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Private Ikebana Art Workshop at Ganko Ji Temple Studio, Stroll at Atsuta Shrine, and Hitsumabushi lunch

Nagoya, Japan · 4h 30m · 1–3 people

Runs in English

  • Easy
  • From age 10
  • Public transport nearby

This is a private tour. When you book a date, your group has the tour to itself. Nobody else can join.

Your guide

Kayoko Harada

Nagoya, Japan

I'm an ikebana artist and an international ikebana instructor. I give tours to guests who are interested in Japanese cultures and arts.

Ask a question See Kayoko Harada's profile

Contemporary Ikebana Art Workshop at Ganko Ji Temple

Highlights

  • Create your Ikebana art
  • Stroll in Atsuta Shrine
  • Dine Hitsumabushi
Discover the intersection of tradition and modern design in a contemporary art studio within the historic grounds of GANKO-JI Temple, just 5 minutes from the Kanayama transport hub, a fusion of Nagoya's urban energy and spiritual tranquility. We will meet near the stone monument close to the Gankoji Temple. Before the ikebana session, you will be served Japanese tea in a traditional ceramic cup with a specially selected local sweet from Nagoya, to relax and prepare your mind for a creative Zen experience. Depending on the day, you may meet the Temple Priest or his wife, who will share insights into temple life, with live English translation by Kayoko. Sogetsu-ryu is renowned for its free, sculptural approach. Watch Kayoko, a 1st Grade Instructor, demonstrate how to manipulate bold elements like WILLOW, treating flowers as a medium for modern art, then compose your own floral sculpture. Afterwards, Kayoko will take you to Atsuta Shrine for a tranquil stroll, and if you are interested in swords, we can visit Kusanagi Hall (Sword Museum). We'll then enjoy a Nagoya-style grilled eel lunch near Atsuta Shrine.

What's included

  • Food and drinks
  • Entry or admission fees
  • Before we begin our ikebana session with beautiful flower materials, you will be
  • served a cup of Japanese tea in a traditional ceramic cup along with a specially selected local sweet from Nagoya.
  • This moment of hospitality will help you relax and prepare your mind for a creative Zen experience.
  • Materials for ikebana and an instruction sheet for ikebana.
  • Entrance fee to Kusanagi Hall (Sword Hall).
  • Hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style grilled eel over rice) for lunch.
  • Photos of the day
  • A full meal
  • Light bites
  • Entry tickets

Not included

  • Ikebana tools and vases are for rent only.
  • Souvenirs and good luck charms at Atsuta Shrine.
  • Equipment

What to bring

  • Atsuta Shrine stroll can take about an hour. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat.

Know before you go

  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • Not wheelchair accessible

Meeting point: Gankoji Temple

by the Gankoji Temple

Drop-off: I can drop you off at a Meitetsu line station or at a subway station.

Open in maps

Cancellation policy: Free until 3 days before: Full refund if you cancel at least 3 days before the start. After that, no refund.

Cancel within that window and you get your full deposit back. After it, you do not get your deposit back. If the guide cancels, you always get your deposit back.

What you'll do

  1. 1
    Private Ikebana Art Workshop at Ganko Ji Temple Studio and Stroll at Atsuta Shrine
    See details See less

    [The Experience] Join Kayoko, a Sogetsu-ryu 1st Grade Instructor Advisor and Artist, for a private journey into Japanese floral design. Your session begins with a personal welcome at Owari Gankoji Temple Stone monument. [Heritage & Art] Kayoko’s creative roots are in ARIMATSU, a historic town famous for its 400-year-old tie-dyeing tradition. This heritage, combined with 10 years of teaching international guests, shapes her unique artistic vision. [Creative Session] Witness an intimate demonstration as Kayoko shares her process using seasonal materials like FORSYTHIA, AOMOJI, or ASIAN LILY. You will learn professional techniques to bring out the natural beauty of flowers. [Your Masterpiece & Photo Session] Under Kayoko's guidance, compose your own unique Ikebana work. After a photo session. [Optional Tour] The Gankoji Temple monk's wife may guide you around the temple if she is available. [Stroll at Atsuta Shrine, Sword Museum, and Kishimen noodles for lunch] Kayoko will take you by car to Atsuta Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Japan. We will explore Atsuta Shrine together, walking through the peaceful shrine grounds and offering a prayer. Kayoko will share fascinating stories and history about the shrine, and we can enjoy famous Hitsumabushi, grilled eel over rice for lunch. For those who are interested, we can also visit the Kusanagi Hall (Sword Museum).

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25000 JPY / person · party of 2
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