Prune the Perfect Miniature Tree

Learn how to create your own Bonsai

If you have ever admired a bonsai garden and wondered how the potted trees were pruned into their perfectly hand-wrought shapes, here is your chance to become comfortable with creating this Zen-inspired Japanese horticultural art, transmitted from China over seven centuries ago as a way to bring the sublime pleasures of nature to interior spaces and gardens.

Located at the Bonsai Village in Saitama   City, less than an hour from Tokyo Station, the Omiya Bonsai Cooperative features a special class in creating bonsai. At one of Omiya’s historical bonsai gardens attached to the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, there is a 2.5-hour experience for groups of up to 15 people, with interpretation in English and other European languages available upon request.

Your experience starts with the history of bonsai, including Omiya’s selection as the place to preserve this painstakingly precise horticultural art. After an explanation of the trees and tools you will use to craft your miniature masterpiece, you can get started on the project by filling the hachi pot with soil, carefully pruning the branches of the plants you will pot, and gently watering your new creation. You may want to record every step of this process by taking photos or videos. Once you get home, recreate your miniature masterpiece and impress your friends and family. This rare experience in Saitama is one to treasure always.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Omiya Station (about 30 minutes); transfer to the local train for Toro Station (about 20 minutes).

Bonsai making class (Omiya Bonsai Village)