The Ikebana Shop

For months I gave this place no attention; in my mind Ikebana conjures up a table of old ladies sitting around gossiping whilst arranging Japanese flowers. At least that’s how it works in Japan. Basically I assumed it was like the clay café for obaa-​chan.
Than I stumbled upon their website and discovered they have some crazy hard-​to-​find tea from Osaka. So I worked up the courage and visited. Wow! No obaa-​chan in sight. In fact, ikebana supplies are a very small part of what this awesome shop offers. They have everything from Japanese pottery teaware, to maneki-​neko, noren, ramen bowls and happi coats and cool toys and home/​office goods. And a good selection of books on Japanese art and culture. No manga though.
Of course, there are the netsuke and crafting supplies. And serious craft supplies also, even washi for shoji making, etc.
Combine this place with a food run from Heiwa Market on Chebucto Road and it’s almost like being in Japan (or at least Hawaii). So, kataku naranaide and ikebana shoppu-​ni itte kudasai né!

Fun fact about me: I love Japan. Which means I also love the Ikebana Shop, because how could I not?
This place has so much stuff packed into it that it takes some time to look around, and look around you should. «Ikebana» is a Japanese term that refers to flower arranging, and you can take classes here and also buy supplies for that here. This is no ordinary bouquet either. The flowers here are arranged with grace and a fluidity that it hard to describe. Seriously. Google it right now and then come back and finish reading.
Stunning, right? I KNOW. You can learn that here!
They also have a large collection of various Japanese goodies, such as bento boxes, cooking tools, stacks of books, gorgeous robes, the best smelling incense of in the city AND they have amazing dishware too! Seriously, I could buy half this store. I say half because I think that’s all I could fit in my car. I would come back for the rest the next day.
They have even started carrying dollhouse furniture which is super exciting and wow, this turned out to be super revealing and nerdy, didn’t it?
Check it out. It’s a lovely, peaceful shop that deserves your attention.

One of my favorite shops for gifts. EVERYTHING is so cute. I always stop in before a movie at the Oxford.

Such a lovely store! It’s sooooo Japanese style, and the manager is really friendly! The most fun thing for me to do now is to explore at this store!
The only thing is that I think the price could go down a little bit: p

Excellent store from an excellent pair of immigrants from the Philippines and Japan. They are wonderfully friendly and run an excellent store with various merchandise from Japan. They also teach flower arrangements lessons and origami for a very reasonable cost. You’d think a store like this would be overprice but the prices are fair. An international store that truly embraces Canadian culture at the same time. Wonderful!

What a delight!
After taking in a film at The Oxford Theatre, my mother and I crossed the street to explore The Ikebana Shop. We browsed for over an hour, around and around the shop, discovering new things with every turn.
Upon entering, customers are met with the soothing sounds of a water feature located at the back of the store. The next thing you might notice is the subtle and pretty scent of the many quality incenses (plum was my favourite). The Ikebana Shop carries an extensive selection of Tokyo Milk products, lovely greeting cards, journals, and stationery, books on Japanese culture, and a variety of pottery tea pots, cups, and small bowls. Keep an eye out for the handbags fashioned from kimono fabric — beautiful! It is an effort to keep one’s budget in mind and practice fiscal restraint. *L* There are so many neat things!
I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of small items that make perfect gifts for my nieces and nephews. Zipper charms, neat erasers and animal-​shaped paper clips, lip balms (Tokyo Milk), Bento boxes, egg molds in fun shapes and characters, and GORGEOUS origami paper.
The fellow who owns the shop is friendly and eager to answer questions about the items for sale, and about Japanese culture. I hope this shop thrives, as it is one of Halifax’s lesser known treasures. I will definitely be back!

I love The Ikebana Shop.
I thought for a long time that this store only contained ikebana supplies, and how wrong I was.
The visitor is greeted by a large selection of books on Japanese art and culture, that I cannot help to browse on my frequent visits. The books are what I believe to be the crown jewel of the shop. In addition to books, there is a large selection of nick-​nacks, chopstick paraphernalia (cases, and holders), candles, tabi socks, and incense, as well as ikebana supplies.
There is a gift for anyone here, be it a close friend or even an acquaintance. You can even pick up a beautiful printed card as well to complete the set. Another nice touch is the traditional Japanese instrumental music that always helps to calm me while shopping.
After visiting many times, I always find something new. I am glad that a shop like this exists in Halifax, and wish I had one while growing up.
The Ikebana Shop will be in my mind next Christmas, or when a friend’s birthday approaches too soon.

The Ikebana Store opened on Quinpool this winter with very little marketing or fuss. I even walked past the store a few times without realizing that it was there at all. When I finally came to my senses and saw that there was now a store selling primarily Japanese art, collectibles, gifts and a small selection of clothing, I had to check it out.
While I don’t know very much about authentic Japanese items of much about the culture in general, I was taken in by how beautiful everything was. I even purchased a greeting card with little white birds on it and liked it so much I had it framed, a cheap print for only two dollars!
I like to window shop on my way by now, but it’s sad to see that the store is usually empty. The Ikebana Shop has a lot of cool things to offer but without a little more interest and consistent business I’m afraid it wont be around much longer.

This is a great edition to Quinpool Rd. It seems Quinpool Rd, is becoming the food mecca of Halifax.
Ikebana is full of wonderful gifts that will be a great surprise for anyone.
If you are a tea drinker you will find some fantastic Green Tea here.
The owner is a wonderful man who takes the time to talk with you and give a little education on the unique gifts here.
The arrangements might be a little high for the budget with some people.
Stop by and have a look.

Oh my sweet word, this place is simply lovely! A store dedicated to all things Japanese on Quinpool Road in Halifax. I went in gift shopping and ended up purchasing treats for both myself and the gift receiver in question. I bought a bag of loose Genmaicha (toasted rice green tea), traditional Japanese incense with a hand made holder, and a lovely in store made card. Ooh, and let’s not forget the exquisite, delicate tissue paper I bought to wrap the present!
The shop specializes in traditional Japanese flower arrangements, and has a slew of perfect prezzies, from books and candles to soaps and teas. The gentleman working, who I garnered from our conversation was the owner, was helpful and enthusiastic. I felt warm and happy after my visit to The Ikebana Shop and plan to return soon to replenish my incense supply. Go! Buy! Love!

Wonderful shop filled with little treasures: cook books, perfume and lip balm, teas, pottery, kitschy toys, pretty pottery and on and on.

Thursday was my first time heading into The Ikebana Shop and I was pleasantly surprised by the interesting Japanese wares inside.
Great books to be found: ‘The Best of Tofu,’ ‘New Tastes in Green Tea,’ Origami as well as ‘Zen, Archery and Enlightenment,’ as well as ‘The Complete Book of Sushi.’ Makes me wish I could amass a library with neat finds like these.
Also to be found: Tea pots, incense (plum smelled particularly good), and Tokyo Milk candles! The flavour of the one I was tempted by was called Eden and smelled of: fresh greens, cassis, white iris and bronzed musk. mmmm. Smelled amazing but $ 13 seemed steep for a candle, especially a 6 oz one.
Overall, great gift ideas!

This store recently opened just down the road from me so I felt it was my duty to check it out.
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement (who knew?) and this store is dedicated to the craft. The store itself is nicely laid out and very well lit. There are lots of books on Ikebana (both photography and educational) as well as great examples of the art.
The man who runs the shop is very friendly and eager to assist you with your purchases. He also informed me of Ikebana lessons which are given on the first and third Wednesday of every month.
The art itself is really very nice, Ikebana offers a service where they will come to your home or office and design a custom arrangement for the space. This was a very appealing, but a little pricey for my budget (approx. 80 — 110 dollars for a small arrangement). Still, a very appealing service and one that any business might want to look into.
I really enjoy this shop, its aesthetics are pleasing and it would definitely be worth your time and money to have a look around.