2009/09/30
Bonsai – Omiya, Saitama
“Bonsai (miniature potted tree),” that enhances the changing seasons and the beauty of nature in a pot – Walk around in a Bonsai village, Omiya
It is said that Bonsai started in the late Heian period (794-1185), having “Bonkei (scene on a tray)” that were bought back by the Japanese envoy to China in the Tang Dynasty as its roots. Then, among nobles and warriors, it became more sophisticated using aspects from Japanese culture. Where people can imagine natural scenery in small plants. In Edo period (1603-1867) Bonsai, along with the Tea Ceremony culture, widely spread from cultural figures to ordinary people. “Bonsai,” is the concept of enjoying plants, nature, the four seasons, and time passing. While being condensed in a small space, are now widely loved all over the world. OmiyaBonsai village was born around 1926．Because the area has an abundance of red ball earth, underground water and the pure air of Musashino. It is an optimum rearing environment for the Bonsai. “Dai Bonsai Matsuri (Great Bonsai Festival)” which is held every May, attracts many Bonsai fans from Japan and all over the world.
- Address: Bonsai cho, Kita ku, Saitama city, Saitama prefecture
- Access: 5 min. walk from Tobu Noda line “OmiyaKoen Station”or 10 min. walk from JR Utsunomiya station.
“Seika En” the shop with a wide variety of Bonsai products, from a 500-year old tree to a stylish modern one.
“Seika En” is an old and established Bonsai garden shop that was founded in Edo/Kaei period (1848-1854). The shop moved to Bonsai village from Negishi, Taito ku, Tokyo to escape war damage in the era of the shop’s third generation owner. The shop has seen continued success in the “Edomae” style. This focuses importance on spontaneous foliage, to form its foundation. At present Mr. Tomio Yamada, the fourth generation owns the shop and garden. At this store, in addition to traditional style (Bonsai), it advocates “Saika Bonsai (Flower decoration bonsai)” this is the form of group planting style in a free-thinking pot. This is the shop’s original style that the owner started to advocate 25 years ago. Now, Ms. Kaori Yamada, the 5th generation has made great efforts to develop the style. Its colorful style of group planting with young trees and grasses from the fields and mountains in pots of various shapes is especially popular among young women as it fits their modern life-style.
How to enjoy Bonsai; look at the Bonsai from the front (the side that the top of the tree bend forward) at first. When you look up the Bonsai from the front, you can feel the vastness of the tree in a small Bonsai. When you appreciate its form and shape, take a close look at the powerfulness of the root spread. Don’t miss the beauty of the trunk skin and the impression of an old tree. As well as being conscious of the pot/tree harmony. Also, if you want to feel the pleasure of watching them bud, you need to nurse them. If you are a beginner, start with a small Bonsai that you can cherish. Maple and acre are also good for enjoying the changes in the four seasons. There is a difference between Hachiue (potted plant) and Bonsai. Bonsai focuses importance on the harmony of the pot and trees. Therefore while the shape is being formed, total balance of the foliage and space is also considered. As Bonsai deals with the live plants, you need to develop it while imagining its shape in the future. This is the real joy of Bonsai and the chance to show your skill. Bonsai is a “real-life work of art” you can feel the seasons and enjoy nature in a small pot.
- Address: 268 Bonsai cho, Kita ku, Saitama city, Saitama prefecture
- Tel.: 048-663-3991
- Access: 5 min. walk from Tobu Noda line“Ohmiya Koen Station”or 10 min. walk from JR Utsunomiya station.
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 - Closing day: Every Thursday
