Syntropic Agroforestry in Practice: 3‑Day Design & Planting Intensive in Japan　 シントロピック森林農業：デザイン＆実践集中講座

Syntropic Agroforestry in Practice: 3‑Day Design & Planting Intensive in Japan

A three‑day, hands-on syntropic agroforestry training at Permaculture Center Kamimomi, led by Josh Andersen (15+ years practicing syntropic systems) and Byron Austin (studied at over 100+ syntropic systems worldwide). Mornings focus on principles and design; afternoons are in the field installing a new system together. You’ll see working examples, help plant a real system on site, and leave with a clear plan for your own land.

Location:  Permaculture Center Kamimomi (863 Kamimomi, Kumenan-cho, Okayama Prefecture  709-3621) https://maps.app.goo.gl/4b7WoCRUjuSZb5u58

Date & time:  March 26-28, 9am to 5pm

Who This Is For
-Landowners, farmers, and homesteaders who want to grow food in a more regenerative, resilient way
-People considering syntropic agroforestry and wanting to see how it works in Japan before committing
-Intermediate permaculture folks wanting a deeper, more practical syntropic framework

Option 1: Half‑Day “Principles” Intro Session 

Access: Morning of Day 1 only (approx. 3-4 hours)
Half‑day participants share the same morning session as the 3‑day group, then finish at lunch.
What they get:
-Farm introduction and site walk
-Core principles of syntropic agroforestry (how systems are structured, succession, spacing, management)
-Live mini “hot seats” where a few participants get brief feedback on their questions or design ideas
-Clarity on whether syntropic is a good fit for their situation
Who it’s for: People curious and exploring, or those who can’t commit to 3 full days

Participation fee: ¥10,000

Upgrade credit:
“If you decide to join the full 3‑day training, we credit 100% of your half‑day ticket toward your 3‑day tuition.” (So the morning becomes a down payment, not a separate cost.

Option 2: 3‑Day Syntropic Design & Planting Intensive

Access: All three days (including the Day 1 morning intro)
What’s included:
-All teaching sessions (mornings)
-All field practice sessions (afternoons)
-Participation in the design and planting of a model syntropic system on the farm
-Simple template pack:
-Sample layouts / row designs
-Example species lists and spacing
-90‑day implementation checklist for their own land
-Lunch provided each day
Standard price: ¥50,000 per person (includes lunches and all materials, accommodations and additional meals separate).
Early‑bird price: ¥45,000 per person if booked and paid by March 9.

Schedule Outline

Day 1
Morning: Principles of syntropic agroforestry, farm walk, Q&A (open to half‑day + 3‑day group)
Afternoon: Site assessment and layout session for the new system on your farm

Day 2
Morning: Design details, species selection, succession planning
Afternoon: Ground prep, planting, and establishment of the new system

Day 3
Morning: Management, pruning, fertility, long‑term planning
Afternoon: Integration, individual planning time, group Q&A and closing circle

Logistics

• Location: Permaculture Center Kamimomi (863 Kamimomi, Kumenan-cho, Okayama Prefecture  709-3621) https://maps.app.goo.gl/4b7WoCRUjuSZb5u58

• Approx. 50 minutes from Okayama Airport

• Dates & times:  March 26-28. 9am to 5pm

• Language: English with Japanese Interpretation

• Meals: Lunch provided for 3‑day participants.

• Accommodation: ¥3,500/night (reservation and payment required by March 17)

• Meals: Dinner and Breakfast provided for ¥3,000/day (reservation and payment required by March 17)

  • Participants are welcome to organize their own accommodations and meals.

• What to bring: outdoor clothes, boots, rain gear, notebook, pruning saw and pruning shears, basic farm info if they have land, etc.

Pricing & Payment

• Half‑Day Intro: ¥10,000 per person

• 3‑Day Intensive: ¥50,000 per person (includes lunches and all materials, accommodations and additional meals separate)

• Early‑bird price: ¥45,000 per person if booked and paid by March 9.

• Capacity: “Spots are limited to a small group (e.g. 10–16 participants) so everyone can get individual attention.”

• Payment can be made via bank transfer, PayPal and Wise. Details will be sent to participants.

• [Cancellation Policy]
  • After capacity is reached: Once the workshop is full and registration is closed, no refunds will be issued for cancellations due to personal reasons. If payment has not yet been made at this stage, you will be billed for the full amount.
  • If capacity is not reached: The refund amount depends on the timing of your cancellation:
    • Before March 17:  50% refund
    • After March 18: No refund

Simple Guarantee

“If by the end of Day 2 you don’t feel you have a clear, workable plan to apply syntropic practices to your own land, let us know during the event and we’ll schedule a follow‑up online call after the training to refine it with you.”

8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need prior permaculture experience?  A. No, beginners are welcome.
Q. Can I come without owning land yet?  A. Yes, participation is open.
Q. Is translation available?  A. Yes, the course will be taught in English with interpretation into Japanese
Q. What happens if it rains?  A. We will work with the weather to cover the content of the course.
Q. Are kids / families welcome?  A. Only people who are participating in the course are encouraged to attend.