Saitama, Japan Dec. 25 Wed 4:23AM
Learning the Art of Bonsai
What is Bonsai?
Bonsai is a Japanese art form that seeks beauty in a plant grown in a pot that exceeds those in nature. Bonsai is different from gardening in that it expresses a scene of nature in a single pot.
Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
In the past, there were many gardeners in Edo (Tokyo) who created gardens for daimyo’s (feudal lords) residences. After the Meiji period (1868~), many artisans specializing in bonsai were born. After the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), bonsai artisans moved to Omiya in search of soil more suitable for growing bonsai, and Omiya became the center for bonsai.
At the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, visitors can enjoy bonsai in all seasons. Even beginners who just started enjoying bonsai can learn how to appreciate how the craftsmanship shines in each root, trunk, branch, leaf, etc.
Omiya Bonsai Village
A three-minute walk from the Omiya Bonsai Museum takes you to the Omiya Bonsai Village. The Omiya Bonsai Village has six bonsai gardens, each with its own special bonsai to enjoy.
In addition, at some gardens, visitors can experience actual bonsai making. Even if you are a beginner, there is no need to worry. Professional craftsmen will teach you the basics of bonsai in detail.
Bonsai is a Japanese art form commonly known, but it is very rare to be able to experience it firsthand.
Omiya is only about 30 minutes by train from major stations in Tokyo, so this is a must-stop area.
