Genuine Bonsai Art Experience: Easy Access from Tokyo Station

Your Journey

Your experience starts with a talk about the heritage of Seikouen and the traditional values involved in bonsai appreciation. Next, you will engage with a "raw" seedling and a bonsai pot to create your personal miniature tree. With the instructor's assistance, you will prepare the soil, execute precise pruning using specialized shears, and complete your creation by adding moss to the surface. This activity emphasizes the significance of proper tree care and equips you with the skills to continue this hobby back at home.

What You Will Do

• Appreciation & Lecture
  Start by observing valuable Bonsai trees, some of which are over 100 years old, displayed exclusively at this site. You will discover the history of Seikouen, the nuances of Bonsai aesthetics, and how to truly "see" the trees. This insight will enhance your appreciation of Japanese nature.
• Hands-on Creation
  With the help of our instructors, you will create your own palm-sized Bonsai.
  Preparation: Begin with a raw seedling and a pot. You will set up the pot and soil, establishing the foundation for the tree's life.
  Pruning & Styling: Utilizing authentic Bonsai scissors, you will learn the essential philosophy of shaping a tree. This moment requires focus and intention—interacting with the living tree and making thoughtful cuts.
  Finishing: Conclude by gently applying moss to the soil surface, completing your miniature landscape.
• Reflection & Photography
  The time spent quietly with a small tree is a meditative experience that helps you disconnect from the travel noise. While international quarantine regulations prohibit taking the living plant home, you will depart with the knowledge to begin your own Bonsai journey, a unique souvenir, and stunning photos of your creation.

Plans

• Essential Beginner Experience
  Level: Beginner
  Ideal for individuals trying Bonsai for the first time. This course offers a relaxed, enjoyable, and accessible introduction to the art form. You will grasp the fundamentals of caring for these miniature trees and revel in the joy of shaping them. No prior expertise is necessary—just bring your curiosity!
  - Recommended for: First-timers, families, and those seeking a casual cultural experience.
  - 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
  Explore the technical and aesthetic dimensions of Bonsai in this rigorous workshop. Led by a skilled artisan with extensive industry experience, you will learn 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 master’s direct guidance. This is a rare chance to engage with living history and acquire professional techniques.
  - Recommended for: Bonsai enthusiasts, individuals with gardening experience, and visitors seeking 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 revered "Omiya Bonsai Village" in Saitama. In April 2025, they launched their flagship store on the 10th floor of Daimaru Tokyo. Even though it is entirely indoors, they offer high-quality Bonsai from their main nursery every week, ensuring that you can view fresh, magnificent trees right in the heart of Tokyo.

Highlights

• Authentic Quality: This location offers more than just a typical tourist experience, despite being centrally located. With the expertise of Seikouen, a distinguished Bonsai garden, you will explore authentic techniques and history that can compete with any rural workshop.
• Exclusive Access: Experience valuable Bonsai that are over 100 years old in a comfortable indoor environment.
• Authentic Lineage: Gain insights from a nursery that boasts a rich 150-year history.
• Skill Acquisition: Learn the essential techniques for pruning, wiring, and maintaining trees to ensure their health.
• Total Immersion: Enjoy a moment of "Zen" that brings focus and a sense of achievement 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