Drawing on over 30 years of experience at Aqua Design Amano (ADA), the inaugural CELESTA SADO & Nature Aquarium Expedition Tour was held from May 30 to June 5. This special journey was designed to explore some of Japanʼs most scenic and untouched natural environments while immersing participants in the philosophy of the Nature Aquarium: learning from nature.

The tour brought together eight participants from diverse backgrounds, including the United States, Canada, Portugal, India, and Japan.
Although there were initial concerns about cultural differences, customs, and dietary preferences, these quickly faded during the first dayʼs visit to the Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo. In front of the natural aquascapes, participants eagerly engaged with guide Yusuke Homma and the maintenance staff, asking thoughtful and in-depth questions. This helped create a warm, open atmosphere right from the beginning.

Led by ADA aquascape creator Homma, the itinerary traced the footsteps of the late Takashi Amano. It included visits to places closely connected to him, as well as opportunities to hear firsthand stories from people who knew and worked alongside him- an experience unique to the CELESTA tour.
Traveling through Tokyo, Sado Island, and Murakami in Niigata, participants encountered elements that simply cannot be conveyed online: the local climate, landscapes, natural surroundings, even the scent of the air, along with meaningful interactions with local communities.
Paired with exceptional accommodations and cuisine, the groupʼs shared passion for Nature Aquariums transcended language and cultural barriers, allowing participants to form strong connections and fully enjoy the seven-day experience.

Sado Island, Japanʼs largest outlying island, is known for its dramatic coastal landscapes particularly in the northern Osado region and along the Sotokaifu Coast featuring marine terraces, sea cliffs, and striking rock formations. These natural features offer valuable inspiration for aquascape stone layouts.
Because large mammals such as bears and deer do not inhabit the island, rare wildflowers and alpine plants thrive without grazing damage, preserving Sadoʼs rich plant life. In addition, local rice farming practices aim to coexist with the Japanese crested ibis (toki) by minimizing the use of herbicides and pesticides.
Participants visited sites featured in Takashi Amanoʼs photo book Sado: From the Ocean Floor to Primeval Forests, including ancient cedar forests and trekking routes on Mt.Donden. Highlights also included Onogame, a 167-meter monolithic rock formation created by ancient volcanic activity, and vibrant fields of Tobishima daylilies in bloom-making the journey rich in discovery and memorable encounters.

The tour also offered opportunities for cultural reflection. In northern Niigata, participants visited the historic Zen temple Daiyozan Fusaiji, where they experienced traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine (shojin ryori), practiced zazen meditation, and appreciated the temple gardens. These experiences provided insight into how Zen philosophy continues to influence Japanese aesthetics, from art and cuisine to cultural practices such as tea ceremony and calligraphy, as well as concepts like wabi-sabi and yūgen.

For the second half of the tour, participants gathered at the ADA Nature Aquarium Gallery in Niigata for a special training program. Highlights included a live aquascaping demonstration by Homma, who recreated the natural scenery of Sado Island in a 1200 mm aquarium, as well as a hands-on workshop where participants designed their own Iwagumi layouts in 600 mm tanks.

The tour concluded with exclusive CELESTA experiences, including a session at the ADA Nature Aquarium Gallery in Niigata and lunch at Takashi Amanoʼs residence while viewing his iconic four-meter aquarium. From a nearby river embankment overlooking the reclaimed Yoroi Lagoon, participants reflected on the landscapes that inspired Amano during his childhood. For the organizers, it was a great privilege and pleasure to share these meaningful and memorable experiences.

Participants were under the pleasant sunshine of June invited to plant trees in the garden of ADA headquarters. Inheriting Amano’s vision for the forest he created, they planted native Niigata tree species such as Yamazakura (Japanese mountain cherry), Aodamo (Japanese ash), Nanakamado (rowan), and Yamaboushi (Japanese dogwood). By placing their hands in the soil and contributing directly to the landscape, participants were able to connect with Amano’s legacy and reflect on his lifelong dedication to creating and nurturing forests.

Following the autumn “UONUMA & Iwagumi Masterclass” tour, CELESTA is already preparing new and exciting tour programs for the coming year and beyond. We invite you to trace the footsteps of Takashi Amano and embark on a journey of contemplation
and inspiration̶one that ultimately leads to the art of the Nature Aquarium.