Get to know the world of bonsai at Saitama’s Omiya Bonsai Village.

The art of bonsai brings together a few contradictions. They are simple, yet intricate; natural, yet crafted. And Omiya Bonsai Village puts this living piece of culture on a pedestal. Located in Saitama Prefecture, which lies directly northwest of Tokyo, the neighborhood is home to six distinct gardens open for viewing, although you might catch sight of plenty of bonsai in the gardens of private residences too. (Photo: ©STIB)

Bonsai is not a type of tree as commonly thought, but an art form that involves altering a tree’s shape and height. Exploring the gardens and streets gives a great glimpse of the sheer diversity of styles. However, for a deeper understanding, pay a visit to Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, the first publicly run museum in the world dedicated to bonsai art. There are more than 120 creations and bonsai-related items, with around 70 pots on display in the building and garden which rotate throughout the year, reflecting the importance of seasonality in Japanese culture. (Photo: ©The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum)