ENTER THE REALM OF
BONSAI AND SENCHA TEA
Artistic Expression&
Emotional Connection
What is Bunjin?
The term "Bunjin" translates to "literary person" or "scholar" and describes cultured individuals in the late Edo period (1603 to 1868) who embraced arts like poetry, calligraphy, painting, Bonsai, and Sencha tea.
This experience specifically focuses on two closely connected arts—Bonsai and Sencha tea.
Bonsai is the result of this cultural fusion. Writers in Kyoto adorned their Chinese-style Sencha tea rooms with Chinese art and Bonsai, where the trees' shapes echoed Chinese paintings, and since then it has evolved into a Japanese style representing Japan’s natural beauty.
Learn the Literati
Bonsai style - BUNJINGI -
Each Bonsai school has its own philosophy and aesthetics, which makes the Bonsai world infinitely diverse and rich.
You will learn the Literati Bonsai style (Bunjingi) which focuses on creating artistic and dramatic representations of tall, slender, and elegant trees.
Rich Bonsai and Sencha Tea Heritage in Nagoya
Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture's Bonsai tradition traces back to ancient times, with the city's favorable climate and fertile soil providing an ideal environment for nurturing these miniature living artworks. Local Bonsai artists have honed their skills for generations, passing down the artistry and techniques that make Nagoya a prominent hub for Bonsai enthusiasts worldwide.
Sencha tea ceremonies are also practiced in Nagoya. The city's tea ceremonies have been influenced by the renowned "Baisaryu" Sencha tea school, which has a rich lineage dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Nagoya's tea masters take great pride in meticulously preparing and presenting Sencha tea, a steamed green tea renowned for its refreshing taste and beneficial health properties.
Together, these cherished traditions reflect the essence of Nagoya's cultural heritage and continue to enchant visitors with their timeless allure.
Bonsai & Sencha
Tea Experience

Pastime of the Literati

Embark on a 3-day journey steeped in the refined world of the “Bunjin” during a unique and innovative high-value Bonsai
and Sencha tea experience in Nagoya, introduced for the first time in Japan by the Tourism Restart Project of Japan
Tourism Agency.
  • 01.
    The Best Experience in the Best Environment
    Indulge in the graceful tradition of the Sencha tea ceremony, in a serene setting at a Buddhist temple.
  • 02.
    Deep Bonsai Learning
    Immerse yourself in the art of Bonsai through hands-on learning.
  • 03.
    A Very Exclusive Experience
    Wander through enchanting Bonsai gardens and gain exclusive access to collectors’ homes.
DAY 1
A Journey into
Living Art

Day one offers a visit to Jogenji, a serene Soto Zen temple, where you'll witness the art of Sencha tea and Bonsai.

Experience the art of the Sencha tea ceremony, guided by the successor of the esteemed "Baisaryu" Sencha tea school. Savor the delicate flavor of a seasonal Japanese sweet, harmoniously paired with the refreshing and invigorating Sencha tea.

Following a delectable Japanese-style lunch, the moment has come to intimately engage with Bonsai. Dive into the fundamentals of Bonsai care and put your freshly acquired expertise to the test, as you work on a Bonsai tree under the expert guidance of a seasoned Bonsai master.

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Following a delectable Japanese-style lunch, the moment has come to intimately engage with Bonsai. Dive into the fundamentals of Bonsai care and put your freshly acquired expertise to the test, as you work on a Bonsai tree under the expert guidance of a seasoned Bonsai master.

READ MORE DETAILS & BOOK NOW
DAY 2
Deep Insight Into Bonsai

On the second day, delve deeper into the mesmerizing world of Bonsai, beginning with an awe-inspiring visit to a spectacular Bonsai garden called Aichien which houses thousands of Bonsai trees of different varieties that display captivating shapes. Here, you'll gain further insight into their allure and how to care for them.

Next, you venture to a house belonging to a passionate Bonsai and Bonsai pot collector. As you stroll through his enchanting garden, adorned with his most treasured Bonsai creations, you'll feel like you've stepped into the magical realm of a "Ghibli" movie.

To conclude this extraordinary day, you will visit Bonsai Fujiwara. Here, you'll have the privilege of admiring Bonsai masterpieces and gaining an intimate glimpse into the life of a dedicated Bonsai artist. You’ll also continue working on your Bonsai from the previous day. This time repotting them in your favorite pot.

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To conclude this extraordinary day, you will visit Bonsai Fujiwara. Here, you'll have the privilege of admiring Bonsai masterpieces and gaining an intimate glimpse into the life of a dedicated Bonsai artist. You’ll also continue working on your Bonsai from the previous day. This time repotting them in your favorite pot.

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DAY 3
The Artistry of
Bonsai Pots
(OPTIONAL)

On the optional third day, you will venture into Tokoname, Japan's renowned pottery hub, where you'll have the incredible opportunity to explore a celebrated Tokoname-yaki (Tokoname ware) workshop. Prepare to be captivated as you peruse a collection of exquisite Bonsai pots, each a masterpiece of craftsmanship.

Tokoname-yaki is an exceptional form of Japanese pottery, famous for its top-tier teapots and clay pots utilized in the art of tea preparation. With a storied legacy spanning over 900 years, its remarkable durability and exceptional heat-resistant properties have made it a beloved choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide. The distinctive reddish-brown hue and unique firing techniques add to its timeless allure.

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Watch this
Experience
Watch this
Experience
DImmerse yourself in our film that captures the enchanting Bonsai and Sencha journey in Nagoya.
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Meet the Masters
Meet the masters who are part of this extraordinary experience.
  • Masayuki Takeshita
    Masayuki Takeshita
    Koyoen
    3rd Generation Bonsai Master
    A young Bonsai artist leading the black pine Bonsai mecca Inazawa at Momijien, holding Bonsai auctions, and distributing Bonsai in Central Japan.
  • Masayuki Takeshita
    Takuya Suzuki
    Bonsai Daijuen
    4th Generation Bonsai Master
    A Bonsai artist promoting Bonsai among the young generation by holding workshops at his garden Daijuen, and participating in exhibitions abroad.
  • Masayuki Takeshita
    Mamoru Ajisawai
    Bonsai Ajizawa
    1st Generation Bonsai Master
    A trainee at Daijuen before becoming independent at Bonsai Ajisawa with an eye for raw materials and production processes.
  • Masayuki Takeshita
    Junichiro Tanakai
    Aichien
    4th Generation Bonsai Master
    A trainee at Daijuen and owner of Aichien Bonsai Nursery. He accepts apprentices from overseas and promotes Bonsai around the world and to younger generations.
  • Masayuki Takeshita
    Ken Fujiwara
    Bonsai Fujiwara
    1st Generation Bonsai Master
    A trainee at Daijuen and became independent at Bonsai Fujiwara he gives workshops and lectures overseas and produces Bonsai in his own unique style.
  • Masayuki Takeshita
    Hidemitsu Takatori
    Jogenji Temple
    5th Generation Sencha Tea Master
    A deputy chief priest of Jogenji Temple and on the way to becoming the 5th generation master of Baisaryu Sencha tea school, teaching the art of tea.
What Our
Guests Say
See the testimonials from our satisfied guests that joined this experience.
This was a mesmerizing journey and I felt immersed in the tranquility of this ancient Japanese practice which is Bonsai. And I learned the delicate art of brewing and savoring this traditional Sencha tea.
Luis Cabrera

August 20th, 2023

This was an incredible bonsai experience. Learning from the masters, admiring bonsai in the gardens and the tea ceremony especially stood out to me.
Linda Hilmer

August 20th, 2023

I was surprised at how amazing the world of bonsai is. I loved all the explanations and the masters were really amazing. I loved the Sencha tea ceremony so much. Everything was incredibly beautiful!
Elisabeth Llopis

August 20th, 2023

This was a mesmerizing journey and I felt immersed in the tranquility of this ancient Japanese practice which is Bonsai. And I learned the delicate art of brewing and savoring this traditional Sencha tea.
Luis Cabrera

August 20th, 2023

This was an incredible bonsai experience. Learning from the masters, admiring bonsai in the gardens and the tea ceremony especially stood out to me.
Linda Hilmer

August 20th, 2023

I was surprised at how amazing the world of bonsai is. I loved all the explanations and the masters were really amazing. I loved the Sencha tea ceremony so much. Everything was incredibly beautiful!
Elisabeth Llopis

August 20th, 2023

This was a mesmerizing journey and I felt immersed in the tranquility of this ancient Japanese practice which is Bonsai. And I learned the delicate art of brewing and savoring this traditional Sencha tea.
Luis Cabrera

August 20th, 2023

This was an incredible bonsai experience. Learning from the masters, admiring bonsai in the gardens and the tea ceremony especially stood out to me.
Linda Hilmer

August 20th, 2023

I was surprised at how amazing the world of bonsai is. I loved all the explanations and the masters were really amazing. I loved the Sencha tea ceremony so much. Everything was incredibly beautiful!
Elisabeth Llopis

August 20th, 2023

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