Mindfulness Workshop Through Ikebana

3 Private Workshops: A Unique Experience in Japanese Art, Mindfulness & Creativity


Shoso Shimbo
Shoso Shimbo
4.9 (84)

2 hours Location Murrumbeena Class size 2 to 40 guests   $100 - $250 ($100 for Adult (Option 1); $150 for Adult (Option 2); $250 for Adult (Option 3)) (Afterpay available)

Welcome Drink

Welcome Drink

Option 2 & 3. Arrive and enjoy a welcome drink.


Garden Walk

Garden Walk

Option 2 &3. Wander through our Japanese garden as seen on ABC Gardening Australia.


Introduction to Ikebana

Introduction to Ikebana

Join Shoso in his private studio for an introduction to the history, philosophy, and fundamental principles of ikebana.


Mindfulness Through Ikebana

Mindfulness Through Ikebana

Option 2 & 3. Shoso shares insights from his research into Ikebana and mindfulness, drawing on his co-authored paper “The Mindful Potential of Ikebana,” published in the International Journal of Ikebana Research (2025).


Demonstration

Demonstration

Watch as Shoso creates a seasonal arrangement, demonstrating key ikebana principles and sharing the thinking behind his creative choices.


Gathering Materials

Gathering Materials

Option 2 & 3. Explore a selection of seasonal flowers, branches, and natural materials, choosing the elements that inspire you and speak to your own creative vision.


Creation

Creation

Create your own individual ikebana arrangement, incorporating some of the principles introduced during Shoso’s demonstration while developing your own personal expression.


Show and Tell

Show and Tell

Option 2 & 3. If you wish, share your creation with the group and talk about the principles, ideas, or inspiration behind your arrangement.


Creativity in Bloom

Creativity in Bloom

Option 3. Join a team and take part in a fun, friendly competition as teams go head-to-head to create spectacular floral arrangements before everyone’s eyes!


Closing

Closing

Photograph your finished work in the studio or find your favourite setting in the garden for a memorable final image.


Discover the beauty of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, through a private, hands-on workshop with Dr Shoso Shimbo.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, looking for a meaningful team-building activity, or seeking a mindful escape from everyday life, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to explore Japanese aesthetics, creativity and mindfulness through flowers.
Ikebana is more than simply arranging flowers. It is an art of simplicity, balance and harmony that encourages us to slow down, appreciate nature and express ourselves creatively.
Through a guided experience, you will discover the fundamental principles of Ikebana, learn to appreciate the beauty of natural materials and create your own floral artwork.
Choose Your Workshop Experience
Option 1: Ikebana Introduction – 1 Hour
A beautiful introduction to the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Perfect for those who would like to experience Ikebana in a short, engaging and creative session (See our public workshop, "Introduction to Ikebana Class").
  • Discover the history and cultural background of Ikebana.
  • Learn basic principles of Japanese flower arrangement.
  • Explore balance, simplicity and the beauty of natural materials.
  • Create your own simple Ikebana arrangement.
  • Take home: Your own Ikebana creation and a new appreciation of Japanese floral art.
Option 2: Ikebana & Mindfulness Experience – 2 Hours
Slow down, reconnect with nature and discover your creativity. A deeper, more immersive experience that combines traditional Ikebana techniques with mindfulness (See our public workshop, "Ikebana Workshop: Mindful Side of Ikebana").
  • Discover the history and philosophy of Ikebana.
  • Explore the concept of Dakka (simplification) and the beauty of minimalism.
  • Learn traditional Ikebana design principles.
  • Create a freestyle arrangement.
  • Develop mindfulness through the creative process, encouraging focus, relaxation and self-expression.
  • Enjoy an opportunity for individual feedback and discussion about your unique creation.
  • Take home: Your own floral artwork, along with a refreshing experience of mindfulness and creativity.
Option 3: Ikebana & Team Collaboration – 3 Hours
A creative and meaningful experience that brings people together. Designed for corporate teams, larger private groups and special occasions, this extended workshop includes everything in the 2-hour experience (option 2), with an additional collaborative activity.
  • Discover the history, philosophy and aesthetics of Ikebana.
  • Learn the principles of simplicity, balance and harmony.
  • Explore mindfulness through individual flower arranging.
  • Create your own Ikebana arrangement.
  • Participate in a collaborative team exercise to create a larger Ikebana artwork together.
  • Explore non-verbal communication, creativity and teamwork through a shared artistic experience.
  • Share and reflect on the group's creative journey.
  • Take home: Your individual Ikebana creation and the memorable experience of creating something beautiful together.
Workshop Details
Private workshops are tailored to your group size, duration and venue. We recommend a maximum group size of approximately 40 participants per workshop to ensure an enjoyable and engaging experience for everyone.
Duration: Choose from 1-hour, 2-hour or 3-hour private workshops.
Location:
  • Our Ikebana studio in Murrumbeena, Melbourne (up to 20 participants) or
  • Your office, workplace or preferred venue.
Pricing: Our private workshops are offered at a fixed group rate for up to 12 participants, with an additional per-person fee for larger groups. All workshop materials and flowers are included in the price.
  • 1 Hour $1, 200 Private Group Fee (Up to 12 Participants), $100 (Additional Fee - Per Person, 13+ Participants)
  • 2 Hours $1, 800 Private Group Fee (Up to 12 Participants), $150 (Additional Fee - Per Person, 13+ Participants)
  • 3 Hours $3, 000 Private Group Fee (Up to 12 Participants), $250 (Additional Fee - Per Person, 13+ Participants)
No previous experience or preparation is required. Come with nothing and leave with a flower work of art, a refreshed mind and a memorable experience of Japanese culture.
Please select 'Request' to enquire about availability, pricing and your preferred workshop arrangements. You can choose your own date, time and venue.
What you'll get
Why Your Team Will Love It:
  • Reduce stress & recharge – A calming break from screens & deadlines
  • Boost focus & creativity – Encourages mindfulness for better work
  • Strengthen teamwork – A collaborative, engaging experience
  • Take home a stunning flower arrangement – A meaningful, lasting reminder
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly
What to bring
No requirements.
Suitable for

This class is great for a date idea, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Murrumbeena, VIC

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Your teacher can also travel within 60 kms of Murrumbeena, to a venue of your choice for a private class.

Mindfulness Workshop Through Ikebana location
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Your teacher

Shoso Shimbo
Shoso Shimbo

4.9 (84)

Shoso Shimbo, PhD
Ikebana Artist | Sculptor | Garden Designer | Shinto Priest
www.shoso.com.au
Dr. Shoso Shimbo is a certified Sogetsu Ikebana teacher with over 30 years of experience. He began his Ikebana journey in the 1980s in Hiroshi Teshigahara's Men's Only Class at the Sogetsu Headquarters in Tokyo, where he studied the distinctive principles and philosophy of the Sogetsu School. Since then, he has been dedicated to teaching and sharing the art and philosophy of Ikebana.
He is also an award-winning sculptor, garden designer, and Shinto priest active in both the contemporary art and floral design worlds. His numerous accolades include a Gold Award at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.
Dr Shimbo frequently collaborates with local and international musicians, including Paul Grabowsky, Jessica Aszodi and the Gregorian Brothers, presenting live installation performances at the Melbourne Recital Centre and internationally in Vietnam.
In 2023, he was invited to participate in the National Gallery of Victoria’s (NGV) Bloom event. His floral art is regularly featured in International Floral Art by Stichting Kunstboek (Belgium).
As a leading figure in the community, Dr Shimbo is the CEO of the biennial Melbourne Ikebana Festival. He also founded Ikebana Dojo, an online learning platform, and the Ikebana Gallery Award, the world's first online international ikebana competition.
His sculptural work has been exhibited in major national contemporary art events, and in 2017, he was awarded the Arnold Bloch Leibler Prize at the Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition. He was commissioned to create a public art installation for the Archibald Prize Exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and after the bushfires in 2016, he created the Wye River Project as part of Lorne Sculpture.
Dr Shimbo has published extensively with internationally recognised organisations and publishers, including Springer and UNESCO, and has dedicated many years to sharing the philosophy and practice of ikebana and Japanese culture with international audiences.
His recent academic work includes:
the chapter “Environmental Art: Ikebana Meets Contemporary Art, ” published in Technical and Vocational Education and Training: Issues, Concerns and Prospects (Springer, 2026), and
“Relative Positions of Freestyle Ikebana Movement in the Field of Ikebana Before and After WWII, ” Traditional Culture (Kyoto University of Arts Publishing).
He currently serves as:
Vice President, International Society of Ikebana Research (ISIR),
CEO, Wa: Melbourne Ikebana Festival.
Additional Qualifications:
Certified Shinto Priest (Gonseikai officially approved by Jinja Honcho – Kyoto Kokugakuin)

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2026-11-20 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production melbourne Melbourne VIC AU melbourne