Our tour was fortunate to visit the bonsai garden and studio of Shinji Suzuki, one of Japan’s premier creative award winning bonsai artists. His garden is full of masterpiece and important bonsai, many which have never been seen before.

His garden design is superb and the beauty of each bonsai can be enjoyed. Small sectional displays have been set up to feature one or a group of beautiful bonsai. The entire pristine garden was clean and neat as well as his working areas.

 

 

Obuse is located near Nagago, Japan, host for the 1998 Olympic Winter Games. This is a cold region which was so beautiful with the fresh young green foliage. Since Mr. Suzuki lives in a cold region, mostly narrow-leaf evergreen species are featured including Sargent juniper, Japanese black and five-needle pines, Needle juniper, Japanese hemlock and Ezo spruce bonsai. Deciduous bonsai are well represented with Trident and Japanese maples, Chinese quince, Chojubai Japanese flowering quince plus Chinese quince.

 

 

Throughout our visit Mr. Suzuki was offering coffee and treats to our tour members and also had a few apprentices who spoke English present to help answer questions.

 

Thank you Shinji Suzuki for your warm hospitality sharing your outstanding masterwork bonsai and inspiring us to develop and create our own distinctive bonsai.