Nagoya: Private Bonsai Workshop with Master Ajisawa｜Japan

A rare opportunity to learn authentic Japanese bonsai through a 1-on-1 private workshop with Master Mamoru Ajisawa, conducted in his working studio in Inazawa, Aichi. The studio is approximately 25 minutes by train from Nagoya Station via the JR Tokaido Line, or 30-40 minutes by taxi.

This is not a tourist demonstration. It is the real thing: real trees, real techniques, and real time spent learning directly with a Japanese bonsai master. Sessions are conducted in English or Japanese, and all experience levels are welcome - from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. The master tailors each session flexibly to the visitor.

Every tier of this workshop uses authentic, well-cared-for bonsai. The three tiers are differentiated by the quality and stature of the tree you work with, not by your skill level:

- Foundation Workshop (JPY 15,000 per hour): A quality working bonsai well-suited for beginners. Recommended for first-time learners, but enjoyable for anyone.

- Refinement Workshop (JPY 22,000 per hour): A finer, more developed bonsai. Open to beginners and especially rewarding for those with some prior experience who wish to engage with a more refined tree.

- Masterpiece Bonsai Experience (JPY 38,000 per hour): For visitors who wish to experience tending a masterpiece-grade bonsai that has been refined for decades. Not a question of skill level - this is for those who want to encounter a truly rare tree under the master's care.

Every session includes:
- Private 1-on-1 instruction with Master Mamoru Ajisawa
- All bonsai tools and a real, quality bonsai tree to work on
- Bilingual instruction in English or Japanese
- Tea and light refreshments
- At the end of the session, a traditional Japanese display arrangement using a bonsai stand (taku), accent stone (suiseki), and hanging scroll (kakejiku). Photographs are welcome. This display experience is included in all three tiers.

Getting here:
From Nagoya Station, the studio is approximately 25 minutes by JR Tokaido Line (to Inazawa Station, then a short walk), or 30-40 minutes by taxi. Nagoya is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Tokyo and 35 minutes from Kyoto by Tokaido Shinkansen, making a half-day workshop a memorable stop on a travel day. Detailed access directions are sent after booking confirmation.