Ikebana experience in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

In order to organise an activity tour for foreign tourists, we visited Inao-sensei*, who runs an Ikebana class in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and asked her about it.
Currently, Inao-sensei teaches ikebana classes for Japanese people and also shows her work in exhibitions.
*”Teacher” in Japanese

She told us that she had taught Ikebana to foreigners with an interpreter on several occasions.
Perhaps it’s because of differences in national character, but even if a teacher sets an example and then says, [You can arrange the flower differently than the example] many Japanese people seem to be able to arrange according to the example, but people from other countries arrange the flowers in completely different ways.

Despite the increasing number of foreign tourists in Kurashiki, there is a lack of content for foreign tourists, which is why Inao-sensei has agreed to help us promote and sell it as an activity or workshop.

First of all, it is impossible to start planning without knowing what it is like, so staff members were invited to experience ikebana in the teacher’s classroom.
We were nervous as a complete beginners, but the teacher was polite and kind, and the quietness of the place, which is not a tourist attraction, is calming.

First, the teacher sets the example.
Gives pointers on how to arrange flowers.

After the example is set, you can watch closer and then it is your turn to try.
Remembering the points taught by the teacher, we arrange the flowers in our own way.

When it is finished, the teacher will look at your Ikebana and corrects any mistakes.

We were taught that it is important to arrange the flower not in a flat plane but in a three-dimensional way with depth.
First of all, We were taught that it is easy for beginners to arrange flowers in a triangular shape when the tops of the flowers are connected.

Through this experience, we intend to organise activities for foreigners in the future.
Now we’re looking for ways to add value that is unique to Kurashiki, rather than just experiencing it.
Almost finished. Stay tuned!

We would like to increase the number of such cases in the future, leading to an increase in the time spent and the number of overnight stays in Kurashiki by inbound visitors.

TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL for organising tours around Kurashiki

Based in Kurashiki, we create activities and tours of the attractive contents of the Takahashi River basin and sell them mainly to visitors to Japan. We can also customise tours that are not listed here to meet your requirements on an order-made basis. Kurashiki City is not only home to the Bikan Historical Quarter, but also to many other attractive places. It has a large park close to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and is famous for its Sakatsu pottery; Tamashima, a port town where tea culture has taken root; and Kojima, the birthplace of domestic jeans, where you can see the Great Seto Bridge up close. We do not just walk around the towns and return home, but organise trips where you can learn more about the area and leave with a lasting impression through experiences that can only be had in those places. Please contact, for more information.

Tours offered by『TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL』

■Private Kimono Photo Walk in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Kimono tour of photo spots in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
■Get to Know Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
Tour around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with an English-speaking guide
■Half-Day Shared Tour at Kurashiki with Local Guide
Tours guided by local person who have lived in Kurashiki City for many years and who will show you around the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter