Although the Ikebana, a form of Japanese flower arranging, has been around since the 16th century, it has seen a spike in interest in the last few years. Beyond its aesthetic value, this artform also has a meditative aspect. In this article, weβll delve deeper into what Ikebana is and why it’s definitely worthwhile to try it if youβre visiting Japan.
The difference between Ikebana and western flower arranging techniques is that Ikebana aims to bring out the inner qualities of flowers and other live materials and express emotion. It is also more sparse than your typical flower arrangement; Ikebana uses only a few stems of each plant chosen. At its core, this practice is about simplicity, balance, and an appreciation for the imperfect beauty of the natural world.
Naturally, this therapeutic side of Ikebana has many benefits: it encourages self-expression, brings out a sense of fulfillment, helps us see and appreciate the little things and it can improve our overall mood. There are many options for tourists in Japan to experiment with Ikebana: you could take a one-off workshop or one that consists of a few meetings, depending on the length of your stay and what suits you best.
