaking guide in Fukui and farewell lunch.

NOT INCLUDED Flights, travel insurance and meals besides those stated.

WHERE WE STAY Hotel New Otani is something of an unofficial hotel for ikebana guests in Tokyo, known for its floral displays, expansive Japanese gardens and closeness to Sogetsu Headquarters — within walking distance. Fukui is home to the Sogetsu kiln, a pilgrimage destination for Sogetsu students. There the experience feels like a creative school camp, with daily kiln workshops, ikebana assignments and shared meals. As there is only one accommodation available for our group in Fukui, we stay together in a traditional ryokan with shared rooms — all part of the experience.

ITINERARY Day 1 — Tue 15 Dec: arrive in Tokyo, check in to Hotel New Otani, welcome dinner. Day 2 — Wed 16 Dec: private Ohara workshop in Tokyo, flower shop visits in Aoyama and Omotesando. Day 3 — Thu 17 Dec: train from Tokyo to Fukui, private transfer to Jukouen ryokan in Echizen Pottery Village. Day 4 — Fri 18 Dec: ceramic vase workshop at the Sogetsu kiln, Echizen pottery town tour. Day 5 — Sat 19 Dec: bamboo and washi paper workshop, visit to Yokokan Garden. Day 6 — Sun 20 Dec: iron flower holder workshop, return to Tokyo. Day 7 — Mon 21 Dec: international class at Sogetsu Headquarters. Day 8 — Tue 22 Dec: private workshop at Sogetsu Headquarters and farewell lunch.

Places are very limited and applications are now open.