Experience Japanese Traditions of Bonsai Viewing and Lacquer Tableware Crafting in the Bonsai Mecca of Takamatsu

Dive into the Internationally-beloved Art of Bonsai in Takamatsu City, a Cradle of the Craft

Takamatsu City is a premier bonsai production region, and here Nakanishi Chinshoen offers bonsai orchards and gardens in which visitors can view a variety of black pine bonsai, from sixth-month new sprouts to venerable treasures over three centuries old. Bonsai has recently found increasing global popularity, and Nakanishi Chinshoen followed suit into the export business. Its facility also offers a gallery space known as “Takumikumo Village,” run by Kagawa Prefecture’s Takumikumo association of artisans. The gallery displays works by artists and artisans working in Japan and abroad, and fosters a fully immersive experience in Japanese traditional crafts.

The approach to Nakanishi Chinshoen and Takumikumo Village welcomes visitors with a stately pine bonsai

A Expert Guided Tour of the Bonsai Orchards

Begin with a five minute walk from Nakanishi Chinshoen to the lush pine orchards in which original trees of the bonsai are grown. The master of these orchards is Yoichi Nakanishi, and they have been in his family’s hands for five generations including his own. His wife Kana serves as guide, offering engrossing and informative explanations on the history of the Kinashi area’s bonsai traditions, the trees’ care regimen, and how to develop an eye for appreciating a high quality bonsai. The orchard’s pines range anywhere from a few years old to half a century, and although some may share a similar height or general look, no two trees are the same. Twice a year they are pruned, and once every five to six years they are uprooted for root pruning as well. Bonsai cultivation is a long and careful process, with the value of a tree said to come from its age.

In this orchard grow black pines ranging from 20 to 30 years old

After taking in the orchards where the original trees of bonsai are raised, head to Nakanishi Chinshoen’s bonsai garden to view potted specimens including black, white, and red pines. It’s stunning to take in the innumerable potted bonsai trees lined up, from three year seed-grown trees small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, to magnificent mature specimens over three centuries old. 

The Bonsai Garden features venerable bonsai specimens over 300 years old

"A practiced eye can judge the age of a tree from its bark,” explains Kana Nakanishi. “As a tree accumulates age, it increases in value.” Branch formation and overall shape also play a role in the beauty of a tree, and each bonsai also has a unique personal style passed down from one gardener to another over the many years of its life. Peruse them all and find your favorite.

Discover the Edo Period Lacquer Art of Kagawa through a Rare Choshitsu Lacquer Carving Experience

Kagawa has been an active producer of lacquerware since the Edo Period (1603-1868), making it a fertile ground for the development of shitsugei, or lacquer art techniques. Today, the prefecture’s lacquerware has been designated a national traditional craft, and boasts some of the highest production values in Japan, encompassing five characteristic styles. In this experience, guests can practice its techniques themselves under the direction of Kagawa-born traditional lacquerware artist Kota Matsumoto, head of the Sanuki Urushi Shinra studio and member of Takumikumo.

Lacquerware representing the five characteristic styles

The general term for this art form, in which a surface is coated with multiple layers of colored lacquer and then carved with a chisel to expose other colors in patterns, is horiurushi – literally “carved lacquer.” Matsumoto begins by explaining its history, and the tools used in it.

This Wabunka plan offers a choice of surfaces to work on – square, round, and rectangular plates – the last of which offer more surface area for beginners to work on comfortably – as well as two Wabunka original designs of cherry blossoms and pine trees. Visitors might also bring their own designs or ideas, such as opting to carve the names of family members. After settling on a design, the next step is to draw its rough outline on the plate surface using a pen. Finally, begin carving the lacquer surface with outward-pushing and inward-pulling strokes of the knife.

Concentrating carefully on the tip of the knife, watch the colored layers of lacquer emerge under each cut

Carving straight lines through the lacquer surface requires concentration and force, but seeing those layers of color emerge from within is a thrill. When the outline is complete, move to adding details and enjoy gradually exposing more and more of the colors beneath.
“Lacquerware is lightweight and durable – and environmentally friendly, since it’s made from natural botanical and mineral materials,” says Matsumoto. “I’d love to see it become a household item for more people.”

Lose track of time as you sink deep into the meditative trance of fine work

Fine Italian Dining with Tableware by Takamatsu Artisans

In addition to garden strolls and lacquer carving, this experience offers the optional add-on of a meal course of Italian cuisine served up on tableware and with chopsticks and other utensils all produced by the local artisans of Takumikumo Village (additional charges apply). Chef Seiji Nakano, proprietor of La Cucina Italiana La Salute in Takamatsu’s Mure neighborhood, is passionate about using local ingredients and seasonings in his signature dishes, such as olive pork and Sanuki wine. The chef even brews and serves up the after-meal matcha tea himself.

A detailed introduction of the dish from the chef himself

“It takes good tableware to really bring out the best in food,” says Chef Nakano, in explanation of his meticulousness about the dishes under his dishes: Indulge his delightful gustatory creations while his wife Takako explains the details of each course and the vessels they are served in.

Pottery made by local lacquer artists and potters at Takumikumo Village

Heavy-duty two-tone oblong plates by Matsumoto complement Nakano’s colorful cuisine, made from lacquered Aji stone sourced from Kagawa prefecture. Actually eating with these dishes and chopsticks, it’s hard not to be impressed by their lightweight ease of use. It’s easy to see why Matsumoto is so passionate about incorporating their joys into the modern lifestyle. Enjoy a slow moment to savor with all five senses the best that Takamatsu and its artisans have to offer with all five senses.

Antipasto misto, loaded with locally-sourced ingredients

Unforgettable Memories of the Seto Coast, Enjoying Bonsai and Crafting Carved Lacquerware

Bonsai trees are works of living art painstakingly created over many years of attentive care, and this traditional craft without shortcuts is the pride of Takamatsu City. No less are the techniques and aesthetics of Kagawa Prefecture’s lacquerware, a nationally renowned craft that has been similarly handed down through the ages. You’re sure to see these beautiful artistic traditions with new eyes after this experience, feeling in them their storied roots and rich aesthetics every time you encounter them hereafter. Visit Takamatsu and immerse yourself like you can nowhere else.

There is nothing quite like seeing the masterful work of an artist up close