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Bonsai is seeing a rapid increase in the number of young bonsai enthusiasts overseas. In this edition of "Visiting Osaka Maniacs," we visited Yoshoen, Osaka's pride and joy, a bonsai mecca, with young bonsai artist Sogo Ito. Enjoy the charm of bonsai as told from a bonsai enthusiast's perspective.
Ikeda City, where Yoshoen is located, is located in northern Osaka Prefecture. It coexists with abundant nature such as mountains and rivers, and is easily accessible by train, just 20 minutes from Umeda Station. Known as the birthplace of instant ramen, the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, which commemorates the achievements of Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods, is one of Osaka Prefecture's most popular tourist spots.
One of Ikeda City's specialties is the bonsai trees of the Hosokawa area. It has long played a central role as one of Japan's four major bonsai producing areas. In recent years, the number of people visiting the area to see bonsai, a hot trend in Japanese culture that is popular overseas, has been increasing.
Among them, Yoshoen is the largest bonsai retailer in Osaka, with an area of 2,000 square meters and a whopping 5,000+ pots of bonsai in stock. It is visited by a wide range of people, from bonsai beginners to advanced bonsai lovers, and is well-known overseas.
This time, Sogo Ito, a young bonsai artist who has made "old-fashioned living" his life theme and conveys the charm of bonsai, will introduce the charms of Ikeda City, the home of bonsai.
Guide
Born in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture in 1998. After working as a junior high school physical education teacher, he began working as a bonsai artist. He promotes the appeal of bonsai, with the theme of "old-fashioned living." In addition, his own apparel brand, "DANJI JAPAN," updates traditional Japanese clothing such as hanten coats and geta sandals to modern times and promotes them as Japanese casual wear.
Leave it to us when it comes to bonsai. Yoshoen boasts one of the best selections in Osaka
After a 20-minute bus ride from Ikeda Station, we arrived at our destination, Yoshoen. The entrance to the store was already filled with bonsai. "It's quite rare in Osaka to find a store that stocks a wide variety of bonsai, from small bonsai perfect for beginners to bonsai over 100 years old," says Ito. He visited the store three years ago, soon after he started bonsai, and learned a lot about it.
Our host was Urabe Masaru, the fourth generation CEO of Yoshoen. After exchanging greetings, he gave us a tour of the garden.
Going inside, you'll see a wide variety of bonsai trees lined up, from giant bonsai trees measuring about one meter in height to seedlings, all carefully cared for. At the time of our visit, there were many foreign visitors! Overseas, many people are interested in bonsai as a new culture, and it seems that the number of young bonsai enthusiasts is increasing rapidly.
"There's an image that bonsai is an old man's hobby, but that's not actually the case," says Urabe. During the period of rapid economic growth, most bonsai enthusiasts were in their 30s and 40s. "It's like buying a nice car and showing it off, right? It was a time when having a nice bonsai was a status symbol."
Mr. Ito
If you have 100 bonsai pots, there will be 100 different shapes. You will grow attached to the individuality of each one. Even just looking at the way the branches of your bonsai bend, it makes you happy when it grows into the shape you like, and it makes you feel happy just looking at it.
Urabe-san
I've been looking at bonsai since I was a child, so it's natural for them to be around me. It's more than just something I like; it's like a family to me. I got into the world of bonsai as a job, not as a hobby.
Mr. Ito
What kind of bonsai shapes are you attracted to?
Urabe-san
I think bonsai are fascinating because they make you think, "How can someone grow something like this?" Bonsai are meant to imitate nature, so they are created in the mind as a miniature version of nature, and it takes a long time to create them. That's why even though they are small, they have a strong presence."
Urabe-san
Some young people plant their plants in stainless steel pots or vases, right? I think that's great too.
Mr. Ito
Some people say that traditional potted plants should be used, but Urabe-san is in favor of this.
Urabe-san
I'm not against it! Of course, traditional methods are important, but I'm against it because I think bonsai is old fashioned. Bonsai changes with the times. If the change is bad, it will disappear, but if it's accepted, it will remain as a legitimate path. I think that's how bonsai has evolved.
Mr. Ito
Bonsai takes a very long time to grow even if you start from a seedling, and I think it's impossible to grow it from scratch on your own. People inherit bonsai from farmers or from people who have grown old and are finding it difficult to grow them, and spend their lives gradually cultivating them. I find that romantic in that. What do you find appealing about it, Mr. Urabe?
Urabe-san
With plants other than bonsai, you can have fun collecting them, and they can grow big, but you can't shape them yourself. But with bonsai, it's not all about when you buy it; you can change it little by little, by making the branches droop or shortening them. I think the greatest appeal of bonsai is that you can enjoy it for a lifetime.
The bonsai discussion is getting more and more heated. Finally, we asked the two what beginners should do to get started with bonsai.
Urabe-san
I'm often asked, "What do you recommend?" but everyone has different tastes. I ask them to look carefully and choose what I like. Prices vary. First, I have to grow them for a year without letting them wither, before I can process them.
Mr. Ito
In my case, I went to ask a lot of different people. Many seniors were kind to me and taught me all sorts of things. After that, I became really into bonsai.
Urabe-san
You can grow just one, or you can grow different types. Everyone has their own way of enjoying bonsai, so it's really a freedom of expression!
By the way, when asked which bonsai among these caught his eye the most, Ito chose a juniper bonsai, saying, "I like big ones." The white part is called shari, and is the dead part. It is characterized by the contrast between the dead, weathered trunk and the living trunk, and is apparently a popular shape in recent years. The price is 1.8 million yen!
I don't think there's any other store with such a wide selection of bonsai and bonsai goods, so if you're interested in bonsai, this is definitely the place to visit in Osaka!
A relaxing coffee break at a botanical cafe
After touring the bonsai garden, take a break at the attached cafe, KIBE KITCHEN. Upon opening the entrance door, you'll find yourself in a botanical space decorated with greenery everywhere.
A popular dessert is the "Moss Ball Tiramisu," a tiramisu filled with crispy flakes and topped with plenty of matcha. The sweetness of the adzuki beans and the matcha go perfectly together, and it even looks just like a moss ball. The original blend of coffee also has an exquisite balance of flavors!
Not only bonsai, but also a variety of ornamental plants are sold at reasonable prices. The spacious store is surrounded by greenery and has plenty of sofa seating, making it a great place to relax. They also have a wide selection of breakfast and lunch menus using the high-quality Kasuga bread, so why not visit it along with Yoshoen?
This was my first time at the cafe, but it was a relaxing space with lots of plants. The pine bonsai displayed right at the entrance was also magnificent.
Kyuanji Temple welcomes you with flowers and trees of all seasons
One must-see botanical spot where you can experience the nature of Ikeda City is Kyuanji Temple. This historic temple is said to have been founded in 725 by Gyoki, a Buddhist monk who was instrumental in the construction of the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple in Nara, and its tower gate, which marks the entrance to the temple grounds, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Kyuanji Temple is one of the 25 temples of the Kansai Flower Temples, and is also known as the "Temple of Flowers." It's a shame that we arrived a little early, as the mountain paths are filled with trees with autumn leaves. Flowers of all seasons, such as maples, hydrangeas, peonies, and azaleas, bloom on the grounds and along the approach to the temple, welcoming visitors.
In the beautiful garden called "Kokuen" on the premises, you can see carp swimming comfortably.
The only sound you can hear is the rustling of the trees in the wind. Spending time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounded by nature is sure to refresh your mind.
It was a very relaxing place surrounded by many trees and flowers. It seems like you can enjoy different scenery depending on the season, such as autumn leaves and lotus flowers. I would like to go back in a different season.
There are also hot spring inns surrounded by nature!
Ikeda City also has hot spring inns where you can enjoy a location surrounded by lush greenery. At Fushio Onsen Fushioukaku, there is an open-air bath where you can soothe your entire body with natural radium hot spring water. Day trips are also welcome. You can enjoy the ultimate relaxing experience in a location surrounded by greenery.
Bonsai that enriches your life
In this edition of "Visiting OSAKA Maniacs," we visit Yoshoen, a bonsai garden that Osaka is proud of, and speak to two up-and-coming bonsai artists, Mr. Ito and Mr. Urabe, about the appeal of bonsai.
Bonsai are plants that you can spend your whole life with. That's why they are so deep and fascinating. Having bonsai in your life may make you feel more calm than usual.
Ikeda City is not only home to mountains, but also to beautiful rivers, and many traditional rural landscapes remain. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experiencing nature is sure to refresh your mind. Be sure to visit!
Recommended guided tours
[DeepExperience] Ikeda's nature and soul-healing bonsai and temple experience tour
- Make your own pine bonsai under the guidance of a craftsman and experience Ikeda's rich plant culture!
- Enjoy a training experience and a stroll through the grounds of a historic temple, and feel harmony with nature and peace of mind.
- Relax and soothe your mind and body at a day spa, and refresh yourself from the fatigue of everyday life!
- While located near Osaka, Ikeda is surrounded by nature and traditional culture, offering an extraordinary experience
- Your guide will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the history and background of bonsai and temples, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of Japanese culture.
*This article was migrated from “Shittonka Osaka.” The information provided is current as of November 2024 and may differ from current conditions. Please check the official websites of each store or facility for the latest operating hours and details.
Photo：Yuto Yamamoto
Edit：Akihiro Maede
Direction：NINGEN Editorial Department（NINGEN Inc.）
