[Kinse Ryokan] …even rare ones not commonly seen otherwise

[Kinse Ryokan] Lastly, take pictures of your finished creation

[Hachisei] The beauty of the season expressed through seasonal ingredients

[Tofukuji] Four gardens, each with unique style and its own charm

[Komyoin] Take it easy as you enjoy the sight of the gardens by Mirei Shigemori

[Kyoto Station] Meet the guide and Sogetsu style master

[Kyoto Station] Comfortable transportation with private cab

[Rokkakudo] The journey starts at the birthplace of ikebana

[Rokkakudo] Learn about the evolution from religious offering to art

[Rokkakudo] Offer an incense at the main hall and observe the flower offerings

[Rokkakudo] Pay your respects to Bodhisattva Jizo, patron of travelers

[Kinse Ryokan] Once served as high-class Edo-period pleasure house for courtesans

[Kinse Ryokan] The ryokan explained by the proprietress and Sogetsu style master

[Kinse Ryokan] The ryokan was renovated at the same time as the Sogetsu style was born

[Kinse Ryokan] The serene atmosphere of the restaurant reminiscent of old Japan

[Kinse Ryokan] A brief moment of respite with delicious tea and sweets

[Kinse Ryokan] Learn about the Sogetsu style as you enjoy a cup of tea

[Kinse Ryokan] Using the beautiful seasonal flowers

[Kinse Ryokan] The simplicity of the tools used makes ikebana easy to do even at home

[Kinse Ryokan] The sight of the tools and flowers neatly lined up is exciting

[Kinse Ryokan] With gentle explanations you will master even tools you never used before

[Kinse Ryokan] Even first-timers can confidently enjoy ikebana under the careful guidance of a true master

[Kinse Ryokan] The free style lets you even choose the vessel

[Kinse Ryokan] The interior is stylishly decorated with ikebana

[Kinse Ryokan] Choose the flowers and arrange them with a good balance

[Kinse Ryokan] The entrance with the gentle sunlight makes for an excellent photo spot

[Kinse Ryokan] Even in the most basic forms individual differences pop up

[Kinse Ryokan] Lose track of time as you focus on arranging the flowers

[Kinse Ryokan] Gratitude to the master for providing us with this precious experience

[Hachisei] Off to a Kyoto-style restaurant

[Hachisei] Enjoy the privacy of the private room away from the crowds

[Hachisei] The interior is decorated with ikebana by the proprietress

[Hachisei] Beautiful edible flowers are an indispensable part of the cuisine

[Hachisei] Cuisine explained by the proprietress, featuring various rare ingredients

[Hachisei] Feast all your senses on the beautiful and exquisite desserts

[Hachisei] Ikebana is indispensable as part of the hospitality toward guests

[Hachisei] Gratitude for the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine

[Tofukuji] Visiting two temples closely tied to the Sogetsu style

[Tofukuji] Paying respects to the principal image; see the golden Buddhist flowers from which ikebana originates

[Tofukuji] Gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori, who was also an ikebana practitioner

[Tofukuji] The view of the garden through the lens of ikebana offers new insights

[Tofukuji] The gardens fusing tradition with modernity are very impressive

[Komyoin] A quiet and secluded spot as the pagoda of Tofukuji Temple

[Komyoin] Japanese-style room decorated with ikebana by the head priest

[Komyoin] Relax and unwind in the serene Japanese room

[Komyoin] The decoration of the tokonoma alcove gave birth to ikebana