Boston Flora

Tag: Japan

  • Sunday, November 1 – Thursday, November 12 – Japan’s Autumn Majesty: Gardens, Colors & Cultural Treasures

    In Japan, autumn is a celebration of color. The centuries-old tradition of momiji-gari, or “red leaf hunting,” invites reflection and reverence as temple gardens, mountain landscapes, and ancient cities glow in luminous shades of scarlet, amber, and gold. Maples blaze against dark cedar forests, moss gardens deepen in color, and every carefully composed vista feels heightened by the season’s clarity. This thoughtfully designed American Horticultural Society journey blends Japan’s most revered gardens with rare cultural experiences that illuminate the philosophy behind them.

    Experience:

    Tokyo’s annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition, where intricate displays honor the flower long associated with the Imperial family and the spirit of autumn
    Shunkaen Bonsai Museum and Rikugien Garden, where classical landscape design frames brilliant seasonal color
    Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, admired for its harmonious balance of water, stone, trees, and open space
    Zen meditation at Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto, where maple trees arch over reflective ponds in one of Japan’s most iconic temple settings
    A hands-on ikebana workshop led by a master practitioner, exploring the disciplined artistry of Japanese flower arranging
    A traditional tea ceremony that reveals the profound aesthetics of simplicity, hospitality, and seasonal awareness
    A visit to an indigo-dyeing workshop preserving generations-old textile traditions
    A night in a traditional ryokan inn, complete with tatami mats, kaiseki cuisine, and restorative indoor and outdoor onsen hot spring baths
    Visits to a wasabi farm and tea plantation, where you’ll see firsthand how Japan’s agricultural traditions are shaped by water, terrain, and climate

    Throughout your trip, you’ll stay in exceptional accommodations and travel seamlessly between dynamic Tokyo, the mountainous beauty of Nagano, the preserved Edo-era districts of Kanazawa, and the temple-filled serenity of Kyoto. For complete information visit www.ahsgardening.org

  • Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 pm – Reflections on Japanese Gardens (Recording Available February 14)

    Untermyer Gardens Conservancy’s 2026 Winter Lecture features Assistant Head Gardener Drew Schuyler, who will provide insights from his extended trip to Japan.

    In the autumn of 2025 our assistant head gardener, Drew Schuyler, received a prestigious Chanticleer Scholarship which allowed him to attend an intensive seminar at Kyoto University of the Arts and enjoy an immersive experience in the gardens of Japan.

    Over the course of five weeks, he visited more than 50 temples, gardens, and historical sites across eight cities, gaining insights from countless gardeners along the way. In this talk, Drew will provide a historical review of Japanese gardens from ancient times to the modern era, with a focus on the places and people that have come to define and influence the idea of the traditional Japanese garden. He will share images from his travels as well as his observations as a professional American gardener seeking horticultural and design inspiration from abroad.

    The lecture will take place at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, 921 Madison Avenue, NYC, with a reception following the lecture.
    Tickets are $35 per person. A recording of the lecture will be available starting February 14. Tickets $25, sold separately. https://www.untermyergardens.org/2026winterlecture.html

  • Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 8 – Treasures of Japan

    The American Horticultural Society is sponsoring a Ponant Cruise with AHS hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu on April 30 – May 8, having been rescheduled from 2021. At its core, Japan is a place of tranquility and spirituality, where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoiled. Tour the Land of the Rising Sun via a beautifully appointed small ship and experience some of the most serene and breathtaking gardens in the world.

    Highlights include a visit to the Korakuen Garden, considered one of the three best landscape gardens in Japan, a special performance of the Kagura dance at Itsukushima Shrine, a tour of Matsue Castle made entirely of pine and built in 1611, and the opportunity to be a guest of the Abbot at Kofukuji Temple in the heart of Nagasaki. You will also see an old sake brewery, the Amazake Chaya Teahouse, the Uchikoza Theater, and the Kami Hagitei, the former home and workshop of one of Uchiko’s most influential families. There will also be an exploration of scenic tea plantations en route to Chiran, a small town known for its fine collection of samurai houses and their enclosed gardens.

    For more information and to make reservations, please contact Susan Klejst, Director of Development & Engagement at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127, or email development@ahsgardening.org. Itinerary may be found at www.ahsgardening.org.

  • Thursday, April 1, 10:00 am – 11:00 am – The Tokachi Millennium Forest, Online

    Thursday, April 1, 10:00 am – 11:00 am – The Tokachi Millennium Forest, Online

    The Tokachi Millennium Forest on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is an ecological project with a 1,000-year sustainable vision. Celebrated landscape designer Dan Pearson contributed to the master plan with a sweeping Meadow Garden mixing colorful ornamentals with natives, and a wavelike Earth Garden echoing the mountains beyond. Under the skillful custodianship of head gardener Midori Shintani, Tokachi has evolved to reflect principles at the heart of Japanese culture: observation of seasonal changes, practical tasks performed with care, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Using breathtaking images from their new book, Tokachi Millennium Forest, Pearson and Shintani reveal this remarkable project that bridges East and West and embodies naturalistic gardening at its most inspiring. This New York Botanical Garden online lecture will take place April 1 at 10 am.

    Dan Pearson is renowned worldwide as a designer, horticulturist, and gardener. His many accolades include Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and five award-winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens, including a 2015 Gold Medal and Best in Show.

    Midori Shintani trained in horticulture and landscape architecture at Minami Kyushu University. Since 2008 she has been head gardener of Tokachi Millennium Forest, merging “new Japanese horticulture” into wild nature.

    $18. Register HERE. Registered students will receive login instructions.

  • Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 pm – Curator’s Travelog: Todd Rounsaville in Japan

    On Wednesday, April 24 at 5:30 at Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard, take a virtual trip to the mountains and forests of Japan with PHA Curator Todd Rounsaville. In September 2018, Todd traveled to Honshu, Japan in collaboration with staff from the Arnold Arboretum and Morris Arboretum to collect seed of rare and horticulturally important plants. Collecting predominately in mountainous forests, the group returned with many species have never been cultivated at their respective gardens, with an emphasis on azaleas, enkianthus, stewartia, maples, and hydrangeas. $10 general admission, $5 for PHA members.

  • Saturday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 24 (optional extension to Saturday, April 27) – Springtime in Japan: Exploring Gardens and Horticultural Traditions

    Join past Pacific Horticulture Society president Greg Graves for an in-depth exploration of Japanese gardens, culture and cuisine. Beginning in Tokyo, we venture north and west to areas off the normal Western tourist route where we can enjoy the beautiful countryside, see lovely gardens and experience exotic cuisine. Guests will have the opportunity to experience a delightful cruise on Matsushima Bay and see ancient temples and bonsai masterpieces. Gardens include one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo, the Rikugi-en, a strolling garden of the Edo period with spectacular views, Kairakuen, considered one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens and Motsuji, called the Pure Land Garden arranged so that the temple, garden, and pond are unified as one (pictured below, photo courtesy of www.gogotohoku.jp). Optional extension to Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. The trip will take place April 13 – 24, with Kyoto option running until April 27.

    For complete itinerary details and information about booking this trip click https://www.sterlinggardentours.com/japan2019.

    Image result for Motsuji spring

  • Monday, March 27, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Woodwork and the Arts of Japan

    Material culture in Japan is distinguished by its heavy reliance on wood in art-making. For over a millennium, the rich biomass heritage of the country has provided a foundation for the work of master carpenters and the emergence of a wide array of remarkable techniques for the wood-related arts. Yukio Lippit, PhD, History of Art and Architecture, Harvard University and Johnson-Kulukundis Family Director of the Arts, Radcliffe Institute will examine how wood selection and the materiality of wood conditioned the development of these arts in a Japanese context. His Monday, March 27 lecture, beginning at 7 pm in the Hunnewell Building of the Arnold Arboretum, focuses on timber-frame architecture and how Japan’s culture of building provides a lens into the man-nature relationship; Japanese sculpture and the meanings inherent in the different types of woods employed for the creation of religious statues; and Japanese woodblock printing and the relationship of wood carving to the artistry of Japanese prints. Fee Free for Arboretum members and students, $5 nonmember. Register at my.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 617-384-5277.

  • Wednesday, April 4 – Monday, April 17 – Springtime in Japan: Inspiring Gardens and Landscapes

    Wednesday, April 4 – Monday, April 17 – Springtime in Japan: Inspiring Gardens and Landscapes

    See iconic vistas, experience gardens that capture the essence of Japanese culture, witness rare and exclusive cultural events, marvel at bonsai masterpieces, see 1,000-year-old trees, and get an insight into the intricate landscape and design philosophies of this ancient culture this spring, April 4 – 17, with the American Horticultural Society.

    Our AHS hosts will be Holly and Osamu Shimizu. Holly is recently retired from her position as Executive Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden. Osamu is an accomplished landscape architect who spent the early years of his career in Japan. Both have traveled extensively, visiting gardens around the world.

    Frances Roxburgh, a founding partner of Specialtours, will be our tour leader. She has worked closely with Holly and Osamu over the past year to craft an exceptional itinerary exclusively for this AHS tour.

    Highlights

    Explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Gardens.
    Admire living masterpieces in the Shunka-en bonsai garden and museum.
    Behold the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha.
    Experience Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens.
    Be entertained by geisha in the ancient city of Kyoto — a rare opportunity.
    Learn about traditional Japanese philosophies and landscape design sensibilities.

    Our accommodations range from highly-rated hotels like the Ana Intercontinental Hotel in Tokyo, the Nikko Hotel in Kanazawa, the Hyatt Hotel in Kyoto, the Swissotel in Osaka, and the Benesse House Hotel in Naoshima, to distinctive ryokan inns in Hakone and Takayama, where we will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality and culture. For complete itinerary and registration information visit http://www.ahs.org/gardening-programs/travel-study/springtime-in-japan2017

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  • Sunday, March 19 – Monday, April 3, 2017 – Japan’s Cultural Landscapes

    Following on the success of its annual excursions and Garden Dialogues, The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) is venturing overseas to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the gardens, architecture, and museums of Japan with TCLF president + CEO Charles Birnbaum, along with the TCLF Board of Directors and Stewardship Council. Loosely based on the extensive travels of well-known landscape architect James van Sweden (who is the subject of one of TCLF’s Pioneers oral histories), the trip will include visits to traditional Japanese gardens, but will also focus on contemporary Japanese landscape architectural design.

    Travelers will learn the secrets of ancient design theory and see Japan through the eyes of landscape architects, architects, and historians. And this two-week immersion in Japanese design, culture, and history will be liberally supplemented with FUN—with TCLF Board Member Eric Groft leading the way, there’s bound to be plenty of sashimi, sake, and shopping as well.

    The full itinerary of the excursion can be found at http://tclf.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/TCLF%20Japan%202017%20Itinerary.pdf. For inquiries and registration, please contact Susan Gullia, Managing Director at Protravel International, LLC, at Susan.Gullia@protravelinc.com or 800.227.1059 (ext. 9556).

  • Saturday, April 15 – Saturday, April 29, 2017 – Japan

    Travel with the Pacific Horticulture Society north and west of Tokyo on this in-depth 2017 tour of Japan to visit some of its most beautiful and less traveled countryside including World Heritage sites, designated National Treasures, a variety of temples large and small, historic shrines, and varied Japanese gardens. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in Japanese style accommodations, relax in an onsen (hot springs) if you like, and dine on the very best of Japanese cuisine.

    The summer palace complex, shrines, and mausoleum of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who first united all of Japan is a beloved treasure for all Japanese who strive to visit it once in their lifetime. Situated the pine forests of Nikkan hour north of Tokyo, it features dozens of buildings, and includes the famous three monkey sculpture: hear-no-evil, speak-no-evil, and see-no evil. Along the way you’ll visit the village of Omiya, famous for its bonsai nurseries and museum. Your trip continues through Kairakun and then north to Sendai where one of Japan’s famous five-story pagodas is located at the Rinnoji Temple and garden.

    Another highlight is a visit to Matsushima Bay, with its 250 pine-covered islands, considered by many one of the top three scenic sites in Japan. You’ll tour the bay by boat where every view offers a spectacular view. Hiraizumi is home to Choson-ji, one of Japan’s most significant temple complexes, housing the golden Amida Hall, Japan’s first designated National Treasure. From there you visit Tono, the birthplace of some of Japan’s oldest and most fascinating folklore legends.

    Next you head south and then west. Yamadera boasts one of the most impressive displays of cherry blossoms along the river and through town (always subject to the yearly weather pattern). Its temple complex was founded over 1,000 years with temple halls spread throughout rich pine forests.

    You’ll visit Nigata famous for its sake, seafood, and hot springs—and several famous gardens. You’ll stay in Tsukioka Onsen, pictured below, one of the area’s most famous hot spring resorts renowned for its mineral enriched waters that promote “eternal youth, longevity, and beauty.”

    From Nigata you’ll enjoy a fast ride on the bullet train back to Tokyo for your return trip home or join us for a Kyoto extension. In Kyoto you’ll visit its most famous temples, pavilions, and palaces and experience cultural experiences such as the Japanese Tea Ceremony and a multi-course dinner with a private Geisha meeting and performance (subject to confirmation).

    Greg Graves, former PHS board member will escort this tour. Note: Our 2016 Japan tours have sold out quickly; if interested click http://www.sterlingtoursltd.com/Japan2017.html to read a detailed itinerary and discuss your interest with our Tour Company partner, Sterling Tours, Ltd.

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