Bonsai on the Rock: A Private Crafting Experience— Sculpting a Miniature Wilderness upon Stone —

Marubashira, Iga City

Private Workshop

In this experience, through the creation of "Ishizuki" (Bonsai on the Rock), you will discover how the Japanese people have historically interacted with nature, as well as their unique sense of aesthetics and perception of time.

Surrounded by mountains with significant temperature variations, Iga is blessed with high-quality soil and water, making it an ideal environment for nurturing Bonsai.

Furthermore, the qualities of "patience," "observation," and "silent focus" cultivated in this ninja heartland resonate deeply with the discipline of Bonsai.

The process of arranging trees on stone and layering moss to recreate a natural landscape is more than just learning a technique; it is a moment to regain a sense of reverence for and harmony with nature.

01

Welcome — Entering the World of Bonsai

The experience begins with a welcome by Takebe, the caretaker of the garden. He will introduce what bonsai is, how it expresses natural landscapes, and the sense of beauty cultivated in Japanese culture.
02

Gallery Tour — Appreciating Bonsai

You will view the bonsai displayed throughout the garden.
Trees rooted firmly to stone, capturing the essence of natural scenery.
Each bonsai is one of a kind — an expression of nature that can never be repeated.
03

Choosing the Stone and Tree

Next, you will select the stone that forms the foundation of your work.
By observing its shape, flow, and front, you begin to imagine the landscape that will emerge.
You then choose a bonsai tree, carefully observing its character and movement to find harmony with the stone.
04

Stone-Planted Bonsai Workshop

You will trim the roots and secure the tree to the stone using wire and keto soil.
Finally, moss is carefully applied, completing a small natural scene crafted upon stone.
05

Completion & Commemorative Photo

Your finished bonsai is displayed, and a commemorative photo is taken.
The bonsai you create today will continue to change and grow with time.

武部和広 (Kazuhiro Takebe)

日本盆栽協会認定講師 (Certified Instructor, Japan Bonsai Association)

After training at a historic nursery in Angyo, Saitama, he opened his own Bonsai garden in Iga in 2017. He aims to share the healing power of Bonsai and the profound joy of the moment a masterpiece is completed.

Price Per Group(1–20 guests)

¥33,000 〜 ¥98,000

(1–6 guests)