A premium seven-day masterclass and fieldwork journey connecting Nature Aquarium layout design, pristine natural ecosystems, and hands-on aquascaping principles across Aomori, Hokkaido, and Niigata.
 
The centerpiece of this journey is Oirase Gorge, one of Aomori Prefecture’s most celebrated scenic destinations and a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan. Flowing from Lake Towada, its crystal-clear mountain stream winds through dense, pristine forests, passing moss-covered boulders and fallen trees in a dynamic landscape that deeply captivated the late Takashi Amano.
 
Using his large-format camera, Amano photographed this extraordinary scenery on numerous occasions, drawing inspiration from its natural compositions and dynamic beauty. These impressions helped shape the world-renowned Nature Aquarium layouts that continue to inspire aquascapers around the globe.
For nature enthusiasts and aquascaping practitioners, this exclusive journey offers a unique opportunity to observe pristine aquatic environments firsthand and explore how the forms, textures, and rhythms of nature can be translated into Nature Aquarium layout design.
 
This tour also marks CELESTA’s first-ever expedition to Hokkaido!
In Sapporo, participants will explore the Nature Aquarium exhibits at AOAO SAPPORO, guided personally by Yusuke Homma, the SUIKEI Creator behind its aquascapes. The experience will also include an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium’s back-of-house facilities, available only to CELESTA tour participants.
 
In addition, we will conduct fieldwork in Jozankei along the Toyohira River, the natural water source that sustains the beautiful aquatic landscapes of AOAO SAPPORO. This experience will provide an opportunity to observe the natural environment from which these aquascapes draw their inspiration.
 
The journey concludes at ADA Headquarters in Niigata, where participants will take part in two days of Nature Aquarium seminars and a hands-on layout creation workshop, deepening their understanding of the principles and techniques behind this distinctive art form.
 
The experience will also feature an exclusive CELESTA program: a special farewell dinner at the residence of the late Takashi Amano.
 
Spanning Aomori, Hokkaido, and Niigata, this seven-day masterclass offers an exceptional exploration of Japan’s pristine aquatic landscapes and the artistic philosophy of Nature Aquarium.
 
Further details will be announced soon.

CELESTA：https://www.adana.co.jp/celesta/