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Bonsai Museum and village Half-Day Tour
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Joined 2025
Bonsai Museum in Omiya is the world's first-ever bonsai museum.
It opened in 2010. Presently, there are about 130 Bonsai trees, 70 Bonsai pots, and decorative stones. Some of the bonsai on display are over 500 years old. You can take a stroll among the various types and sizes of bonsai exhibited outdoors. Afterward, you will visit several historic bonsai gardens—collectively known as "Bonsai Village"—where you can not only view the trees but also purchase any that catch your eye.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
East exit of Toro station
- From Shinjuku Station to Toro Station by the Shonan Shinjuku Line (about 35 minutes) or From Tokyo Station to Toro Station by the JR Utsunomiya Line (about 40 minutes)
Visit Bonsai Museum in Omiya
First, you can learn about the history and characteristics of Bonsai at the indoor exhibition. Several flowerpots and bonsai trees are on display there, allowing you to admire bonsai as they would be arranged in a traditional Japanese *tokonoma* (alcove) or tearoom.
Next, go outside and stroll through the spacious grounds of Bonsai trees and the pond; also, there is a gazebo where you can relax.
Visit Bonsai Garden/Shops in Bosai Village
Omiya City is famous as Bonsai Town. Because there are more than ten bonsai garden shops in "Bonsai Village," You can visit and look around a few of them, and if you find a bonsai tree you like, you can purchase it.
We will visit at least 2 places.
Bonsai Village is within walking distance of the Bonsai Museum and is located within a quiet residential area, allowing you to stroll through a very peaceful atmosphere.
Tour End
Ending Point
Toro Station or If you want to visit more Bonsai Garden/Shop than 3 or 4 places, let us end the tour at the place you choose. The way back to the station is easy.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
* Guide fee * Guide transportation fee
*Public transportation fee from Shinjuku to Toro
(620 Yen per person)
*Ticket to museum (300 Yen per person)
Tour Important Information
* You will be walking around the ground where the bonsai are displayed, so it is best to keep your hand luggage to a minimum.
The museum is closed on Thursday, Year End & New Year's Day
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you in Ikebukuro, Omote Sando, Harajuku, Meijj Gingu, Imperial Palace, Yanaka, Kappabashi area. In addition to these, I can also offer customized half-day and full-day Tokyo tours.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Hitomi K.
Hi, I’m Hitomi.
I was born and raised on a small, beautiful island in Japan. Growing up there has instilled in me a deep appreciation for beautiful places and an insatiable curiosity about the world.
After working in the private sector in Tokyo for many years, I transitioned into a national government tour guide in 2017. Volunteering at the golf course during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics was an absolute blast!
I’ve had the privilege of leading a wide range of tours, from visits to shrines and temples to immersive experiences in anime, pop culture, food tasting, geisha experiences, and Japanese calligraphy. These tours have taken place at some incredible locations within and around Tokyo. I’m particularly passionate about showcasing the hidden gems of the Kanto region, including Tokyo, Saitama, and Nikko.
In addition to my tour guiding, I’m also a Japanese Calligraphy master, having honed my skills since kindergarten. It brings me immense joy to share this rich Japanese culture with international guests, and I’m thrilled to continue sharing my passion for Japan with even more people!
Reviews
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Sizwe colbert (.
“Authentic and Comfortable Experience with Hitomi”
Hitomi was an authentic and thoughtful guide who showed me around Tokorozawa and Little Edo. I felt very comfortable throughout, and the experience felt natural and knowledgeable. I only wish I had booked her for more days.
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Hitomi K.
Hello Sizwe, Thank you for your kind review! I am so glad to hear that. It’s a shame that you came all the way from a distant country and chose Tokorozawa, only for your time there to be so short. Next time please come again as there are still many places I’d like to show you. I’m looking forward to it! Hitomi
Marcel M.
“A real trip to Little Edo AND candy!!!”
Had a wonderful time visiting some cool spots in Kawagoe Koedo (Little Edo) today; including Kitain Temple, Matsuri Kainan, and Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley). There was a lot more history in a fairly local area than I expected. Hitomi was great in providing interesting background information and insight about all the places I visited. Kurano Street was like stepping into a time machine to see a bit of old Japan, lots on interesting architecture and local shops. The festival museum was kinda cool too, because I could get a bit of a feel for the actual event. Although I’m not a sweets person ‘candy street’ was a lot of fun. There were all kinds of goodies in the most amazing packaging, great for souvenirs! And an extra shoutout to Hitomi for being a great guide; knowledgeable, easygoing, and very kind. I had a great time!
Hitomi K.
Hello Marcel, Thank you for joining the tour and a review! I'm very honored that you're satisfied with my guiding. There are still many great tourist spots in Saitama Prefecture that are not well known. The 500 Arahamt are also very unique stone statues, and they both made us smile, are’t they? I would like to continue working to guide many guests to hidden gem so that they can enjoy themselves. We look forward to seeing you again! Best regards, Hitomi
$82/ per group
More tours by Hitomi K.
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Kawagoe, Koedo (little Edo), nostalgic town exploring, Half Day Tour
Koedo has preserved a seventeenth-century atmosphere that was regarded as the major city of the Tokugawa government. The area is dotted with buildings and related temples from that era. Not only are they historical, but they are also a fun way to stroll around town while enjoying a ready-made edible treat. You can learn Tokugawa family cherished temple called Kitain, then "Kashiya Yokocyo" aka, Candy alley, Bell Tower, and stroll the warehouse-style street.
Kawagoe, Koedo (little Edo), nostalgic town exploring, Half Day Tour
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Totoro Forest in Sayama Hills Explore and visiting "Pitch black blackie" House, Half day Tour
The Sayama Hills have been considered a model for the setting of "My Neighbor Totoro ". To preserve this forest from development, the land has been purchased and designated as Totoro Forest. There are over 50 locations, and wooden Totoro signboards have been erected on the designated land. Visiting these signboard spots is fun like a train stamp rally. First, meet Big Totoro at Kurosuke's, aka "Pitch black blackie" House, and then stroll through the forest in search of the signboards!
Totoro Forest in Sayama Hills Explore and visiting "Pitch black blackie" House, Half day Tour
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Japanese art of calligraphy, Kanji Experience Class in Kawagoe
Japanese, which uses three types of characters to write sentences, is a rare language. Kanji are unique characters that developed from pictographs. Once you know the basics, writing them isn't difficult. In this class, I, a Japanese calligraphy master, will introduce how to use calligraphy tools and have guests write characters of their choice. Writing the guest's name (in the Roman alphabet) converted into Kanji will be a fun experience!
Japanese art of calligraphy, Kanji Experience Class in Kawagoe
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Experience Modernism and Tradition in a Quiet Suburb Kawagoe
Visiting the landmark museum of Sakura town, which is a base facility for the "Cool Japan Forest" initiative, which creates cutting-edge culture and industry from a lush green area. After experiencing modern culture, you can travel back in time to traditions of hundreds of years ago, while eating local food!
Experience Modernism and Tradition in a Quiet Suburb Kawagoe
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Saitama
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Kawagoe "Little Edo" Historic Tour (English / Spanish)
This tour is available in English and Spanish. / Este tour está disponible en inglés y español. Step back in time and experience "Little Edo" in Kawagoe! On this walking tour, we will explore beautifully preserved warehouse district streets (Kurazukuri), visit the iconic Toki no Kane clock tower, and stroll through Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho). Discover local snacks, rich Japanese history, and charming shrines on a relaxed, personalized day trip just outside Tokyo!
Kawagoe "Little Edo" Historic Tour (English / Spanish)
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Timeless Kawagoe: Tour Through Little Edo's History and Charm
Join our unforgettable tour through the historic streets of Kawagoe, famously known as "Little Edo"! This carefully curated itinerary takes you from the spiritual serenity of Hikawa Shrine to the samurai legacy of Kawagoe Castle, the nostalgic charm of Penny Candy Alley, and the iconic Time Bell Tower. Stroll through the Edo-era elegance of Kurazukuri Old Town, enjoy lunch, and explore the vintage allure of Taisho Roman Dori Street.
Timeless Kawagoe: Tour Through Little Edo's History and Charm
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Kawagoe, Koedo (little Edo), nostalgic town exploring, Half Day Tour
Koedo has preserved a seventeenth-century atmosphere that was regarded as the major city of the Tokugawa government. The area is dotted with buildings and related temples from that era. Not only are they historical, but they are also a fun way to stroll around town while enjoying a ready-made edible treat. You can learn Tokugawa family cherished temple called Kitain, then "Kashiya Yokocyo" aka, Candy alley, Bell Tower, and stroll the warehouse-style street.
Kawagoe, Koedo (little Edo), nostalgic town exploring, Half Day Tour
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A Half-Day-Trip Koedo Kawagoe!
Kawagoe is a historic city located in Saitama Prefecture, just 30 to 60 minutes by train from central Tokyo. It is often called "Little Edo" (小江戸 / Koedo) because of its well-preserved streets and buildings that reflect the Edo period (1603–1868). Kawagoe has many attractions, so I can customize the tour according to your preferences!
A Half-Day-Trip Koedo Kawagoe!
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