Genuine Bonsai Art Experience: Easy Access from Tokyo Station

Your Journey

Your adventure commences with a discussion focused on Seikouen's history along with the traditional principles associated with bonsai appreciation. Following this, you will have the opportunity to work with a "raw" seedling and a bonsai pot to create your own miniature tree. Guided by an instructor, you will prepare the soil, carefully prune using specialized shears, and complete your creation by applying moss to the surface. This process highlights the significance of proper care for a tree’s health and equips you with the skills to pursue this hobby upon returning home.

What You Will Do

• Appreciation & Lecture
  Begin by observing precious Bonsai trees, some of which are over 100 years old, showcased exclusively at this location. You will discover the history of Seikouen, the nuances of Bonsai aesthetics, and how to genuinely "see" the trees. This understanding will enhance your appreciation of Japanese nature.
• Hands-on Creation
  With the support of our instructors, you will create your own palm-sized Bonsai.
  Preparation: Start with a raw seedling and a pot. You will prepare the pot and soil, establishing the foundation for the tree's life.
  Pruning & Styling: Utilizing authentic Bonsai scissors, you will grasp the fundamental philosophy behind shaping a tree. This is a moment of tension and focus—interacting with the living tree and making intentional cuts.
  Finishing: The process concludes with the careful application of moss to the soil surface, completing your miniature landscape.
• Reflection & Photography
  Spending time silently with a small tree offers a meditative experience that allows you to escape the clamor of travel. While international quarantine regulations prevent you from taking the living plant home, you will depart with the knowledge to commence your Bonsai journey back home, a unique souvenir, and beautiful photographs of your creation.

Plans

• Essential Beginner Experience
  Level: Beginner
  Ideal for those embarking on their first Bonsai experience. This course serves as a casual, enjoyable, and accessible introduction to the art form. You will learn the fundamentals of caring for these miniature trees and experience the pleasure of shaping them. No previous knowledge is necessary—just bring your curiosity!
  
  • Recommended for: First-timers, families, and anyone seeking a leisurely cultural activity.
  • Age Requirement: Participants must be 10 years or older.
  • Schedule & Availability:
    Every Wednesday (*Note: Closed on the 2nd Wednesday of each month*)
    Start Times: 11:00 AM~/2:30 PM (14:30)~/4:30 PM (16:30)~
• Authentic Master Class
  Level: Intermediate to Advanced
  Delve deeper into the technical and aesthetic dimensions of Bonsai in this intensive workshop. Led by a professional artisan with extensive industry experience, you will learn how to identify high-quality Bonsai and "train your eye" for true artistry.
  In this distinctive collaborative session, participants will work together on high-value trees aged 15 to 20 years (or older). You will practice advanced pruning and wiring techniques on a single masterpiece under the direct supervision of the master. This is a rare chance to engage with living history and acquire professional techniques.
  
  • Recommended for: Bonsai enthusiasts, individuals with gardening experience, and visitors in search of in-depth technical knowledge.
  • Age Requirement: Participants must be 10 years or older.
  • Schedule & Availability:
    Every Friday (*Note: Closed on the 2nd Friday of each month*)
    Start Times: 11:00 AM~

About Seikouen

Established in the late Edo period, Seikouen is a historic Bonsai nursery with five generations of tradition, originally located in the sacred area of "Omiya Bonsai Village" in Saitama. In April 2025, they launched their flagship store on the 10th floor of Daimaru Tokyo. Despite being fully indoors, they offer high-value Bonsai from their main nursery each week, ensuring that you can appreciate fresh, magnificent trees right in the center of Tokyo.

Highlights

• Authentic Quality: This location is not merely a tourist site despite its prime position. Offered by Seikouen, a prestigious Bonsai garden, you will discover genuine techniques and historical insights that are comparable to any workshop found in rural areas.
• Exclusive Access: Experience rare Bonsai that are over 100 years old in a comfortable indoor environment.
• Authentic Lineage: Receive instruction from a nursery with a legacy spanning more than 150 years.
• Skill Acquisition: Learn the proper methods for pruning, wiring, and maintaining trees to ensure their vitality.
• Total Immersion: Enjoy a moment of "Zen" focus and fulfillment right in the heart of Tokyo.

Price Details

Included

• Material fee
• Service charge
• Rental tools
• Materials (plants, pots, etc.)
• Exclusive Seikouen Bonsai Archive Magazine (Souvenir)

Not included

• Personal expenses
• Expenses not mentioned
• The finished Bonsai (for participants residing overseas) *Due to quarantine regulations, participants residing overseas cannot take the Bonsai home.

Important Information

Arrival: Please arrive at the venue (Seikouen, 10th Floor, Daimaru Tokyo) at least 10 minutes before the start time.

Punctuality: If you are late, the session cannot be extended beyond the scheduled end time.

Attire: There is no specific dress code, but we recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting slightly dirty from soil.

What to Bring: No tools or materials are required; everything is provided.

Purchase Notice

Age Requirement: Participants must be 10 years or older.

Supervision: Children aged 10–12 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Important Note Regarding Take-Home:

Please note that due to international quarantine and export regulations, participants cannot take the finished Bonsai home.

Instead, we provide a special souvenir to commemorate your experience.

The true value of this workshop lies in the techniques learned and the peaceful time spent engaging with Japanese culture.

Materials: The specific type of tree used depends on the season and cannot be chosen in advance.

Languages: Instruction is available in English and French.

Safety: The workshop involves handling soil and sharp pruning shears.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 2 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Less than 2 day(s) before the activity date: 100% cancellation fee