One highlight of my recent visit to Japan was a day trip to Tokoname where a group of us visited several well-known kilns. Our first stop – the Koyo kiln. Koyo – the kiln established in 1970 by Kouichirou Aiba, is best known for its glazed pots. Today the kiln is run by Aiba’s son, […]
Excursions
Excursion posts feature visits to bonsai gardens in the U.S. and in Japan, visits to the Kyoto's Most Renown Gardens, and trips into the mountains to see junipers and pines in their natural setting.
Koju-en shohin bonsai nursery
I recently returned from a trip to Japan for the World Bonsai Convention. Before getting to the show, I was able to visit a number of bonsai and satsuki nurseries that were new to me. The first of these was Koju-en. Koju-en Koju-en is a Kyoto bonsai nursery run by Tomohiro Masumi. Masumi is a […]
The trees of Bonsai Shohin Japan
Bonsai Shohin Japan was one of the many traders at this year’s Noelanders Trophy. As their name suggests, the nursery specializes in small bonsai imported from Japan. Ume Shimpaku The nursery is run by the very friendly Guillaume and Alex. Guillaume and Alex I was impressed by their material. They work closely with a variety of […]
Traders at the 18th Noelanders Trophy
When I arrived at the Noelanders Trophy last Saturday, I headed straight for the exhibit. I was surprised, however, to find the exhibit hall fairly empty. Where were the hundreds of guests who waited in line to get in? Down the hall shopping. The big draw at the Noelanders Trophy is the vendor area. Over […]
Demonstrations at the 18th Noelanders Trophy
Last weekend the city of Genk, Belgium, hosted the 18th Noelanders Trophy. This year’s event was paired with the European Bonsai Association exhibit making for a huge, 200+ display event. It was my first time visiting the Noelanders Trophy so I was very excited to see it in person. Visitors at the 2017 Noelanders Trophy […]