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A Bonsai Paradise Thrives in Saitama
Omiya Bonsai Village is a densely packed area of bonsai gardens located to the north of Omiya Park Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line. Following the Great Kanto Earthquake, bonsai craftsmen who had been affected by the disaster in Tokyo sought a new place to settle. They moved in groups to this location, which was well-suited for bonsai cultivation due to its strong soil, high-quality earth, water, and air. This marked the beginning of the village.
In those early years, a set of community rules fueled by a deep love for bonsai took shape: “Every household must have at least 10 bonsai,” “Gates must remain open,” “No two-story buildings,” and “Hedges should be made from living plants.” This collective spirit created an environment that could be likened to a bonsai artisan’s utopia. Enthusiasts and supporters were drawn to this unique vision, and by the height of its pre-war prosperity, over 30 bonsai gardens had emerged. This community, united by a shared passion, became a living embodiment of bonsai culture.
The town’s name was officially changed to “Bonsai Town,” and in 2010, the world’s first public bonsai museum, the Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, was born. While the number of bonsai gardens has now dwindled to just six, traditional artisans with refined skills continue to coexist with younger artists pushing creative boundaries, ensuring that this village remains the heart of bonsai culture both in Japan and beyond.
Omiya Bonsai Village, which began its journey in 1925 after the Great Kanto Earthquake, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. That century reflects the dedicated and passionate steps taken by bonsai lovers who have nurtured this tradition.
