From Soho to Kyoto: Ikebana Transformations, Ginkaku-ji Reflections, and Flower Shop Discoveries

Hello flower lovers,

I’m so excited to share this edition of the HanaYou Ikebana Journal with you. Please be sure to share your feedback so I can continue making this a place of inspiration and calm in your inbox.

Here’s what’s inside this issue:

• A look back at HanaYou’s New York pop-up installation
• Step-by-step ikebana with repurposed lilies (with video)
• A quiet visit to Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto’s Silver Pavilion
• Lessons from a neighborhood flower shop in Kyoto

Let’s begin!

Looking Back: June & July

When we decided to move to Japan, life quickly became busy with online classes, corporate workshops, street fairs, and regular in-person ikebana classes. It was great to see so many friendly faces in New York before we left.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the Heihdan POP-UP in Soho. It was my very first solo installation, created in collaboration with PIDASAKU. Together, we created a beautiful space that featured artists’ textile works, handmade jewelry, and finely textured clothing from Korea.

The atmosphere was in perfect balance: greens, textiles, and clothing harmonized so naturally that nothing felt overwhelming. Instead, it was relaxing, inviting you to notice textures and layers as if nature had appeared inside an urban space.

Although HanaYou was based in Astoria, Queens, that week we traveled to Soho in downtown Manhattan every day. It was truly a wonderful and memorable experience as one of my last events as a full-time resident of NYC.

This week, paid members can continue below for the following content:

• Step-by-step ikebana with repurposed lilies (with video)
• A quiet visit to Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto’s Silver Pavilion
• Lessons from a neighborhood flower shop in Kyoto