The Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition in Shiga

Bonbai in the spotlight

The Bonbai is a bonsai of the Ume plum tree. At the Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition, around 90 pots of the tree are displayed in a Japanese tatami room.

The Bonbai is a bonsai of the Ume plum tree. At the Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition, around 90 pots of the tree are displayed in a Japanese tatami room.

Some of them are giant old trees at nearly 3 meters high and 400 years old.

Variations of bonbai

History of the Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition

The Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition began in 1952 and is celebrating its 71st anniversary in 2022. Many people visit it during New Year’s as a tradition. 

The venue, Keiunkan, has been designated as a National Scenic Beauty. The garden is worth seeing in particular and was created by the famous Japanese Horticulturist, the 7th generation Ogawa Jihei.

Venue seen from outside

Getting to the Nagahama Bonbai Exhibition

Venue: Keiunkan

Access: 3-minute walk from the west exit of Nagahama Station

Bonbai Exhibition Period: generally from the beginning of January to the beginning of March (please make sure to check the exact dates in advance)