TOKYO

Shunkaen BONSAI Museum

A Bonsai Garden and Cultural Hub in Tokyo

Discover the quiet beauty of bonsai in a serene setting that brings together the beauty of Japanese gardens and traditional architecture created by master Kunio Kobayashi.

Art & Culture Traditions

Access

A peaceful retreat from Tokyo’s city life, inviting you into a world where nature and art intertwine.

Renowned master Kunio Kobayashi founded the museum to share the beauty of bonsai, and the deeper connection to nature that it represents. Situated in a quiet part of Tokyo’s Edogawa district, it offers a welcome escape from the city’s concrete buildings, where you can stroll among trees shaped over decades and participate in traditional cultural activities.

You will find a collection of over 1,000 bonsai trees ranging from small indoor specimens to large outdoor trees, including one legendary pine thought to be around 1,000 years old. The museum is designed around a traditional Japanese house and garden layout, featuring rooms with tatami flooring that display a selection of bonsai in alcoves (tokonoma). The outdoor courtyard showcases many more specimens among a pond and garden elements.

Beyond simply admiring bonsai, you can also take part in hands-on experiences that reveal the philosophy and techniques behind them. Shunkaen offers workshops where you can try your hand at shaping and caring for a bonsai under expert guidance. The museum also hosts various cultural programs that introduce other aspects of Japan’s artistic heritage, such as a tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, and calligraphy. These experiences foster a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

If you want to go beyond the typical city-sightseeing, Shunkaen BONSAI Museum offers a unique experience: it connects nature, traditional art, and Japanese cultural practice in a compact but rich setting. Whether you’re a bonsai enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship, this museum offers a deep insight.

Address

1-29-16 Niihori, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo

Access Information

The museum is off the main tourist track in a residential area. The easiest route is to take the JR Sobu Line from downtown Tokyo to Koiwa Station, followed by bus No. 76 to Keiyo‑guchi stop, then a brief walk to the Shunkaen. The admission fee is 2000 yen. Tours are usually held by the apprentices training at the museum, and they are also available in English. A reservation is recommended if you wish to participate in the bonsai workshop or cultural programs.

Phone number

+81 3 3670 8622

Business hours

Business OPEN 10:00-17:00

Holiday

CLOSED: Monday except for public holiday

WEB site

https://kunio-kobayashi.com/en/index.html