- Culture
- Saitama
The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama
Explore the world of bonsai in the heart of bonsai culture in Saitama
The Omiya Bonsai Village was born when the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 devastated the Tokyo area, and bonsai artisans who lived in Tokyo's Dangozaka area relocated to Omiya seeking soil appropriate for raising bonsai plants. Today, the area is at the center of the international bonsai community, attracting fans from all around the globe. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama, situated adjacent to the Omiya Bonsai Village, is actively introducing bonsai culture to the world.
Collection Gallery
The museum consists of the Collection Gallery and Exhibition Room, structured surrounding the Bonsai Garden. The Collection Gallery is made up of three areas: the Introduction Area, the Main Gallery, and the Zashiki-kazari (interior decoration) Area. Each area exhibits various bonsai and materials to allow visitors to enjoy and gain a deeper understanding of bonsai culture. The Main Gallery and Zashiki-kazari Area change the bonsai displays weekly according to the season.
Bonsai Garden
The Bonsai Garden exhibits around 60 bonsai works at all times, which can be viewed from various angles. One of the most prominent bonsai is the Chiyo-no-Matsu, a Goyo-Matsu (Japanese five-needle pine) and the largest bonsai in the museum. It is displayed on a turntable to enable optimal exposure to the sun. From the Bonsai Terrace on the second floor of the main building, visitors can enjoy a great view of the entire garden.
Special exhibitions and workshops
Don't miss the various special exhibitions on topics such as the history of bonsai and Omiya Bonsai Village as well as bonsai art exhibits. The monthly workshop to experience creating seasonal bonsai is also popular among visitors of all ages. Furthermore, the museum offers bonsai consultation days to advise about nurturing and caring for bonsai and hands-on instructions, as well as demonstration classes conducted by bonsai artisans.
Location
| Name | The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/en/ |
| Address | 2-24-3 Toro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama |
| Access | Approximately 5 minutes' walk from East Exit of JR Toro Station |
| Business Hours | March to October: 9:00 to 16:30 November to February: 9:00 to 16:00 Last admission: 30 minutes before closing |
| Closed | Thursdays (open if a public holiday), year-end and New Year's holidays, and special closing days |
| Inquiries | TEL: 048-780-2091 (The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama) |