Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Ikebana Workshop with Photos｜Tokyo Nihonbashi｜Oraqua Ikebana Studio
- いけばな教室 おおら花
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
▼ What You’ll Learn in This Article
1 For First-Time Guests
Step1. Online Reservation
Step2. Arrival on the Day
Step3. Introduction of Seasonal Materials
Step4. How to Use Tools
Step5. Demonstration by the Instructor
Step6. Create Your Own Arrangement
Step7. Review & Photography
Step8. Take Your Flowers Home
Step9. Reflection After the Lesson
2 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
3 Reservation & Access
4 SummaryFor First-Time Guests — A Quiet Moment to Connect with Flowers
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, does not begin with difficult techniques or deep knowledge.
It begins simply — by taking a moment to be present with the flowers and plants before you.
At Oraqua, our First Trial Lesson starts by answering the question many people have:“What is Ikebana?”
We’ll walk you through the essence of this traditional art in a clear and gentle way, then let you experience the joy of arranging flowers through the fundamental Ikebana concept of “line” (sen) — a structure that shapes the beauty of Japanese aesthetics.
In a calm studio filled with soft natural light, gentle music, and the subtle scent of plants,
you’ll spend 90 minutes in a space designed so that even absolute beginners can feel comfortable and relaxed.
This page will guide you through what to expect in your first Ikebana experience at Oraqua, step by step, with photos.
Step 1. Online Reservation
Trial lessons are by online reservation only.
Please visit the Reservation Page and select your preferred date and time from the available schedule.
Payment can be made easily by credit card or PayPal.
Once your booking is confirmed,
you’ll receive a confirmation email with all details, including access information and preparation notes.
No need to bring anything — simply come as you are and enjoy.
Step 2. Arrival at the Studio
Our studio is located inside “Studio SOIL” in the Nihonbashi–Bakurocho area of Tokyo.
This quiet, renovated warehouse space is filled with vases, branches, and the fragrance of the many plants grown inside the studio.
When you arrive, the instructor will warmly welcome you and explain the flow of the session with a short self-introduction.
Before beginning, we’ll look together at photo examples and discuss what Ikebana feels like — a perfect introduction if it’s your first time.
Learning something new is the essence of every meaningful hobby.
Set aside your daily roles and allow yourself to immerse in the calm rhythm of flowers and nature.
Duration: About 10 minutes
What to bring: Nothing required (all tools and materials are provided)
Step 3. Introduction of Seasonal Materials
The flowers and branches used in Ikebana change with the seasons.
The instructor personally selects fresh materials from the market and introduces them to you at the start of the lesson.
Ikebana often uses plant materials not commonly found in everyday flower shops — rare, expressive, and full of life.
You’ll hear comments like, “I’ve never seen this before!” or “It’s finally the season for this flower.”
Through this exchange, you’ll begin to notice the subtle beauty of seasonal change in Japan.
Step 4. How to Use Tools
The foundation of Ikebana lies in how you handle the scissors and needle holder (kenzan).
You’ll learn how to hold the scissors correctly, how to place branches securely into the kenzan, and how to balance the angles — all demonstrated by your instructor.
This is not just about technique but about learning to feel stability and harmony through your hands.
Step 5. Demonstration by the Instructor
In Ikebana, branches are used to express the beauty of line and movement.
The instructor will demonstrate how to guide the flow of a branch, how to position each stem, and how to emphasize balance and natural rhythm.
You’ll see how a few simple materials can create a dynamic yet peaceful composition.
Step 6. Create Your Own Arrangement
Now it’s your turn to create.
With quiet background music and natural light, you’ll spend about 40–60 minutes focusing on your own work.
(Some guests even create two or three pieces if time allows.)
For beginners, we start with the modern style known as “Jiyūka” (Free Style) — an open, creative form that allows you to explore expression without rigid rules.
As you work, you’ll find yourself breathing slower, your hands moving intuitively, and your focus narrowing to the dialogue between you and the flowers.
Step 7. Review & Photography
Once your arrangement is complete, the instructor will give a short, gentle critique.
We’ll look together at how your lines and flower directions express movement and character, and how small adjustments can elevate the overall balance.
Then, we photograph your finished work in the natural light of the studio.
At Oraqua, we value this “viewing” process as part of the learning — seeing your own work objectively helps you recognize your growth and sensitivity over time.
Step 8. Take Your Flowers Home
All the flowers and branches you used are yours to take home.
We’ll carefully wrap them for you so that you can display them in your hotel room or home and continue to enjoy their presence.
Many visitors describe this as “a souvenir of tranquility” — a way to carry a piece of Japan’s seasonal beauty with them.
Step 9. Reflection After the Lesson
After the session, you’re welcome to sit down with a cup of Japanese tea and quietly reflect on your experience.
It’s a moment to relax, ask questions, and absorb what you’ve just learned.
We’ll also share information about our Beginner and Foundation Courses for those who wish to continue learning Ikebana.
Many participants who take the trial lesson choose to keep practicing, finding it a meaningful and grounding hobby.If you felt inspired by your first experience, we would be delighted to welcome you again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is it okay if I’m a complete beginner?
A. Absolutely. Over 90% of our guests are first-timers, and English guidance is available.
Q. Can I book on the same day?
A. Because we prepare fresh flowers in advance, reservations are generally required.
If you have special circumstances, please contact us directly.
Q. How long is the lesson?
A. About 1 hour and 45 minutes, including 40–60 minutes of creation time.
Q. Can travelers from overseas join?
A. Yes! Many participants are visitors to Japan.
The instructor provides English explanations and introduces the meaning of each flower and branch used.
Reservation & Access
Address: Studio SOIL, Nihonbashi Bakurocho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest stations: Bakurocho / Higashi-Nihonbashi / Asakusabashi (3–8 min walk)
Reservation: Please book online via our Reservation Page
Summary
At Oraqua Ikebana Studio, the First Trial Lesson is not about arranging perfectly —
it’s about taking time to touch and feel the flowers and plants themselves.
As you’ve seen through the photos, no special skills or preparation are needed.
Through a single stem or branch, you’ll rediscover what you love,
and create a quiet moment of “ma” — the poetic space of stillness that we often lose in our busy lives.
Take your first step into the world of Ikebana here in Tokyo.
Let’s explore the joy of flower arrangement together.