Learning how the art form of bonsai somehow differs by visiting several different bonsai gardens worldwide can be both a fruitful and exciting journey.
If you want to visit bonsai exhibits in your state or country, here are the top 25 of our best-recommended places for all beginner and experienced bonsai artists.
List of bonsai tree gardens in the world mentioned in this post:
- Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
- Kyuka-en Bonsai Garden
- Seiko-en Bonsai Garden
- Toju-en Bonsai Garden
- Fuyo-en Bonsai Garden
- Mansei-en Bonsai Garden
- Shosetsu-en Bonsai Garden
- Kimura’s Bonsai Garden
- Shunka-en Bonsai Museum
- Taikan Bonsai Garden
- Fujikawa Kouka-en Bonsai Garden
- Koju-en Shohin Nursery
- Korea Bonsai Museum
- Amy Liang Bonsai Museum
- The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection
- The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
- Pacific Bonsai Museum
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- Jardin Botanique de Montréal
- Luis Vallejo Bonsái Museum
- Crespi Bonsai Museum
- Bonsai Museum Isabelia
- Bonsai Museum Düsseldorf
- Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery
Top 25 Bonsai Gardens in the World Directory:
Here Are 25 Bonsai Gardens in the World That You Must Visit
Many historical and important bonsai masterpieces are displayed in different parts of the world. This allows the bonsai community to introduce the living art form of bonsai to the public.
If you want to see some of the finest bonsai trees in your region, here’s a list of the top 25 best bonsai tree gardens in the world:
Quick links:
Japan | Asia | Australia/Oceania | The Americas | Europe | Africa
Japan
1. Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Photo courtesy of Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (March to October) | until 4:00 pm only (November to February)
There’s no better place to learn about the history and folklore of bonsai art than at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama, Japan. It opened in 2010 as the world’s first publicly-run bonsai museum.
Visiting this museum is not only worth it but also convenient as it’s adjacent to the Omiya Bonsai Village, where the most historical and influential bonsai tree gardens in and outside Japan are located.
In this museum, visitors can view the bonsai collection of the former Takagi Bonsai Museum of Art and learn how bonsai trees are traditionally displayed in shin, gyo, and so arrangements. Aside from that, they can see and discover some bonsai display elements such as suiseki, scrolls, and Ukiyoe paintings.
2. Kyuka-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Kyuka-en is one of the first six bonsai tree gardens in the Omiya Bonsai Village, founded by Murata Kyuzo in 1929.
It’s recognized as one of the most important bonsai tree gardens in the world not only because of its history but also because it houses some of the most important bonsai masterpieces, particularly those previously cared for by Japanese prime ministers and imperial family members.
Most of their bonsai tree supplies are from the main island of Honshu and northernmost Hokkaido. They also make and market some bonsai tools, such as bonsai scissors.
Today, the Kyuka-en is headed by Murata Isamu.
3. Seiko-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Website: https://www.seikouen.cc/
Seiko-en is among the first bonsai tree gardens in the Omiya Bonsai Village. It was founded during the Kaei period in Edo and was transferred to Omiya in 1943 by the third-generation owner Yamada Kamajiro.
Their expertise and focus are creating Edo-style bonsai trees. They also make general bonsai tools to support artists in maintaining their trees easily and more conveniently.
It’s currently managed and maintained by fourth-generation owner Yamada Tomio.
4. Toju-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Another part of the Omiya Bonsai Village is Toju-en. Hamano Motosuke, the first-generation owner, opened the garden in 1931.
In 1966, the garden started holding bonsai classes and apprenticeships for interested students, making it the first bonsai school in Japan. Many of the great bonsai artists we know today studied in Toju-en, including the world-renowned bonsai master Masahiko Kimura.
This bonsai garden specializes in cultivating Japanese white pine and juniper bonsai trees. Shohin bonsai specimens can also be found on display.
Hamano Hiromi now owns and manages the place.
5. Fuyo-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm | Closed on Thursdays except for national holidays
Website: https://www.fuyoen.co.jp/
In 1939, a former businessman, Takeyama Fusazo, opened a bonsai garden in Omiya—which we now know as the Fuyo-en.
This garden cultivates zoki bonsai (deciduous) and forest-style bonsai trees. That’s why visiting Fuyo-en from September to November would delight those who enjoy the sight of fall colors.
Fusazo’s son, Takeyama Hiroshi, currently owns Fuyo-en.
6. Mansei-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
The earliest bonsai garden that opened in Omiya is Mansei-en. Second-generation owner, Kato Tomekichi, started operating it in Omiya in 1925. Now, it’s being run by the fifth-generation owner Kato Takahiro (Haruhiko).
Mansei-en has a lot of museum-quality bonsai trees, including a 1000-year-old Sargent juniper bonsai worth 2 million USD. These trees are traditionally displayed in tokonoma to further showcase their timeless beauty.
Various bonsai tools and display elements like suiseki are also available for sale in Mansei-en.
7. Shosetsu-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
After completing his apprenticeship at Toju-en, Kurosu Teruo opened Shosetsu-en in Omiya in 1977.
Aside from cultivating bonsai trees, he also offered bonsai classes with the theme “beauty in space. Since he’s also the Ceramic Art Foundation president, visitors can join classes for bonsai pot-making offered in the garden.
Teruo and his apprentice’ bonsai creations’ are exhibited yearly as part of a festival in June.
8. Kimura’s Bonsai Garden
Location: Saitama, Japan
Operating hours: By appointment only
Close to the gardens of Omiya Bonsai Village is bonsai master Masahiko Kimura’s bonsai garden. Kimura opened his garden to the public to showcase his award-winning bonsai trees, including the famous Toryu-no-Mai (The Dance of the Rising Dragon) and Hinoki Ishizuki.
You can find many pine trees here, particularly junipers, and some deciduous specimens.
Like some of the gardens in the village, Kimura’s bonsai garden is also continuing to hold apprenticeship programs for interested students. Several popular and established bonsai artists today, such as Ernie Kuo and Ryan Neil, have studied the art form of bonsai here.
9. Shunka-en Bonsai Museum
Photo courtesy of Shunka-en Bonsai Museum
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) | Closed on Mondays except for public holidays
Another must-visit garden in Japan is the Shunka-en bonsai museum. It was founded in 2002 by Kunio Kobayashi to showcase his works to the public.
This bonsai garden has over 1000 professionally cultivated bonsai trees, several of which are over a hundred years old. One of the famous pieces in the garden is the 800-year-old Shimapku juniper bonsai worth 1 million USD.
If you want to briefly experience making a bonsai with your family or friends, enroll in their hour-long bonsai experience course. You may also join their month-long apprenticeship program to learn bonsai art more in-depth.
10. Taikan Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Peter Tea
Location: Obuse, Japan
Taikan Bonsai Garden is one of the best-looking gardens in Japan. It’s owned by one of the best bonsai masters today, Mr. Shinji Suzuki.
The bonsai trees in the display are well laid out and placed in single stands and slabs. Suzuki’s bonsai collection is also filled with trees over a hundred years old. Upon entering, you can find two large pine trees over 200 years old.
The trees are stored in greenhouses every December to March for winterization. That said, visit the garden between April and November to see the bonsai trees in their proper displays and full glory.
11. Fujikawa Kouka-en Bonsai Garden
Photo courtesy of Fujikawa Kouka-en Bonsai Garden
Location: Osaka, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
In 1950, Fujikawa Minoru opened the Kouka-en bonsai garden in Osaka to create museum-quality bonsai trees. Many of the bonsai trees in the collection have been exhibited in countless Kokufu-ten Bonsai Exhibitions in Japan, so visiting the garden would be a delight.
Today, it does not only function as a nursery but also as a school for bonsai wherein enthusiasts can properly and professionally learn how to cultivate a bonsai.
Second-generation owner Fujikawa Keiichi currently runs it.
12. Koju-en Shohin Nursery
Photo courtesy of Kyoto Koju-en
Location: Kyoto, Japan
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
In Kyoto, you can find a bonsai nursery filled with shohin bonsai trees called Koju-en, owned by Japanese bonsai artist Tomoshiro Masumi.
Aside from making shohin bonsai trees, this garden also offers classes and apprenticeship programs to bonsai enthusiasts managed by Koju-kai. In these classes, students can learn how to care for shohin bonsai trees and create bonsai pots.
Note: Koju-kai is the official club of All Japan Shohin Bonsai Association.
Asia
13. Korea Bonsai Museum, South Korea
Photo courtesy of Korea Bonsai Museum
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday (9:00 am to 7:00 pm) | Sunday (12:00 pm to 7:00 pm) | Closed on national holidays
In 1988, Director Kim Jae-in opened the Korea Bonsai Museum in Seoul to showcase and further promote the bonsai culture in South Korea.
Today, more than 5,000 bonsai trees of 100 different species are displayed in the garden. The collection consists of pine trees, flowering, and fruit-bearing tree species cultivated for many years.
Aside from creating bonsai trees, the Korea Bonsai Museum also offers in-person and online bonsai classes to beginner bonsai enthusiasts.
14. Amy Liang Bonsai Museum, Taiwan
Photo courtesy of Amy Liang Bonsai Museum
Location: Taipei City, Taiwan
Operating hours: By reservation only (at least 10 people in a group)
The Purple Garden (Ziyuan garden) of Taiwanese Amy Liang is home to 500 museum-quality bonsai trees.It’s composed of dozens of award-winning masterpieces from Taiwan.
Visiting this garden is a delight to visitors who enjoy the rich colors of nature as more than thirty percent of the collection is made of various flowering and fruit-being bonsai tree species, displayed all over the garden.
Bonsai artist Amy Liang also conducts seasonal bonsai classes for interested individuals.
Australia/Oceania
15. The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection, Australia
Photo courtesy of National Arboretum Canberra
Location: Canberra, Australia
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
The National Bonsai & Penjing Collection Australia opened in September 2008 in Commonwealth Park. Then, in 2013, it moved to the National Arboretum Canberra, where it’s located today.
Its collection consists of 120 world-class traditional and modern-style bonsai masterpieces. Most of these are part of the permanent display; some are on loan from Australian bonsai artists or collectors.
If you’re interested in Australian-native bonsai trees, visit this garden as they have many bonsai tree species native to Australia, such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Banksia serrata.
The Americas
16. National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, USA
Photo courtesy of The National Bonsai Foundation
Location: New York Ave NE, Washington, DC (US National Arboretum)
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Closed for federal holidays
The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is the number one go-to bonsai garden in the US. Aside from having a wide variety of bonsai trees, it’s home to many of the most notable bonsai masterpieces in the world.
It houses the 53 trees from Japan, gifted by the Nippon Bonsai Association, to mark the US bicentennial celebration of independence in 1976. Additionally, it displays some of the award-winning masterpieces of renowned American bonsai masters, which include the works of John. Y Naka and Harry Hirao.
17. Pacific Bonsai Museum, USA
Photo courtesy of The Pacific Bonsai Museum
Location: Federal Way, Washington
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 am to 4:00 pm) | Closed on Mondays
The second must-visit bonsai garden in the US is the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Washington.
Their gallery is full of bonsai trees native to different parts of the world, including the US, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Canada—making it one of the most geographically diverse collections.
Visitors can fully appreciate the glamor of each bonsai as the trees are spaced out and displayed strategically.
18. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, USA
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 am to 4:30 pm) | Closed on Mondays
The bonsai collection of Brooklyn Botanic Garden is recognized as one of the largest collections outside Japan, with 400 tropical and temperate trees. These trees are exhibited in their C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, which showcases 30 trees at a time.
Another thing that makes this garden a good place to visit is that many of the trees in the collection are over 100 years old and still in their original containers.
19. Chicago Botanic Garden, USA
Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden
Location: Glencoe, Illinois
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Chicago Botanic Garden is home to nearly 285 world-class bonsai trees displayed from May to October. This is also where the Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition is held annually.
Many trees in their collection are North American species potted in locally-made containers. They also have several important bonsai masterpieces, including some of the works of Japanese bonsai master Susumu Nakamura and a 600 to 800-year-old limber pine bonsai.
20. Jardin Botanique de Montréal, Canada
Photo courtesy of Lise Servant/Espace pour la vie
Location: Montréal, Canada
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) | Closed on Mondays
With 350 bonsai trees in the collection, Jardin Botanique de Montréal is also recognized as one of the largest collections outside Asia.
They have five bonsai collections highlighting bonsai tree species from different parts of the world, particularly Japan, Northern China, Southern China, Vietnam, and North America. These different collections showcase how the regions’ cultural values affect the aesthetic appeal of the trees.
Like other popular bonsai museums, Jardin Botanique de Montréal also houses several notable bonsai masterpieces, including some that are gifted by the Nippon Bonsai Association.
Read more: Top 25 Bonsai Gardens in the USA
Europe
21. Luis Vallejo Bonsái Museum, Spain
Photo courtesy of Luis Vallejo Bonsái Museum
Location: Madrid, Spain
Operating hours: Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday (11:00 am to 2:00 pm) | Friday, Saturday & Holidays (11:00 am to 6:00 pm)
Luis Vallejo Bonsái Museum is one of the favorite bonsai spots in Europe, as it has one of the most diverse and best-quality collections outside of Japan.
It has about 200 award-winning bonsai trees cultivated by Luis Vallejo, the museum owner, and other renowned bonsai masters, including Masahiko Kimura, Saburo Kato, Shinji Suzuki, and Hiroshi Takeyama.
Bonsai courses and workshops are also available in this museum to help enthusiasts kick off their bonsai journey.
22. Crespi Bonsai Museum, Italy
Photo courtesy of Crespi Bonsai Museum
Location: Parabiago, Italy
Operating hours: Monday (2:30 pm to 7:00 pm) | Tuesday to Saturday (9:30 am to 7:00 pm) | Sunday (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the first permanent bonsai museum in the world—the Crespi Bonsai Museum.
Luigi Crespi opened this museum in Italy in 1991 to make the art form of bonsai more accessible to the public. Today, it houses not only century-old bonsai masterpieces but also antique Chinese pots from the Ming and Qing dynasties and rare texts and manuscripts from different parts of the world.
The museum’s bonsai collection consists of 200 notable, award-winning bonsai cultivated by known bonsai masters, such as Kato, Kaneko, Kawahara, Ogasawara, and Kawamoto.
However, its highlight is the ten ft. tall 1000-year-old Ficus Retusa Linn. It’s displayed at the center of the pagoda, surrounded by two 19th-century wooden Chinese temple dogs.
23. Bonsai Museum Isabelia, Czech Republic
Photo courtesy of Bonsai Museum Isabelia
Location: Staré Město, Czech Republic
Operating hours: Weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm | Closed on weekends
Bonsai Museum Isabelia is one of the best-looking bonsai gardens in Europe. The bonsai trees are displayed in full sun in a traditional Japanese-style garden. Each tree is placed in a single stand to showcase the tree’s beauty and glamor from all angles.
Aside from having an aesthetically pleasing garden design and layout, the museum’s collection comprises world-class bonsai masterpieces regularly exhibited at prestigious European bonsai exhibitions.
This museum opened in 2000 and remained a must-visit destination for bonsai enthusiasts in the Czech Republic.
24. Bonsai Museum Düsseldorf, Germany
Photo courtesy of Bonsai Museum Düsseldorf
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (2:40 pm to 6:30 pm) | Saturday & Sunday (11:00 am to 5:00 pm)
This open-air museum was opened in July 2011 by Werner Busch to introduce and educate the public and beginner enthusiasts about everything bonsai.
Its collection consists of 120 bonsai trees with classic Asian and modern European styles, some over 100 years old. They also hold special exhibitions to showcase the works of some well-known bonsai artists.
Bonsai Museum Düsseldorf has an “educational trail,” making it a perfect place for those who want guided tours. There are numerous text panels throughout the garden explaining the history, philosophy, and art form of bonsai.
Here’s a quick video tour of the Bonsai Museum Düsseldorf in Germany:
Africa
25. Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery, South Africa
Photo courtesy of Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (1:00 pm to 3:00 pm) | Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays (11:00 am to 1:00 pm)
Bishopsford Bonsai Nursery is the biggest bonsai nursery in Cape Town. With thousands of bonsai specimens in the garden, you may find yourself wandering around it for hours.
They have a wide range of bonsai trees, from young specimens you can cultivate to mature ones ready for display. Different sizes, styles, and forms of bonsai are also available to cater to every customer’s liking.
They also conduct bonsai classes and workshops to help beginner enthusiasts kick off their exciting bonsai journey.
Conclusion
As the art form of bonsai continues to spread all over the globe, the number of bonsai gardens and museums worldwide also continues to increase. Many of these museums are run by volunteers, and some even welcome visitors for free.
Visiting these places would not only equip you with knowledge about the different
bonsai cultures in each region but also help increase the interest and demand for bonsai. That alone can help the facilities achieve their goals of making bonsai art accessible and open to the general public—further expanding the bonsai community worldwide.
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