Bonsai Experience with a Skilled Artisan at Japan's Top Producer

【OUTLINE】

Visit Konishi Shorakuen Bonsai Garden, which has over 130 years of history. Under the guidance of the 4th generation gardener with 20 years of experience, learn to understand the quality of bonsai and the worldview embodied in the trees, and experience his beautiful creations.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Experience bonsai in depth at Kinashi district in Takamatsu City, where the majority (80%) of pine bonsai in Japan are produced.
  
• Learn the work directly from the owner and the 4th generation gardener of the Garden with 130 years of history. 
• Closely watch the Bonsai master's techniques. 
• With guidance from the master, make your own bonsai. 
  
  

【SCHEDULE】

10:00-10:40 Arrive at Konishi Shorakuen and learn about how to identify the quality of bonsai and the expression methods.
10:00-11:00 Observe the gardener's work and pruning up close, and learn the techniques the gardener used.
11:00-12:00 Challenge the bondan work. (Wire hook and matching a pod)

【DETAILS】

There are plenty of bonsai gardens at Kinashi area in Kagawa, and each of them has its own style and grow bonsai.  Bonsai in this area is called "Takamatsu Bonsai", and the area is particularly strong in producing pine bonsai such as kuro (black) pines, Goyo pine (Five leaves) or Nishiki pine. This programme offers a fantastic experience of learning the Takamatsu Bonsai from the specialist, and even make your own. 

Upon arrival at Konishi Shorakuen, you will be greeted by the 4th generation gardener, and learn how the area has become the largest bonsai producer in Japan. Then you will learn how to identify high-quality bonsai.

Mr. Konishi, your teacher and the owner of the garden is the 4th generation of the garden founded 130 years ago. Enjoy the fantastic experience at the garden, which has been actively exporting the products overseas. 

"Join me at this historic bonsai garden and make your own lovely bonsai!"（A word from Mr. Konishi）

Besides, you can make your own bonsai with advice from him. You can make your own original one with your style. You can also choose a pod for your bonsai (as the price of a pod depends on your choice, please pay on the spot). 

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Time：2 hours
• Meeting point：Konishi Shorakuen [MAP]
  217 Kinashicho sato, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-8023
  
• Access：
  From Osaka to the nearest station
  Shin-Osaka Station ー (transfer at Okayama Station) ー Kinashi Station
  : about 130 minutes by JR
  From Takamatsu to the nearest station
  Takamatsu Station ー Kinashi Station: about 10 minutes by JR
  From the nearest station
  Kinashi Station ー Konishi Shorakuen…about 600 m
  : about 8 minutes on foot
• Language support：Japanese, English (written explanation, translation app)
  
• Included：Bonsai garden visit, workshop
• Excluded：Transport cost, pot
• Things to bring：None
• Participants requirements：6 years old and over only
• Free Wi-Fi：No
• Toilet：Yes (Western-style)
  
• Other things to note：
  ・ Please join the tour wearing appropriate clothes for the gardening works.
  ・ Please note that bonsai cannot be taken home as a souvenir due to quarantine restrictions.
  
  

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】

・Face masks required for travelers in public areas
・Face masks required for guides in public areas
・Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date: 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date: 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour: 100% of the tour price
※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.