Last week we visited the museum of bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi in Tokyo. He had just returned from a convention in Viet Nam, but he still had the energy to welcome our group with his wife and curator of his museum, Jin Yasufumi.

Each time I visit this museum garden Mr. Kobayashi adds something new, a small garden display, new growing area on a roof or a koi pond. This time he recently added a large RED bridge crossing his koi pond. It’s heavy duty, a bit slippery, but I did not tumble over becoming food for the colorful large size fish.

Mr. Kobayashi’s museum features over a dozen alcoves where he formally displays bonsai, suiseki and art. Jin Yasufumi, who has been here for nine years showed us around the elegant museum explaining details people might have missed.

 

Long time friends Mrs. Kobayashi and Kora Dalager

Mr. & Mrs. Kobayashi treated us to a delicious Italian luncheon before Jin drove us to the Tokyo train station.

Of course, at the station I could not resist the temptation of a sweet tea at my favorite culinary emporium. Guess what, McDonalds in Japan does not have sweet tea! However, they do have ice tea and also small packets of sugary sweet syrup, which is not the same, but close enough when I need a fix. Please note I did NOT eat there, only ice tea. There IS a brand of ice tea Japan has which I love.

Did you notice the bottle is empty…