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Omiya Bonsai Village: A Living Art

Discover the art of miniature trees in a tranquil village dedicated to bonsai, just north of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture.

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Omiya Bonsai Village, located in Saitama, is a unique neighborhood dedicated to the art of bonsai. Established in 1925 after the Great Kanto Earthquake, it's home to numerous bonsai nurseries, a museum, and residents who meticulously maintain miniature trees in their gardens.

A brief summary to Omiya Bonsai Village

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening days; most nurseries and the museum are closed on Thursdays.
  • Attend the Grand Bonsai Festival (May 3-5) for special exhibitions and a lively atmosphere.
  • Photography is generally not allowed in the nurseries.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the village and gardens.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Omiya Park or the Saitama Municipal Cartoon Art Museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Omiya Station, take the Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line) to Omiya-Koen Station (approx. 5 minutes, 160 yen). Alternatively, take the JR Utsunomiya Line from Omiya Station to Toro Station (approx. 5 minutes, 150 yen). The village is a 5-10 minute walk from either station.

  • Taxi

    From Omiya Station, a taxi to Omiya Bonsai Village takes approximately 4 minutes and costs between 2,200 and 2,700 yen. Note that taxi fares in Saitama start at 700 yen, with an additional 400 yen per kilometer.

  • Walking

    It is approximately a 42-minute walk from Omiya Station to Omiya Bonsai Village, covering a distance of 3.6 kilometers.

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Discover more about Omiya Bonsai Village

Omiya Bonsai Village offers a tranquil escape into the world of meticulously cultivated miniature trees. Founded in 1925, the village arose from the relocation of Tokyo-based bonsai artisans seeking a fresh environment after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. They found Omiya to have the ideal combination of spacious land, clean water, and fresh air needed for their delicate art. Today, the village maintains a unique character with charming streets, bonsai nurseries, and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. The museum, opened in 2010, is the world's first public museum dedicated to bonsai. It showcases a diverse collection of bonsai masterpieces, historical artifacts like pots and viewing stones, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints featuring bonsai. The museum provides information in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese. Explore the village's six main nurseries, each with its own distinct style. Some nurseries feature bonsai that are hundreds of years old. Nurseries include Kyuka-en, known for its natural-looking bonsai; Seikou-en, famous for Saika bonsai; Toju-en, a teaching ground for bonsai; Fuyo-en, known for deciduous bonsai; and Mansei-en, one of Japan's most famous bonsai gardens. Every year, from May 3rd to 5th, the village hosts the Grand Bonsai Festival, attracting bonsai enthusiasts from all over the world. The festival features special exhibitions, bonsai and pot sales, and other events.

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