Miniature Art at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

A unique showcase of the history, culture, and cultivation of these miniature man-made natural artworks

Bonsai is the traditional Japanese art of cultivating potted trees to grow in sizes small enough to fit on a tabletop. The best examples can be decades or even centuries old—and have been carefully coaxed by generations of bonsai masters into sublime, harmonious shapes that mimic their appearance in nature.

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is the world’s first publicly run museum devoted to bonsai, and it has an impressive collection on display. English audio guides are available to give visitors greater insight into the history, culture, and production of these amazing miniature creations.

The museum is located less than an hour from central Tokyo. It makes for a perfect half-day destination, or as a full day combined with exploring the surrounding area, home to the lovely Omiya Park and a number of private bonsai gardens.

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama