For those who have yet to visit the Omiya Bonsai Museum, I highly recommend it. The collection is small, but the quality is high. Indoor displays teach bonsai basics. An outdoor garden allows for strolling among famous trees.
My favorite exhibits include an overview of the history of bonsai and of the Omiya Bonsai Village. Old books and scrolls decorate the history room and provide insight to the beginnings of bonsai.
Although photography is forbidden in the main garden, a side garden features a rotating selection of trees that may be photographed. Here are some of the highlights.
Korean hornbeam
Japanese maple
Maple roots
Ume
Shimpaku
Chinese quince
Black pine
It’s easier to see what makes this pine special when viewing it from the right side.
Black pine – great bark
White pine on a rock
Museum garden from above
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carterbeall says
I have seen pictures of the Japanese maple on the internet before, but only in leaf. I found it quite impressive, but out of leaf the ramification seems to be lacking compared to other Japanese maples I’ve seen. Interesting.
Gary R Croft says
Showa-Kinen Memorial Garden out in western Tokyo also has a quite wonderful collection that is freely available to be photographed. Take the Chuo Line train out to Nishi-Tachikawa at the entrance to Showa-Kinen proper,and follow directions signposted for about 20 minutes walk.
Definitely worth the effort. Stunning Stewartias,Maples and Pines amongst others to be seen.
A fabulous place way off the tourist trail.
Sam Griffin says
Hi Jonas, I went to this garden last week, it was excellent. Some exceptional trees, I especially loved the apricot. We also visited a few of the surrounding nurseries which in many ways were more impressive than the museum and if it weren’t for customs laws I would have definitely looked at buying some trees, instead just some pots.
Even more impressive throughout Japan was the niwaki and gardens in general which everyone takes so much pride in, even in the smallest of spaces. More food for the obsession…
africanbirding says
Reblogged this on Wolf's Birding and Bonsai Blog.