Culture The Arts

Plum Blossom Bonsai Trees are Blooming at Bonbaiten

February 20, 2015

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Plum Blossom Bonsai Trees are Blooming at Bonbaiten

This mansion was built in just three months to accommodate the last minute visit of the Meiji Emperor to Nagahama City over a hundred years ago. It houses dozens of plum blossom bonsai trees varying from the fragrant white to the vibrant red blossom varieties, all expertly maintained over the years. The oldest tree is about four hundred years old and resides in the oldest part of the building. Each tree has its own nickname which is displayed with the trees themselves. Smaller trees are also available for purchase outside of the building. After viewing the plum blossoms, you can relax with a delicious cup of tea and enjoy local art at the tea house and art display area located at the end of the mansion.

The Bonbaiten (盆梅展) exhibition is open to the public every winter, this year from January 10th to March 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. And now they have extended evening hours until 8:00 p.m. where both the garden and the indoor trees are illuminated by spotlights (evening hours until March 8th). Admission is 500¥ for Adults and 200¥ for children and students.

From Nagahama station, it takes about five to ten minutes to walk to the building. If you are hoping to do more exploring, there is a bike rental shop located just outside of Nagahama station. However, because there is no bike rack located at Bonbaiten you may want to rent a bike after your visit.

For more info (Japanese only) and photos, see the Bonbaiten website or Facebook page.

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