Japan

As part of last year’s Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention and Exhibition, a number of trees from Takasago-An, the late Daizo Iwasaki’s bonsai garden, were displayed around town. Here are some of the trees on display at Ritsurin Garden. White pine White pine on slab Red pine Shimpaku on stone Tsuyama cypress Hornbeam Large suiseki […]

Apart from the overall beauty of the place, the most memorable feature of Ritsurin Garden its collection of pines. Each is old and well cared for, like Tsurukame-matsu (crane and tortoise) below. From the park brochure, “A black pine tree resembling the shape of a crane spreading its wings planted in a turtle-shaped stone planter […]

Among the more popular destinations in Kagawa is Ritsurin Garden. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the garden comprises 6 ponds and 13 small hills in the shadow of Mt Shiun. The park served as the private villa estate for 11 lords of the Matsudaira family for 228 years up until the Meiji Restoration […]

One benefit to visiting Japan in the fall is that the chrysanthemums are in bloom. Chrysanthemums are displayed with great beauty and creativity across Japan. Several were on display in kiosks in Tamamo Park when I visited last fall. Chrysanthemums! Floral penjing Young chrysanthemum Purple, yellow and pale, surfboards? A fusillade of flowers

The 2011 Asia Pacific Bonsai and Suiseki Convention and Exhibition was held in Takamatsu, Kagawa, on Shikoku. Takamatsu is a nice tourist destination. It’s on the Seto Inland Sea and is close to some of the larger bonsai growing grounds in Japan. At night, a giant maze of indoor pedestrian malls provides plenty of entertainment. […]