One of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture is the people’s love and respect for nature, seen through the evolution of Japanese gardens and the Bonsai, or the art of small trees grown in containers. The history of Bonsai goes back 1,500 years, when Buddhist students brought back potted plants as souvenirs from the Chinese mainland.
The practice of keeping potted trees small evolved into an art form of cultivation techniques, including pruning, root reduction, potting, defoliating and grafting to produce miniature trees that look full size.
There’s no better place to learn the art and skills needed to create your own bonsai garden than here in Japan. Kintetsu International can assist you with everything from inspiring tours of the Bonsai Museum and Japanese gardens to classes that continue to teach the ancient art.
The Japanese Gardens in Kyoto is a great place to start your Bonsai journey. The city is packed with an endless variety of Japanese gardens. Many of these gardens are part of temples or old imperial retreats. Wants a special treat? Go visit the gardens in November when the foliage glows with stunning autumn colors.
[JAPANESE GARDENS AND BONSAI MUSEUMS]
Tokyo
SHUNKAEN BONSAI GARDEN
Saitama
OMIYA BONSAI VILLAGE
Yokohama
SANKEIEN
Mito
KAIRAKUEN JAPANESE GARDEN
Kyoto
RYOANJI
KATSURA RIKYU
Osaka
FUJIKAWA KOUKAEN