It was almost a year ago that I was preparing to visit Japan for what turned out to be my best vacation to date – a bonsai adventure that lasted almost two months. I shot far more photos on this trip than I was able to share last year so I will now return to the task for the next few weeks in an effort to portray some of the bonsai highlights from Central Japan.
Within a few days of arriving, with Boon Manakitivipart, to Shimpukuji Temple, my home for the first week of the trip, Akio Kondo picked us up for a tour of some bonsai nurseries. One of our first stops was Mr. Ishii’s nursery. Ishii is a prominent bonsai professional in Central Japan – I saw him at just about every exhibit and auction I attended during my stay and he was always buying and selling. His collection included a fun assortment of trees and a great selection of black pines.
Black pines
Smaller pines
An awesome black pine
From the other side
Black pine
Red and white pines too filled the garden – all were healthy and interesting.
Red pine
Exposed root white pine
Red pine
Root over rock black pine
I always appreciate seeing trees in training. The pine below has great movement and taper – a really fun project.
Black pine
Red pine
White pine
A number of juniper projects were to be found, each with interesting deadwood.
Shimpaku
Juniper deadwood
Shimpaku
Wow that is some great material. Thanks for sharing.
Where in Central Japan is this?
Stu
Hi Stu, I don’t know exactly where Ishii’s nursery is – somewhere within an hour or two of Nagoya by car.
I’m afraid theres a little drool after seeing those! Any one of wich would be a highlight of my collection!