ABOUT THE RETREAT

IKEBANA retreat is a 5-day journey around Tokyo immersing in the art of ikebana 生け花 (Japanese art of flower arrangement) and Japanese culture.

The programme offers a unique opportunity to learn about the philosophy and key principles of ikebana and to practice flower arrangement techniques with renowned Japanese ikebana masters. Guests will explore this ancient art in a contemporary way through a series of workshops and one-of-a-kind experiences with craftsmen, tea masters and other creative specialists held in the most unusual locations in Tokyo and the Japanese countryside.

RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Daily workshops with Japanese ikebana masters

    Learn your way from beginner to freestyle arrangements under the guidance of Japanese ikebana artists. Share your passion with a community of like-minded flower enthusiasts and master the main principles of Japanese aesthetics that Ikebana is based on.

  • Experience chadō (way of tea), kōdō (way of incense) & zazen

    Immerse yourself in the most quintessential experiences of Japanese culture, embrace its beauty and richness and discover a variety of venues from tea houses to temples.

  • Dive into Japanese traditional & contemporary art

    Special art tours to uncover Ikebana’s connections to contemporary art and culture. Get inspired by visits to exhibitions, artists sites and practice ikebana through the prism of art.

  • Monk-led spiritual ikebana at a renowned Buddhist temple

    Dating back to the 7th century, ikebana was originally created as altar offerings for religious ceremonies. Learn the origin and spiritual aspect of ikebana with a Japanese monk in the setting of a major Buddhist temple in Japan.

  • Day trip to immerse into the Japanese natural landscape

    A unique opportunity to discover a private Japanese residence surrounded by a beautiful moss garden at the foot of Mount Fuji. Enjoy an ikebana workshop in a tatami setting and explore the art scene of spectacular museums nearby.

STAY

Spend 5 nights at the Prince Park Tower – a 5* hotel in the heart of Tokyo. Panoramic room with stunning view over Tokyo Tower. Breakfast included.

PRICING

  • €5,060 per person for double occupancy

  • €5,580 per person for single occupancy

A 35% deposit is required upon booking.

The retreat is limited to 10 participants to ensure an intimate and unique experience throughout.

FURTHER DETAILS

    • 5-night accommodation with breakfast

    • All retreat workshops and experiences

    • Any materials needed for the workshops (flowers, vessels, tools etc.)

    • Lunches Monday-Friday & multi-course dining experience Monday-Wednesday

    • All retreat activities Monday-Friday

    • Entry tickets to museums, exhibitions and temples

    • Ikebana starter kit (to be taken home with you)

    • Transportation to and from Tokyo

    • Airport transfers and any other travel expenses outside of the retreat itinerary

    • Travel insurance

  • A 35% deposit is required upon booking

    Cancellation policy is as follows:

    • Until July 1, 2023 – free cancellation

    • Between 90 to 61 days before departure – 35% charge

    • Between 60 to 31 days before departure – 50% charge

    • Within 30 days before departure – 100% charge

    • The retreat does not require any prior Ikebana knowledge and is suitable for all levels of experience – from beginner to advanced

    • The retreat will be held in both English and Japanese

    • IKEBANA projects reserve the right to apply minor changes to the itinerary and activities without prior notice

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

IKEBANA projects was founded by Laura Montigiani, Elisabeth Sayn-Wittgenstein and Julia Tarasyuk with the aim to emphasize a modern vision of Japanese arts and crafts, in particular ikebana, through a series of curated art collaborations, bespoke events, retreats and other forms of artistic expression.

Having spent over a decade in Japan altogether, we share a vast experience working in the fields of art, fashion, luxury travel and food. An immediate love and passion for ikebana led us to become enthusiastic practitioners of this art form under the guidance of Japanese masters which resulted in establishing IKEBANA projects.

ABOUT OUR TRAVEL PARTNER

Founded in 1981, Japan Experience (formerly Vivre le Japon) is the leading Japan travel specialist in Europe. With offices in 6 countries (Tokyo, Paris, London, Los Angeles, Berlin and Madrid) and a team of 40 passionate travel advisers, they offer a wide range of travel services  – from small group tours to fully bespoke itineraries around Japan, transportation (Japan Rail Pass, airport transfers) accommodation (from budget to 5* hotels and private Japanese houses), activities, car rentals etc.

We are delighted to partner with Japan Experience  to offer you a safe and enjoyable IKEBANA retreat in Japan in October 2023. Should you wish to extend your stay, Japan Experience will be able to help you arrange your trip before and/or after the retreat.

READY TO JOIN?

Fill out the form below if you wish to sign up for the retreat or alternatively you can email us at info@ikebanaprojects.com

Photo credits: @Will AMLOT | @Enrico FIORESE | @Magda RITTENHOUSE  | @Yulia SKOGOREVA