Bonsai garden and bonsai museum near Tokyo that you should visit when you come to Japan

We believe that customers who have come to look into our store NAGINOWA are undeniably interested in “bonsai”.
And many of them may be interested in seeing Japanese bonsai and valuable bonsai.
Therefore, in this issue of the Journal, we would like to introduce some famous bonsai gardens and bonsai museums in or near Tokyo.
We hope you enjoy reading this article as one of your reference for your trip to Japan.

1. Shunkaen Bonsai Museum (Tokyo)
The museum was opened by Kunio Kobayashi, a four-time recipient of the Prime Minister's Award and one of Japan's most respected bonsai artists, in the hope that many people would enjoy the beauty of bonsai.
Although it is an art museum, it is a place that all bonsai lovers should visit at least once, as it has a garden, a small room reminiscent of a Japanese house, and weekly classes where visitors can experience bonsai and learn directly from Mr. Kobayashi.
The museum is also a popular spot for foreign tourists, as it offers not only bonsai but also tea ceremony and kimono dressing experience.

Address
Postal Code 132-0001
1-29-16 Shinbori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3670-8622
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission: 2,000 yen
After getting off at the south exit of JR Koiwa Station, take Keisei Bus No. 76 and get off at Keiyo-guchi Exit.

Access from Tokyo Station
　JR Sobu Line Tokyo Station → Shinkoiwa Station → JR Chuo/Sobu Line Shinkoiwa Station → Koiwa Station (about 30 minutes)
Access from Shinjuku Station
　JR Chuo Sobu Line Shinjuku Station → Koiwa Station (about 30 min.)
Access from Shibuya Station
　JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station→Yoyogi Station → JR Chuo/Sobu Line Yoyogi Station→Koiwa Station (about 45 min.)

https://kunio-kobayashi.com/
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2. Bonsai-en (in National Showa Memorial Park) (Tokyo)
This is the first national bonsai exhibition facility in Japan, where visitors can view bonsai mainly from the historical and traditional Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition lifestyle.
The bonsai on display are mainly masterpiece bonsai donated by enthusiasts from all over Japan with the cooperation of the Japan Bonsai Association, and are displayed in accordance with the four seasons.
Showa Kinen Park is a large park where visitors can appreciate flowers and picnic. Visitors who want to enjoy not only bonsai but also nature to the fullest should visit here.

Address
Postal Code 190-0014
3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
Hours: 9:30 - 30 minutes before closing time of paid area
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission (National Showa Memorial Park): 450 yen
2-10 minutes walk from JR Tachikawa Station (depending on the entrance gate)

Access from Tokyo Station
　JR Chuo Line Tokyo Station→Tachikawa Station (about 45 minutes)
Access from Shinjuku Station
　JR Chuo Line Shinjuku Station→Tachikawa Station (approx. 30 min.)
Access from Shibuya Station
　JR Saikyo Line or, Shonan Shinjuku Line Shibuya Station→Shinjuku Station → JR Chuo Line Shinjuku Station→Tachikawa Station (approx. 45 min.)

https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/facility/facility-382/
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3. Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (in Omiya Bonsai Village) (outside Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture)
Although not located in Tokyo, Omiya in Saitama Prefecture is the most bonsai-enjoying city in the Kanto region.
The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, which we will introduce here, is the first public bonsai museum in the world, and the Omiya Bonsai Village, where this museum is located, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year in 2025.
In addition to the museum, Omiya Bonsai Village also has six bonsai gardens.
If you would like to enjoy bonsai in a historical place, please take a short trip to Omiya Bonsai Village.

Address
Postal Code 331-0804
2-24-3 Doro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
Phone number: 048-780-2091
Hours: March - October｜9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., November - February｜9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed: Thursdays (open if Thursday is a national holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
Admission: 310 yen

Access from Tokyo Station
　JR Utsunomiya Line Tokyo Station→Doro Station (about 40 minutes)
Access from Shinjuku Station
　JR Saikyo Line or, Shonan Shinjuku Line Shinjuku Station → Omiya Station → JR Utsunomiya Line Omiya Station → Doro Station (about 45 minutes)
Access from Shibuya Station
　JR Saikyo Line or, Shonan Shinjuku Line Shibuya Station → Akabane Station → JR Utsunomiya Line Akabane Station → Doro Station (about 1 hour)

https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/ja/
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What do you think?
We have picked up three places that are considered the most famous bonsai gardens in Japan.
If you visit Japan as a tourist and want to see real bonsai, we recommend you to visit the places mentioned above first.
Let's experience the charm of Japanese bonsai!

NAGINOWA is an e-commerce store offering high quality Japanese bonsai pots and gardening supplies.
Please take a look at our store. We are sure you will find a pot that you like.