{"id":1676,"date":"2025-03-04T16:34:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T07:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/higojournal.com\/en\/?p=1676"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:34:45","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T07:34:45","slug":"bonsai-cafe-kigokoroen-a-moment-of-bliss-surrounded-by-5000-bonsai-trees-in-tamana-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/higojournal.com\/en\/archives\/bonsai-cafe-kigokoroen-a-moment-of-bliss-surrounded-by-5000-bonsai-trees-in-tamana-city.html","title":{"rendered":"Bonsai Caf\u00e9 Kigokoroen: A Moment Of Bliss Surrounded By 5,000 Bonsai Trees In Tamana City"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>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!<\/span><\/p>\n

A Tranquil Japanese Setting<\/b><\/h2>\n

Bonsai cafe “Kigokoroen” is located along Route 501, near the\u00a0 \u201cKingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba\u201d (Goldfish and Carp Park)\u00a0 in Nagasu Town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You can park right in front of the cafe.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The salon offers hair coloring, hair removal, nail treatments, and more, and there are four private rooms available.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The first-floor cafe space features large single-slab tables and vintage chairs, creating a charming and tasteful atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The interior is adorned with a multitude of beautifully displayed bonsai.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even someone with no prior knowledge like myself can’t help but admire and breathe out a “So beautiful…”<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dining Amongst Bonsai<\/b><\/h2>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a set meal that comes with <\/span>horumon nikomi<\/span><\/i>, a Kyushu classic of delicately stewed pork intestine, served with rice and miso soup.<\/span><\/p>\n

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For lighter meals or desserts, there are options like hot sandwiches and affogato, making it a great spot for a cafe break.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The drink selection includes coffee, juices, smoothies, beer, shochu, and natural wines.<\/span><\/p>\n

I ordered a curry doria set and used the waiting time to explore the bonsai in the back.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Profound World Of Bonsai<\/b><\/h2>\n

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There was a dog named Hajime lying down at the back of the store.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first floor is themed around “tension and relaxation,” and this dog is definitely in charge of relaxation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Stepping through the back door, I was astounded by the sheer number of magnificent bonsai\u2014about 5,000 pots! Some of them are as old as 700 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

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These magnificent works are overwhelming in their beauty and intricacy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you find a favorite, it\u2019s a good idea to check the price and perhaps take one home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The bonsai are crafted by Tokunaga Isao, the garden owner and a bonsai artist. He\u2019s friendly and cheerful but extremely serious when it comes to his art.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mr. Tokunaga also runs bonsai classes and offers beginner courses, so even beginners can feel free to attend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Savoring a Relaxed Lunch<\/b><\/h2>\n

After admiring the magnificent bonsai, it was time for lunch.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It’s a piping hot gratin with plenty of cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s filled with rich curry and lots of tender <\/span>horumon<\/span><\/i> making it absolutely delicious!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

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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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Bonsai Cafe Jushinen is a place where you can enjoy exquisite meals and drinks while surrounded by the enchanting beauty of bonsai.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a serene spot that feels surprisingly accessible, even to those who might have considered bonsai out of reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tokunaga-san\u2019s vision of raising awareness and appreciation for this “living art” is beautifully realized in this cafe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, you are invited to encounter the perpetual beauty of nature, refined by human hands\u2014a truly enriching experience at this wonderful cafe.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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