Make Your Own Bonsai with a Professional Bonsai Artist in Tokyo
Description
Experience the timeless Japanese art of Bonsai in Tokyo at the renowned Shunka-en Bonsai Museum, guided by a professional Bonsai master. Bonsai, often called a “living art,” has been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries. Unlike planting trees in the ground, Bonsai trees are carefully cultivated in trays or pots, allowing for precise control of their growth and creating beautifully miniaturized forms of nature. At Shunka-en, you’ll be introduced to the techniques and aesthetics of bonsai by a skilled artist in one of the most prestigious bonsai gardens in the world. If you have questions, the staff and assistants will gladly help you engage with the experience. During the workshop, you’ll shape and style your own bonsai while learning about their history, philosophy, and cultivation. Please note that created bonsai must remain at the museum and cannot be taken home, but the knowledge and appreciation you gain will last you a lifetime.
Tour Options
Itinerary
In this tour, you will experience making your own Bonsai with a Bonsai master in Tokyo.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(21)
This bonsai workshop was really fun. We worked directly with a professional bonsai artist who was knowledgeable, helpful and approachable. They guided us step‑by‑step—explaining shaping techniques, tree care, and the philosophy behind bonsai—while still letting us be creative and make the tree our own. We also spent time in the museum learning about how to show the bonsai and were able to see the global awarding wining artisan as he was putting a show together for his latest book. The garden was full of amazing examples of trees that were up to 1000 years old, and it was inspiring to see what was possible. The experience was informative, relaxing, fun, and incredibly rewarding to shape a bonsai ourselves. A great blend of artistry, learning, and hands‑on experience. Recommend for anyone looking for a unique, meaningful activity in Japan.
Best experience in beauty and education ever! Our master Panda showed us how to start our own bonsai and explained the history of bonsai. We toured the museum, which houses bonsais that are hundreds of years old. Oldest one is over 1,200 years old!! We met with master Panda’s master and he graciously autographed and chopped our bonsai books. This is a must do in Tokyo!!
Upon arrival we had a difficult time finding out where to go for the class. 30 minutes later we found our instructor and then everything was great. The museum has amazing Bonsai!
A peaceful and friendly place with a beautiful bonsai garden. The bonsai-making class was fantastic, and we learned a lot about the art and care of bonsais.
We had a lovely time at the museum. So much so that we went a second time to take a class for bonsai creation. Their courtyard and elevated areas have a tremendous amount of fabulous bonsai including their ~1000 year old bonsai. The apprentices are there to answer questions, give classes and their stories are very unique. Master Kunio Kobayashi was there as well and it was an honor to meet him.
The workshop was interesting and fun. The instructor patiently answered all our questions and showed us the first steps in creating a bonsai. If you live in Japan, you can take your tree with you for a fee. The entrance fee is included in the workshop, and you can take your time to admire all the beautiful bonsai trees.
I really enjoyed it!!! Thank you so much and keep up the great work! The entire team was very kind and I could have stayed there for ages :)
I received the tickets 2 hours late and could not attend the session. Asked for a refund and no response at all. Called the TripAdvisor support line and the representative was helpless.
Excellent experience. Definitely recommend it. The host was courteous, greeted and introduced himself. Talked me through the entire history of bonsai and how to care for them. I was looking to buy a few and this definitely helped make my decision. Definitely passionate about the field. Wish I had more time to spend there. Definitely worth it!
Im already making plans to try this back home! The guides did a fantastic job of making this feel VERY accessible, and it’s such a cool experience to shape your little tree and make it feel like your own. The location itself is also gorgeous and worth the visit even without the activity, the bonsais on display there are amazing! There were kids there that were also having a great time. To be certain, you can’t easily bring the plant back on a plane with you. And I may have just missed this, but it costs an extra $20 per tree if you want to take your creation home with you. This price seems fair, but I just wasn’t expecting it. Absolutely recommend this!
