Do you know BONSAI ?
Bonsai - which literally means "plant in a tray" - is a form of art using trees grown in containers. Since these trees are alive, bonsai is frequently called "living art" or "art of microcosm". Bonsai artists are required to have botanical knowledge as well as artistic sense. Now this unique art is widely known and there are lots of great artists all over the world. In Japan, it was once considered as "a hobby for grandpas" with plenty of time and money, but now is being reevaluated and getting attention from the younger generations as one of the coolest arts.
The neighborhood, called "Bonsai Village" in Omiya, is a must-see for not only bonsai lovers but also those who are interested in Japanese culture. It takes less than an hour from Tokyo station by train to get there. "Bonsai Village" is not a name of any touristic facility but the area with over 90 years of history, where top-notch bonsai nurseries exist. A group of professional bonsai gardeners from Tokyo immigrated here after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, in search of the ideal land for making bonsai. Here, you can visit these bonsai nurseries as well as the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, which was established in 2010 to introduce the history and culture of bonsai with a collection of the most authentic and precious bonsai pieces that you can't find anywhere else.
You may wonder how these bonsai are different from others. - Well, most of the bonsai trees here are more than 100 years old. Some of them are over 500 years old. And the significant piece is considered to be more than 1,000 years old! (Note: It depends on the season and conditions which trees are displayed.) Isn't it exciting, you can witness the trees that someone started growing such a long time ago?
The world of bonsai is profound, but at the same time, it's for everyone. Actually, here in Omiya, the elementary school students in this area grow bonsai of their own. All you need to know is some basic manners and tips to enjoy bonsai. It's also fun to buy a small ceramic plant from some of the nurseries, bring it back to your country and start making a small bonsai of your own using local plants in your backyard.
Art, nature, history, interior, philosophy, zen... if you are interested in any of these keywords, you will like bonsai! To see is to believe. Why don't you come over to Bonsai village? Check out Hikawa Shrine & Omiya Bonsai Village Tour now!
Bonsai Village
Bonsai Village is the name given to a community of bonsai lovers and cultivators in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. It has also received attention once more as a popular tourist spot from overseas visitors.
Business hours
- Monday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
- Tuesday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
- Wednesday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
- Friday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
- Saturday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
- Sunday (9:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM )
Website
www.stib.jp
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Bonsai is one of the traditional arts in Japan which entails growing plants in containers such as pottery and having their branches and leaves express nature for pleasure. The Bonsai Art Museum is specifically dedicated to this art form.
Business hours
- Monday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
- Tuesday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
- Wednesday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
- Friday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
- Saturday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
- Sunday (9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM )
Phone
048-780-2091
Price
- Adult: 300 JPY
- Child: 100 JPY
Website
www.bonsai-art-museum.jp