Bonsai refers to a Japanese gardening technique in which a cutting or other plant material is grown in a pot, then carefully cultivated and shaped over time. The ultimate goal is to create a miniature tree or landscape that reflects the appearance of nature.

Bonsai can be created from many types of plants, with some of the most common including pine, Chinese juniper, Japanese apricot, Japanese cherry, maple, and satsuki azalea. The art of bonsai is centuries old, with techniques and traditions refined and passed down through generations of experts and enthusiasts.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the miniature trees.
One of these black pine bonsai is worth one million dollars, while the other one ranges (“only”) around $122,000. Are you able to guess which one the one-million-dollar bonsai is? Black pine is one of the most common source materials used for the miniature trees, by the way.

We asked our resident editor, Timothy, to take the bonsai challenge. He tried to prepare himself as best as possible beforehand, but will he be able to correctly identify the bonsai?

He takes 10 minutes to properly examine the plants, pacing back and forth between them. In the end, Timothy makes a confident choice and points to Bonsai A: “This one has a thick trunk and the way it stretches to the side looks especially majestic. This one must be old.” Then, the bonsai pro reveals the answer...

The correct answer was actually B! We asked Jin-san, a bonsai pro who works at the Shunka-en Bonsai Museum and tends to the visitors with answers, explanations, and all sorts of interesting stories about the miniature trees. How can you determine a bonsai’s value? What are the main factors?

Miki, the trunk: a large portion has become dead wood, expressing the rawness of nature over the long years (1, 2 on the image below)

Edajun, the branch lineup: this technical bonsai term refers to the tree’s branches lining up in order. Here, they grow at a slight downward angle from the trunk and boast a nice balance, looking very natural overall. (3, 5 on the image below)

Nebari, the root spread: the roots spread above the soil while connecting firmly and strongly with it underneath. (4 on the image below)

In the end, it is important for a bonsai to appear like an ancient tree growing amidst nature, shaped and formed to last by the elements. Incidentally, Bonsai B, which is worth one million dollars, boasts an age of about 500 years, while Bonsai A ($122,000) is about 200 years old.

Another popular bonsai variety is the Chinese juniper, which is our next bonsai challenge. The pale, almost white trunk and branches are one of its main characteristics. Look at the photos above and try to rank them by value, from highest to lowest.

Timothy’s ranking is as follows. First place is C, second place is A, and third place is B.

“C’s trunk is twisted in an intriguing way and it seems quite old. A is small but its shape is unique, so this uniqueness might be valuable. B also looks quite expensive but is still somewhat regular in appearance.”

And his choice for the first place is correct! However, he got second and third place wrong: those two are the opposite. According to Shunka-en Bonsai Museum’s Jin-san, the important points for a Chinese juniper is the shari, which is dead wood under the bark, revealed once the bark is gone. It twists and tangles with the living part of the trunk called mizusui, evoking the image of “the presence of both life and death.”

1st place – over $750,000
・It resists the harshness of its environment and the elements around it, evoking an image of a force of life. The twist of the living trunk highlights this bonsai as a masterpiece.
・Age: about 800 years

2nd place – about $280,000
・Although it boasts beautiful shari and ochi’eda, “falling branches,” it is not quite enough to twist the living part of the trunk.
・Age: about 500 years

3rd place - about $16,000
・The trunk beautifully displays the characteristic of the Chinese juniper, but the living part of the trunk is thick and lacks intensity.
・Age: about 120 years

1. Kuromatsu, black pine: the bark is grayish-black and thick, and it is one of the most popular bonsai varieties. On the photo you see the masterpiece called Shokaku, its shape is reminiscent of a wild eagle spreading its wings. At age 600, it’s valued at almost 1 million dollars.

2. Kaede, maple: a deciduous variety; its small, filigree trees grow densely on the branches. Summer clads it in a fresh green, while autumn drapes the bonsai with vivid colors. The Japanese writer Yasunari Kawabata loved this tree. The one on the photo is 300 years old.

3. Sanshū, Japanese cornel dogwood: the cornel also belongs to the deciduous trees and is known for the small, yellow flowers that blossom in early spring. In autumn, red fruits sprout from its branches. The one on the picture is 180 years old.

4. Shinpaku, Chinese juniper: the juniper is an evergreen shrub that enjoys a lot of popularity as a bonsai variety. The twisting white trunk and branches give it a somewhat antique look. The one on the photo is a masterpiece by Kunio Kobayashi, called Seifu. It’s 450 years old.

5. Hibai, Hibai Japanese apricot: its main characteristic is the trunk, looking lively and as though it were in motion. It blossoms in a vivid pink in early spring. The one in the picture is 60 years old.

6. Yabai, wild Japanese apricot: a popular bonsai variety since centuries. It’s 50 years old.

7. Hikanzakura, Taiwan cherry: with its small leaves and flowers, the Taiwan cherry makes for an excellent bonsai. It sports vivid pink flowers around February. This one boasts an age of 100 years.

8. Kinshi nanten, thin-leaf nandina: this is one of the classical gardening plants that was extremely popular during the late Edo period. Its main characteristic is the thin leaves that almost look like single threads. It is 80 years old.

(All photos were taken at the end of February at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum. They’re in no particular order.)

Kunio Kobayashi is the man who runs Shunkaen Bonsai Museum and one of the most important people when it comes to bonsai evaluation and assessment.

“A bonsai’s value is about being able to feel a sense of ‘dignity’ from the entire tree. When you stand before a bonsai, ask yourself just what this ‘dignity’ is as you refine your sense of beauty. Apart from bonsai, it is also important to appreciate paintings and other masterpieces.
During the Meiji Period, Kakuzō Okakura, a master of Japanese art, left us the words: ‘All accomplishments are like chasing eternity.’
All artistic activities are like pursuing a sky without limit. By studying one another, the artist and the viewer create an artwork reflecting their era. I want you to judge the value of things like you would judge the value of a bonsai.
What is the difference between a nameless tree in a forest and a bonsai? The shape is changed by human hands, it is watered for a generous period of time. What will you feel in this continuous life?”

Q1 – How much are bonsai trees?
A bonsai’s price ranges from about $100 to several thousand dollars, up to one million. There are also miniature bonsai that can be had for $20-30, those can be enjoyed more easily.

Q2 – Can I buy bonsai as a souvenir?
Shunkaen Bonsai Museum sells bonsai to tourists and international visitors. The circumstances depend on the country you’re from, so please contact us if you are interested in a purchase.

Q3 – Can you grow your own bonsai?
A bonsai needs to be planted, watered, and groom, but everyone can grow their own bonsai. Beginners should buy a bonsai that has been shaped to some extent, then raising it to the shape of their choice. If you have a bit of experience, you can grow bonsai from a seed, although that does take time. Certain trees are vulnerable to extreme humidity and cold, so you should buy your bonsai at a specialty store to find a fitting choice.

Q4 – What is a good bonsai for beginners?
Chinese juniper is a good choice for beginners, as it is relatively easy to handle.

Q5 – What tools do I need to raise a bonsai?
Scissors able to cut thick branches, scissors to trim thin branches and leaves, tweezers, scissors for gnarls on a trunk, wire, special pliers, and so on. Initially, a bonsai set for beginners is recommended.

Q6 – How old does a bonsai get?
Depending on the kind of tree, bonsai can live from decades to centuries if cared for properly. If you want to enjoy your bonsai for a long time, care for its well-being and give it a long life.

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum was opened by Kunio Kobayashi, one of Japan’s leading bonsai creators. His goal was – and still is – to spread the charm and wonder of bonsai throughout the world. It’s a quiet 20-minute stroll away from Koiwa Station on the JR Sobu Line in Tokyo’s Edogawa ward. Or simply take a bus if you don’t feel like walking.

The museum welcomes visitors from all over the world on a daily base. Kunio Kobayashi’s works and those of this students are both exhibited and sold in traditional Japanese buildings, enhanced by a beautiful Japanese garden with a little pond. In spring, cherry blossom trees bloom beautifully as well!

Join a hands-on Bonsai Experience Class, beginning with a short introduction to the basics before creating your own bonsai. Classes are held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10 AM and 2 PM, including museum admission. Reservations are required at least four days in advance and can be made via Rakuten Travel. Check the link below for details.

The world of bonsai is surprisingly deep and rich, but a basic understanding of the little trees’ main criteria opens the doors to this intriguing part of Japanese culture. The Shunka-en Bonsai Museum is a wonderful place to discover the unique charms of bonsai. It features a lot of works of the famous Kunio Kobayashi, a prodigy when it comes to the art of bonsai. Enjoy the tour to make the most of your visit and get to know bonsai on a wholly different level!