Shunka-en Bonsai Museum

Shunka-en Bonsai Museum in Tokyo is the home of Kunio Kobayashi who is one of the top bonsai artists in Japan and the world. His garden is a mecca for many, including me because of the high quality bonsai and especially his distinctive formal bonsai displays.

Winter flowering cherry, Prunus campanulata

Japanese five-needle pine, Pinus parviflora

Chinese quince, Pseudocydonia sinensis

Apprentice Jin explaining the magnificent display of a Japanese black pine

Japanese flowering apricot, Prunus mume

Japanese black pine, Pinus thunbergii

His museum has 15 display alcoves, all different styles. Apprentice Jin toured our group around and explained many of the small details most people miss and answered our questions as well in good English.

Recently lime sulphur was sprayed as a preventative for insect and disease control so many of the trees and containers were stained white. This will wash off quickly in spring, but does not offer the best conditions for photographing.

Although Mr. Kobayashi is most famous for Japanese black pines and Satsuki azaleas he has recently begun a love affair with maples. He has always had many Trident maples, but a few years ago he put several long tables in an area reserved for a garden featuring a beautiful stone. All of his Japanese and Trident maples are in one area so they can be easily cared for.

Large lumps of charcoal was evident on many species as was old rusty iron wire to improve the health of the trees. A comprehensive article written by a Cornell University professor who has been studying “biochar” can be seen in a recent issue of International BONSAI. I’ve been using and selling charcoal and have had excellent results. Contact me if you are interested in obtaining horticultural charcoal.