Create your own bonsai in central Tokyo under the guidance of a bonsai expert
Private Experience
Location: Kita-ku, Saitama
100 min total
4 people max
Offered in Japanese, with friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in English (French/German/Spanish interpretation may be available upon request)
Meet the master
What you’ll do
Select a tree and hachi (bonsai pot) from various selection and make a bonsai under the guidance of a bonsai expert in a lush bonsai garden. At the end, you’ll receive tools and a hachi of your choice to bring home with you, with additional instructions.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
Availability
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Session 1 (10:00 - 11:40)
Session 2 (11:40 - 13:20)
Session 3 (13:20 - 15:00)
Access
50 minutes from Tokyo Station.
Includes
Hachi (bonsai pot) and tools
(For the bonsai making experience, If you’d like to bring the bonsai you made home with you instead of the hachi and tools, please note that importing bonsai internationally involves detailed procedures and that permission is not always granted. For this reason, we recommend international guests to bring home the hachi and tools instead of the bonsai.)
About Bonsai Village
This experience is located in Omiya Bonsai Village, a neighborhood known worldwide for its multiple bonsai nurseries and bonsai museum. This village was formed in 1925 after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, when Tokyo’s bonsai nurseries were affected by the disaster and needed a new place to rebuild. Ōmiya was selected by these nurseries for its clean water and good soil, essential for cultivating healthy bonsai.
Zen inspiration
Bonsai, which literally translates to “planted in a container” is the art of pruning and cultivating small trees in pots to achieve the subdued and stately aesthetic of an old tree in nature. This practice has its roots in an ancient Chinese horticultural practice, which were then adapted by the Japanese about 700 years ago. Until relatively recently, bonsai has been considered a hobby that appeals to retired men. However, in recent years younger generations have expressed interest in this centuries-old art, and new forms are emerging. Within that is the modern style of bonsai, called Saika bonsai, which means “colorful flower bonsai” popularized by Kaori Yamada, a fifth generation bonsai master. This is a style that incorporates small plant or flower accents in addition to the tree, and does not adhere to many of the rigid rules of traditional bonsai, making it an innovative take on an ancient art form.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 7 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
