The 8th World Bonsai Convention in 2017 will be held in Saitama prefecture’s Saitama city! There is an actual “Bonsai” district in the city and the whole area is like a true bonsai world. Many foreign guests visit popular touristic spots in the district, such as the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, the House of the Four Seasons, and the Saitama Municipal Manga Museum. The area is especially recommended for those who want to spend good time and see some of society’s finest achievements.
Japan’s first manga museum built on what used to be Rakuten Kitazawa’s residence
Saitama Municipal Manga Museum is Japan’s first manga museum built on what used to be the last residence of modern manga’s pioneer and honorary citizen of Saitama city Rakuten Kitazawa. He worked as a professional manga artist from Meiji to Showa periods and the museum displays many of his favorite items, as well as his art works. Kitazawa was the first who developed colored manga. His works depicted the everyday life of ordinary people in a humorous way.
The museum also holds several special exhibitions and events every year, therefore check the latest information on the municipal webpage before visiting the place. The garden next to the museum was left as it looked like when Kitazawa lived there, so one can enjoy the feeling of getting absorbed by one’s thoughts while being there.
Open: 9:00~16:30 Closed: Every Monday (except on holidays), the day after a holiday, December 28-January 4 Admission fee: Free Parking lot: None
There is a power spot in Uetake Inari shrine?!
Right next to the manga museum there is a shrine. It is called Uetake Inari shrine and a large stone monument is erected inside in honor of Ritarou Shimizu, the founder of Omiya Bonsai Village. It is said to be the village’s energy spot. Initially, the Bonsai Village was established near the end of Taisho period when many bonsai artists from Komagome region in Tokyo left their devastated homes after the Great Kanto Earthquake and moved to Saitama. This is why now there are a total of 6 bonsai gardens in the village now, such as Kyukaen and Seikoen.
Be sure to see the monument of Ritarou Shimizu, founder of Bonsai Village which now boasts a beautiful townscape and distinctive spirit. You can also visit every bonsai garden. All of them use different plants in various arrangements created by the artists with their skills and aesthetics. Therefore a tour around the gardens is always a different experience each time.
Attention from the entire world! Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Saitama city’s municipal Omiya Bonsai Art Museum opened in 2010 as the world’s first public museum to present the culture of bonsai. It exhibits not only bonsai art, but also containers, suiseki (arranged rocks for aesthetical appreciation), pictures and historical archives. As the interest in bonsai outside of Japan continues to grow, many foreigners visit the museum. There are about 40-50 pieces of bonsai art exhibited in the garden. The way bonsai presents nature in miniature, yet suggesting its grand and wild power, is absolutely impressive. From the gazebo in the center and from the museum’s second floor one can see the bonsai pieces from a higher point of view, so be sure to go upstairs after you explore them one by one. Taking photos is permitted only in some parts of the garden.
Open: March till October: 9:00~4:30 / November till February: 9:00~4:00 Closed: Thursday (except on public holidays), New Year’s vacation Admission fee: Adult: 300 JPY, high-school students and elderly over 65 years: 150 JPY, elementary and junior high-school students: 100 JPY. There is a discount for groups.
If you need a rest, stop by the House of the Four Seasons
The House of the Four Seasons is a resting place made for visitors of the bonsai gardens in the village. It is free to use by everyone. If you need a rest after touring the gardens, or need to go to the toilet, you can stop by any time. There is also a free parking lot (with room for 11 cars), so you can park here and start the walking tour around.
Tasting delicious sweets at Fukumaru cafe
Touring the manga museum, the bonsai art museum and the gardens takes about 10 000 steps… Next to Tobu Urban Park line’s Omiya-Koen station, a cafe named Fukumaru cafe opened in May 2014. It is a stylish place that you should definitely visit after completing the bonsai village tour. Located in a remodeled building, the cafe offers pleasant time surrounded by antique furniture. The lemon cake made with a whole lemon is especially popular and recommended. The coffee served is carefully selected and exquisite. All of this helps you recover from the fatigue. Of course, there is also a lunch menu!
Place: Saitama-shi, Kita-ku, Bonsaicho 91-2 Phone/fax: 048-628-8652 Open: 10:00~19:00 Closed: Wednesday
Conclusion
How did you like the Bonsai Village and its attractions that I just introduced? There are many interesting things to see in the village with its beautiful townscape and rich nature. You can learn more about the roots of everyday manga and its pioneer Rakuten Kitazawa, or you can widen your world view with the art of bonsai. Simply visiting those places deepens your knowledge. Every year between May 3th and 5th the Omiya Bonsai festival is held, attracting many tourists. Will you try a new experience at Omiya Bonsai Village?
Nearest stations: - 3 minutes’ walk from Tobu Noda line’s Omiya-Koen station - 10 minutes’ walk from JR Utsunomiya line’s (Tohoku line) Toro station, east exit
History
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