Activities & Experiences · Akasaka / Aoyama
Sogetsu Kaikan (Ikebana International Class) 草月会館
Headquarters of the avant-garde Sogetsu school of ikebana, whose Monday-morning International Class lets visitors learn flower arranging in English in a building with an Isamu Noguchi stone garden in the lobby.
Regular lesson: ¥7,000
About
Founded in 1927 by Sofu Teshigahara, Sogetsu broke from the rigid rules of older ikebana schools: any material, any place, any person. Its headquarters on Aoyama-dori is a Kenzo Tange building whose ground floor holds Isamu Noguchi's multi-level stone sculpture-garden 'Heaven', worth seeing in itself. The International Class runs every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:30 to 12:30, taught in English mostly to non-Japanese students; first-timers can join a one-off trial lesson, learning the basic moribana or nageire style and arranging two bunches of seasonal material that are included in the fee. You take your arrangement home (wrapped), so it is ideal if you have a hotel room to brighten. Booking at least five days ahead is essential and places are limited. It suits anyone with an interest in design, Sogetsu's sculptural style feels contemporary rather than fussy.
Highlights
- Learn ikebana in English at a famous school's headquarters
- Isamu Noguchi's stone garden 'Heaven' in the lobby
- Flowers and materials included; take your arrangement home
- Contemporary, sculptural Sogetsu style
- Kenzo Tange-designed building on Aoyama-dori
Tips
- Reserve by email or phone at least five days in advance, trial places are limited
- Classes are Monday mornings only and skip public holidays
- Bring a bag to carry your flowers home; staff can advise on keeping them fresh
- Aoyama-itchome Station is closest; Akasaka Palace and the Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo avenue are a short walk away
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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