Omiya Bonsai Village — A Visitor’s Guide

How the village began

Omiya Bonsai Village was born from the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Afterwards, bonsai growers looking to leave Tokyo chose Toro, on the outskirts of Omiya, as a good place to raise their trees, and founded the village here in 1925. Before the war, as many as 35 bonsai gardens are said to have gathered in the area.

Highlights

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama

Opened in 2010, this public museum is dedicated entirely to bonsai. Alongside the trees, it shows bonsai pots, viewing stones (suiseki), paintings and historical records. It is the easiest way for a first-time visitor to see masterpiece trees in one place.

Visiting the bonsai gardens

Bonsai gardens are still scattered around the museum, and seeing trees that professionals tend every day is the real draw of the village. Opening arrangements differ from garden to garden, so check each one before you visit. Thinking of buying a tree? Read whether you can bring a bonsai home from Japan first.

Things to experience

Workshops where you can learn bonsai care or shape a small tree of your own are held in and around the village at times. Availability changes through the year, so check current listings.

Getting there

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is in Kita Ward, Saitama City, north of Tokyo.

• About 5 minutes on foot from the east exit of Toro Station (JR Utsunomiya Line)
• About 10 minutes on foot from Omiya-koen Station (Tobu Urban Park Line)

Opening hours and closing days can change; check the museum’s official website before you go.

Where to stay

Omiya Station is only a few stops from the village, which makes it a convenient base.