Although one of the most famous things about Japan overseas, in its home country of Japan, bonsai is often seen as a distant, somewhat intimidating art form. Something quite unapproachable and difficult to understand.

I also used to think it was utterly beyond an amateur like me, until I discovered this cafe in Nagasu Town where you can see bonsai up close in a very relaxed environment!

A Tranquil Japanese Setting

Bonsai cafe “Kigokoroen” is located along Route 501, near the  “Kingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba” (Goldfish and Carp Park)  in Nagasu Town.

You can park right in front of the cafe.

The cafe and bonsai display area are on the first floor, while the second floor houses a beauty salon offering hair coloring, hair removal, and nail services.

The salon offers hair coloring, hair removal, nail treatments, and more, and there are four private rooms available.

While the first floor celebrates the “infinite beauty” of bonsai, the second floor focuses on the “finite beauty” of humans, operating under a concept that marries the two.

The first-floor cafe space features large single-slab tables and vintage chairs, creating a charming and tasteful atmosphere.

The interior is adorned with a multitude of beautifully displayed bonsai. 

Even someone with no prior knowledge like myself can’t help but admire and breathe out a “So beautiful…”

All the pieces displayed inside are for sale, ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand yen, each representing various forms of natural beauty, absolutely enchanting to behold.

Dining Amongst Bonsai

The cafe offers lunch and drinks. The menu includes pasta, curry, and curry doria (a type of rice gratin unique to Japanese Western-inspired food), available a la carte or in a set meal with a drink and salad.

There’s also a set meal that comes with horumon nikomi, a Kyushu classic of delicately stewed pork intestine, served with rice and miso soup.

For lighter meals or desserts, there are options like hot sandwiches and affogato, making it a great spot for a cafe break.

The drink selection includes coffee, juices, smoothies, beer, shochu, and natural wines.

I ordered a curry doria set and used the waiting time to explore the bonsai in the back.

The Profound World Of Bonsai

There was a dog named Hajime lying down at the back of the store.

The first floor is themed around “tension and relaxation,” and this dog is definitely in charge of relaxation.

Stepping through the back door, I was astounded by the sheer number of magnificent bonsai—about 5,000 pots! Some of them are as old as 700 years.

These magnificent works are overwhelming in their beauty and intricacy. 

If you find a favorite, it’s a good idea to check the price and perhaps take one home.

The bonsai are crafted by Tokunaga Isao, the garden owner and a bonsai artist. He’s friendly and cheerful but extremely serious when it comes to his art. 

After six years of training and about 15 years as a bonsai artist, Mr. Tokunaga now exports his works globally and also offers bonsai classes suitable for beginners.

Mr. Tokunaga also runs bonsai classes and offers beginner courses, so even beginners can feel free to attend.

Savoring a Relaxed Lunch

After admiring the magnificent bonsai, it was time for lunch.

My meal started with a salad served on a tray that also featured a tiny apple bonsai called “Winter Akane,” which turns red when ripe and is also available for purchase.

The main course, the curry doria, was served bubbling hot in a gratin dish overflowing with rich, creamy curry topped with plenty of cheese. It was packed with tender pork intestine as well.

It’s a piping hot gratin with plenty of cheese.

It’s filled with rich curry and lots of tender horumon making it absolutely delicious!

There’s also a Sri Lankan-style curry on the menu that is incredibly tasty as well.
The meal exceeded my expectations in flavor, making it hard to believe such a sublime dining experience was available in a bonsai-focused cafe.

For drinks, I added a Moringa banana smoothie for an extra 300 yen. Its smooth texture and the gentle sweetness of the banana combined with the fresh aroma of Moringa made for a perfect complement to my meal amidst the bonsai.

Conclusion

Bonsai Cafe Jushinen is a place where you can enjoy exquisite meals and drinks while surrounded by the enchanting beauty of bonsai.

It’s a serene spot that feels surprisingly accessible, even to those who might have considered bonsai out of reach.

Tokunaga-san’s vision of raising awareness and appreciation for this “living art” is beautifully realized in this cafe. 

Here, you are invited to encounter the perpetual beauty of nature, refined by human hands—a truly enriching experience at this wonderful cafe.

Bonsai Café Kigokoroen