Recommendations for a bonsai tour operator in Japan.

PiñonJ

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Do you have someone you can recommend? I’ve sent an inquiry to Bonsai Network Japan (j-bonsai.com). I’ve purchased from their web store before and they have a page detailing their tour service. It’s an all day affair where they pick you up at your hotel, visit the Omiya gardens, including Kimura and Kobayashi and they provide lunch.
 

Hartinez

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Headed to Japan?!? I went years ago when I was in college and not yet fully into Bonsai. If only I knew then what I know. Japan is truly a special place.
 

rockm

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Do you have someone you can recommend? I’ve sent an inquiry to Bonsai Network Japan (j-bonsai.com). I’ve purchased from their web store before and they have a page detailing their tour service. It’s an all day affair where they pick you up at your hotel, visit the Omiya gardens, including Kimura and Kobayashi and they provide lunch.
Bill Valavanis is the way to go...He's been doing tours for a while now. Sets up special tours of bonsai nurseries (including Kimura's), etc. He has extensive contacts in the Japanese bonsai world and is U.S. based.
https://valavanisbonsaiblog.com/201...nese-culture-gardens-bonsai-in-a-small-group/

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/page/1449251
https://valavanisbonsaiblog.com/2017/11/02/join-us-in-a-small-tour-to-see-japans-finest-bonsai/
 

PiñonJ

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Bill Valavanis is the way to go...He's been doing tours for a while now. Sets up special tours of bonsai nurseries (including Kimura's), etc. He has extensive contacts in the Japanese bonsai world and is U.S. based.
https://valavanisbonsaiblog.com/201...nese-culture-gardens-bonsai-in-a-small-group/

http://www.internationalbonsai.com/page/1449251
https://valavanisbonsaiblog.com/2017/11/02/join-us-in-a-small-tour-to-see-japans-finest-bonsai/
That would be great, but I’ll be there soon, so i’ll need a local operator.
 

MACH5

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@MACH5, you mentioned being inspired by the garden designs there. Did you go on your own, or did you have a guide?


First time I had a Japanese friend who took me all around but did not go to Omiya. Second time I joined Bill's tour. It was awesome!! And of course had the chance to do the Omiya nursery tour.
 

justBonsai

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Hey @PiñonJ , I can definitely show you around Kouka-en, but we're in the Kansai area relatively far from all the Tokyo area nurseries and Omiya Village. If you're planning on visiting definitely head up there! Lots of great nurseries in somewhat close proximity.

Out in the Kansai area, Kouka-en is probably one of the larger and better nurseries. We specialize in a lot of high end refinement and development, so there's a lot of nice quality trees here.
 

PiñonJ

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Hey @PiñonJ , I can definitely show you around Kouka-en, but we're in the Kansai area relatively far from all the Tokyo area nurseries and Omiya Village. If you're planning on visiting definitely head up there! Lots of great nurseries in somewhat close proximity.

Out in the Kansai area, Kouka-en is probably one of the larger and better nurseries. We specialize in a lot of high end refinement and development, so there's a lot of nice quality trees here.
Cool - thank you!
 
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