Culture

[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom by Ikebana in Arashiyama

Arashiyama's beauty is well known. Now a 150 year old dying gallery is providing a new way to enjoy the seasons there through Ikebana.

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2022

The Sankei Shimbun

Art gallery "Somekobo Yumeyu" in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto is exhibiting cherry blossoms and bamboo flowers (February 22, 2022, photograph by Yasuaki Watanabe)

Ikebana using cherry blossoms and bamboo at Somekobo Yumeyusai Inc.in Kyoto.

Spring is in full bloom at Somekobo Yumeyusai (Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City), a dyeing gallery in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, is on display with arrangements using cherry blossoms, until mid-April.

*Arashiyama Yusaitei: Somekobo Yumeyu's blue maple is in full spring leaf. The green scenery seen from the round window was reflected on the desk. (photograph by Yasuaki Watanabe, April 26, 2021).*

This 150-year-old gallery was originally a culinary inn made famous by the author Yasunari Kawabata in his novel The Sound of the Mountain (1953). About 20 years ago, the inn was taken over by Yusai Okuda (71), a dyeing artist.

The Ikebana arrangement is about 3 meters wide and about 2 meters high. Mr. Okuda thought of this arrangement so that the trees in the garden could be enjoyed even in winter when their branches are bare. Named "Hundred Cherry Blossoms in the Ozashiki (tatami room,)" about 50 cherry blossoms shining in full bloom are reflected on the acrylic board, creating a symmetric landscape. "I want people to feel the changing seasons in a relaxed manner," Mr. Okuda said.

*Arashiyama Yusaitei, A water mirror that reflects the it up trees in the garden of the dye workshop "Somekobo Yumeyu" in Kyoto, October 9, 2021 (photograph by Yasuaki Watanabe)*

Closed on Thursdays. It is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, with the last entry at 5:30 pm. A tour fee is charged. Additional information is available on the company’s website here, or by calling Somekobo Yumeyu at (+81) 075 881 2331.

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(Read the article in Japanese at this link.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun