Kyoto Botanical Gardens has quite a big bonsai display with many beautiful and interesting specimens, including wisteria, pines, and several different maples. I loved the trees, although I wished they were displayed more imaginatively instead of just lined up on wooden tables. I thought they looked a little forlorn. In spite of that, there are not that many places where you can see large collections of bonsai, so it is well worth visiting.
- 1 min read
Bonsai at Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Miniature pines, wisteria, maples and more

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Red maple in a blue bowl

Entering the bonsai garden

Yellow maple

Lichen coated roots hold a stone with a natural water bowl

Lush pine needle growth

Red moss flowers under pink new maple leaves

Maples are colorful in autumn, but this bronze is a spring tint

Bonsai pine trained in an elegant shape

Tiny violets around the base of a maple tree

Bonsai wisteria in bloom

Maple tree grown over a rock

Gnarled roots and moss

Spring color on a maple tree
Join the discussion
Mandy Bartok
10 years ago
Love the bonsai exhibit. Is there a "best" season to visit the botanical garden?
My personal best experience of it was in spring, both at cherry blossom/tulip time, and in late spring when everything is lushly green.
https://en.japantravel.com/kyoto/spring-at-kyoto-botanical-gardens/10842
https://en.japantravel.com/kyoto/spring-at-kyoto-botanical-gardens/10842
Thank you James and Michelle, I'm glad you enjoyed them!
James Forest
11 years ago
Why cant they be both? hehe. Really nice photos though.
Michelle Montaño
11 years ago
I can't decide if the trees are ethereal or adorable. Your pictures are very nice.
5 comments in total
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