Bonsai with Heart: Craft Your Own Tree of Tradition
Step into the tranquil world of bonsai and experience a time-honored Japanese tradition that transcends generations.
In this intimate hands-on workshop, you’ll be welcomed by a passionate bonsai artisan who learned the craft not from books or schools, but from his beloved grandmother — a master of the art who passed down her deep knowledge and quiet wisdom. Through his stories and guidance, you won’t just learn techniques — you’ll connect with the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and mindfulness.
Access
Tokyo
Price
$ 200 ~
Group
2 ~ 10
Duration
2hr ~
Details
A Journey into Timeless Craftsmanship — Japanese Traditional Bonsai Craft Workshop
Discover the quiet beauty and enduring spirit of Japanese craftsmanship through an extraordinary bonsai-making experience, guided by an artisan whose roots in this art trace back to his beloved grandmother.
Raised in a home filled with delicate, handcrafted bonsai trees, our host grew up watching his grandmother — a true artisan — meticulously create artificial bonsai, one pine needle at a time. Each piece, crafted entirely by hand over the course of a week, was so lifelike that even from up close, it was nearly impossible to tell it wasn’t real. Her work was not just a craft — it was a legacy.
Driven by a deep desire to honor and preserve her artistry, our host founded Shōhaku-shi Co., Ltd., a company born from a simple yet powerful wish: to pass down the skills, aesthetics, and soul of traditional bonsai craftsmanship to future generations — in Japan and beyond.
What You'll Experience:
・Create Your Own Artificial Bonsai
Join a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to craft a stunning artificial bonsai tree using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Under the guidance of our artisan, you’ll experience firsthand the delicate, meditative process of shaping each element — from the wire framework to the lifelike pine needles.
・A Story Worth Sharing
This isn’t just a craft class — it’s a deeply personal journey. Hear the story of a grandmother’s devotion to her art, the fading tradition of artificial bonsai, and the effort to breathe new life into a disappearing cultural heritage.
・Bring Home a Piece of Living Tradition
At the end of the workshop, take home your very own handcrafted bonsai — a symbol of patience, precision, and timeless beauty. It’s more than a souvenir — it’s a story you’ll carry with you.
・A Moment of Calm and Culture
The workshop takes place in a serene setting, designed to reflect the tranquil spirit of bonsai and Japanese aesthetics. Enjoy a peaceful moment with tea as you immerse yourself in this meditative experience.
Why This Experience Matters:
In the past, over a thousand artisans were part of the association that once supported this intricate craft. Today, fewer than ten remain — their numbers dwindling, and with them, a tradition at risk of fading away. Exhibitions that once connected artists and admirers have grown rare, making it harder for artisans to share their work and sustain their livelihoods.
This workshop is more than just an experience — it’s a bridge between generations, a revival of a beautiful craft, and a tribute to the quiet strength of artisans who have shaped culture with their hands.
Come be part of this story. Learn, create, and help carry forward a legacy that deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated.
Refer to our cancellation policy here