Bonsai workshop in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka - Traditional Japanese Experience

Learn bonsai care techniques and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Japan while strolling through exquisite gardens.

Hands-on bonsai pruning in Hamamatsu, Japan Japanese bonsai workshop - Repotting experience in Shizuoka Bonsai techniques demonstration by a Japanese master Bonsai experience in a traditional Japanese setting
  • Checkmark icon for bonsai workshop highlightsJust 1.5 hours from Tokyo, 1.7 hours from Osaka
  • Checkmark icon for bonsai workshop highlightsHands-on bonsai pruning and repotting experience
  • Checkmark icon for bonsai workshop highlightsIncludes a memorable souvenir

Welcome to a unique cultural tour in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese art of bonsai. Located just 1.5 hours from Tokyo and 1.7 hours from Osaka, this accessible destination offers an unparalleled journey into Japan’s natural beauty.

Japanese garden stroll in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

During the tour, participants will enjoy hands-on bonsai pruning and repotting under the guidance of a professional bonsai artisan. The tools used, including pruning shears and tweezers, will be gifted as souvenirs for you to take home. Additionally, guests can relax by strolling through a spacious garden, experiencing a moment of serenity.

Bonsai pruning demonstration by a Japanese artisan Visitors enjoying a hands-on bonsai workshop in Japan

With pickup and drop-off at Hamamatsu Station, English-speaking staff will ensure you have a seamless and enriching experience. Don’t miss this special opportunity to delve into the heart of Japanese culture.

Tour Details

Bonsai Workshop

We host the “Bonsai Experience Seminar,” allowing participants to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s four seasons. Guided by a skilled bonsai artisan, participants will engage in pruning, wiring, repotting, and other activities unique to each season, offering a deep dive into Japan’s traditional culture.

Spring
Experience repotting and leaf thinning for pine and cypress trees (leaf thinning involves partially removing leaves from the bonsai).
Summer
Practice bud pinching for pine and cypress trees (trimming new buds to balance their vigor or align leaf lengths) and manage second-growth buds.
Autumn
Engage in pruning for pine, cypress, and deciduous trees (using tools like scissors to cut branches), removing old leaves, and repotting.
Winter
Learn wiring techniques, leaf thinning, and repotting for pine, cypress, and deciduous trees.
Seasonal bonsai care techniques - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter Bonsai pruning, repotting, and wiring techniques by season

An interpreter will be present to provide English translations of the bonsai artisan’s explanations.

* The seminar content and diagram are subject to change depending on the growth conditions of the plants.

Instructor Introduction

Bonsai Master Yuta Nishioka - Bonsai Ikuma
Photo + Bonsai Master – BONSAI IKUMA Yuta Nishioka Japanese bonsai expert teaching at Hamamatsu workshop

Japanese Garden Stroll

Hyakkeien Japanese strolling garden in Hamamatsu

“Hyakkeien” is a Japanese strolling garden created during the Heisei era in Hamakita Ward of Hamamatsu City, an area historically known as a “city of plants” since the Edo period.

Spanning approximately 4,000 square meters (1,200 tsubo), this expansive garden offers a serene walking experience. Admire the seasonal beauty of garden trees, stones, waterfalls, and ponds while immersing yourself in the natural elegance of Japan. Enjoy a peaceful and special moment in this tranquil setting, surrounded by the harmony of nature.

Souvenirs

Bonsai pruning shears - souvenir from the workshop Bonsai tweezers - traditional Japanese bonsai tools

You will receive the pruning shears and tweezers used during the workshop as souvenirs. These essential tools for bonsai care will allow you to continue nurturing bonsai at home after your return. Take home these special mementos, embodying the spirit of Japanese tradition.

* For safety reasons, these items cannot be carried onboard airplanes. Upon your return, you can either collect them at the airport baggage claim or arrange for separate shipping (at an additional cost).

Participation Fee

55,000 JPY per person(USD equivalent available upon request)

  • Checkmark icon for bonsai workshop highlightsIncludes pruning shears and tweezers as souvenirs
  • Checkmark icon for bonsai workshop highlightsDuration: 2 to 2.5 hours
  • Checkmark icon for bonsai workshop highlightsMinimum participants: 2 people
  • Free of charge for children under 6 years old

Full payment in advance

Tour Details

Meeting and Dismissal Times The meeting and dismissal times at Hamamatsu Station can be adjusted flexibly to match your travel schedule. Please let us know your preferred time, and we will propose the best plan to ensure a worry-free experience.

Activity Duration Details
Meeting & Transit 30 minutes Gather at Hamamatsu Station. An interpreter will greet and guide you.
Travel to the seminar venue via private railway.
Local Transit 15 minutes Take a taxi from the nearest station to the seminar venue.
Bonsai Lecture 30 minutes Learn about bonsai viewing and care techniques from a bonsai artisan.
The interpreter will provide translation.
Bonsai Workshop 60 minutes Hands-on experience with bonsai pruning and repotting (seasonal variations).
Garden Walk 30 minutes Stroll through the Japanese garden “Hyakkeien.”
Local Transit 15 minutes Return to the nearest station by taxi.
Dismissal 30 minutes Travel back to Hamamatsu Station and conclude the tour.

* The schedule and content may vary depending on the day’s circumstances.

Steps from Booking to the Tour Day

1

Please inform us of your preferred date and the number of participants using the inquiry form below.

Step 1 - Inquiry form submission for bonsai workshop
2

After confirming the schedule of the bonsai artisan and venue, we will contact you.

Step 2 - Schedule confirmation with bonsai master
3

Pay the tour fee to the specified PayPal account.

Step 3 - Payment via PayPal for bonsai experience
4

On the day of the tour, an interpreter will be waiting for you at the designated meeting time.

Step 4 - Interpreter meeting at Hamamatsu Station

Inquiry Form











  • The organizers shall not be held responsible for any injuries or illnesses that occur during the tour.
  • If you fail to arrive on time for the meeting, the duration of the seminar or other tour activities may be shortened. This applies even in cases of delays caused by transportation such as Shinkansen trains.
  • Interpretation services are available in English only.
  • A 100% cancellation fee will apply for cancellations made within two weeks of the tour date
  • Refunds will not be issued under any circumstances, including dissatisfaction with the tour content.



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Flow of Concierge Service

  1. 01

    We introduce the real estate properties and give professional advice for renovating used houses to the corporate and individual customers who are considering of relocating or moving into Hamamatsu.

    *Don’t hesitate to contact us, as the consultation is free of charge.

  2. 02

    Please send us an e-mail first.

    Click here for inquiry

    Please send us an e-mail
  3. 03

    We will reply to your inquiry by e-mail.
    Then, we will make arrangement for a remote meeting with you.

  4. 04

    In the remote consultation, we will ask your wishes, requests and concerns in detail and answer your questions.

  5. 05

    Once you applied for the membership of Slow Living in Hamamatsu (no charge), we will make a proposal suitable for your wishes and requests.

  6. 06

    The Concierge of Slow Living in Hamamatsu will introduce real estate properties.

    For the request for tourist information in Hamamatsu, we will introduce Entetsu-Taxi, a partner of Slow Living in Hamamatsu (Please bear the actual expenses).

    support for your relocation
  7. 07

    For building a new house or renovating a used house, we will introduce an architect.

  8. 08

    We will support anything related to your living upon your request.
    We will give advice regarding hospitals and nursing homes, as well as the restaurants offering local delicious foods. We will introduce a specialist.

    Moreover, we will introduce a company specialized in recruiting upon your request.