BONSAI Pilgrimage Premium Tour | Omiya

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Omiya in Saitama is renowned as a sacred place for bonsai. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, bonsai artists from Tokyo relocated here and, cherishing harmony between people and nature, nurtured what became the “Omiya Bonsai Village.” In 2025, Omiya Bonsai Village celebrates its 100th anniversary. Immerse yourself in a special journey into the depth of Japanese traditional culture, where serenity and refined aesthetics have continued for a century.

The tour begins with lunch featuring hand-made soba and creative Japanese cuisine at a beloved local restaurant, followed by visits to the world’s first public bonsai museum, the Omiya Bonsai Museum, and nearby bonsai gardens. You will also attend a special lecture on the beauty of bonsai by Mr. Takatoshi Kato, 5th-generation owner of Mansei-en. In the evening, enjoy a night illumination at the museum—an enchanting view of bonsai under lights—for a tranquil, restorative experience beyond the everyday.

* If there are participants from overseas, an interpreter will be arranged.

[About Omiya Bonsai Village]
In the past, the Dangozaka area of Tokyo (around Sendagi, Bunkyo Ward) was home to many gardeners who created daimyo mansion gardens, and during the Meiji era, professional bonsai artisans also emerged. However, the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake devastated many bonsai businesses. Seeking ideal soil and conditions, they moved from Tokyo to present-day Omiya. Established in 1925, “Omiya Bonsai Village” grew as an autonomous community shaped by the artisans’ wisdom and skill; at its peak around 1935, there were nearly 30 bonsai gardens. Even today, the village quietly captivates bonsai lovers in Japan and around the world with masterpieces changing through the seasons.

BONSAI Pilgrimage Premium Tour | Kyoto

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:20 – 14:30

A special one-day tour where you can immerse yourself in the profound world of bonsai and the Zen culture of Kyoto. First, you will visit the Nihon Bonsai Taikanten, one of Japan’s leading bonsai exhibitions, accompanied by commentary from bonsai researcher Hitomi Kawasaki. She will explain, in a beginner-friendly manner, the history and appeal of bonsai across categories such as Shohaku (pine and cypress), Satsuki (azalea), creative works, shohin (small bonsai), and suiseki (viewing stones).

Afterward, a private bus will take you to Hoshun-in, a sub-temple of Daitokuji. At the Hoshun-in Bonsai Garden—the first year-round bonsai garden in a Zen temple—you will enjoy a unique space where the delicate beauty of bonsai harmonizes with the Zen rock garden. Savor a tranquil moment while taking in the seasonal transitions of the garden.

Lunch will be served at "Izusen Daijiin" within the Daitokuji precincts, where you can enjoy the traditional Shojin Tetsubachi cuisine “Ayame.” Experience a day filled with the culture and refined aesthetics of Kyoto.

* If there are participants from overseas, an interpreter will be arranged.

[About Daitokuji Hoshun-in Bonsai Garden]
Hoshun-in, a sub-temple of Daitokuji, offers a year-round bonsai garden—the first of its kind in a Zen temple. Over many years, countless people have cultivated bonsai with an appreciation for the “Buddha-nature in all things.” At Hoshun-in, the delicate beauty of bonsai blends with the Zen rock garden, creating seasonal scenery throughout the year—fresh green in spring, cool breezes in summer, autumn foliage, and winter serenity—each inviting a calm and reflective moment.

BONSAI Pilgrimage Premium Tour | Takamatsu

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 9:15 – Sunday, January 18, 18:00

A premium two-day, small-group tour that immerses you in Japan’s traditional art of bonsai and the culture of Shikoku.

Day 1 in Takamatsu, Kagawa: reset your mind and body with a retreat and Zen experience at Zenbo Seinei, surrounded by serene natural beauty. Then, appreciate world-famous masterpieces at the Otsuka Museum of Art. In the evening, relax at a quality hotel in Takamatsu. Day 2 features a hands-on bonsai experience at Nakanishi Chinsho-en and visits to nearby bonsai gardens to enjoy the delicate beauty of bonsai and suiseki across the seasons. Lunch will be at Sanuki Goyashiki, where you can savor traditional local cuisine. With an intimate group size, enjoy a luxurious journey of culture and beauty.

* If there are participants from overseas, an interpreter will be arranged.

[About Zenbo Seinei]
Set amidst the nature of Awaji Island, this retreat facility was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. Even beginners can feel at ease with guided Zen experiences that include breathing techniques, light exercises, and meditation, allowing you to reset your mind and body in a tranquil environment.

[About Nakanishi Chinsho-en]
At Nakanishi Chinsho-en in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, bonsai nurtured by Shikoku’s climate are carefully maintained by skilled artisans. Learn techniques such as pruning and repotting while experiencing the beauty of bonsai across the seasons—spring greenery, summer coolness, autumn foliage, and winter tranquility.