AusBonsai

The 99th edition of Kokufuten was just on in Tokyo and this year I made the trip over to see it again in person. Never disappointing to witness trees like these first hand. Here's a few pics from session 1... a random selection, could have honestly posted every tree that was displayed!

Great specimens of exquisite bonsais. Would really love to go and see the 100th anniversary display
Well done
Cheers RodM

Here's a few more that I put together of trees in Session 2.
Again, quality was pretty phenomenal. The grandeur of these bonsai is a very cool thing to experience when you are in the same room as them, I'm not sure it truly translates through photos but I tried to capture them the best I could (with my phone!?)

They're the best shots I've seen so far! Thanks for sharing!

melbrackstone wrote: ↑February 20th, 2025, 1:44 pm They're the best shots I've seen so far! Thanks for sharing!

It's actually a pretty tough gig to take decent photos at Kokufu.
There are the punters obviously who like to get all "up close and personal" at each and every tree... that's me included though so gotta be OK with that.
Then there's the lack of space between trees/exhibits and narrow aisles which make it hard to step back far enough to get some of the larger trees in. And lastly, there is the lighting which is often a bit dark and rudimentary to add to the complexity.
Best way to see them at their best is to be there in person I guess, but that's not possible for all so I tried to capture them as best I could!

Any advice for those thinking about trying to go next year (or in the future)?

I've been to Japan a few times, most recently in April 2023. Keen to know if a week, covering the two sessions, is viable.

Cheers,
Daniel

legoman_iac wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2025, 7:18 pm Any advice for those thinking about trying to go next year (or in the future)?

I've been to Japan a few times, most recently in April 2023. Keen to know if a week, covering the two sessions, is viable.

Cheers,
Daniel

Same, I’m planning on going next year for the 100, would be keen to hear. One option is going with Bjorn’s tour but that’s $$$$

legoman_iac wrote: ↑February 23rd, 2025, 7:18 pm Any advice for those thinking about trying to go next year (or in the future)?

I've been to Japan a few times, most recently in April 2023. Keen to know if a week, covering the two sessions, is viable.

Cheers,
Daniel

I was based in Tokyo for 10 days and my trip was planned around the dates for Kokufu. I doubt these have been released for next year just yet... but it will be early Feb start based on previous exhibitions.
The way it runs is 4 days on (Session 1), one rest day to remove trees and replace with new ones, then 4 more days (Session 2), so you would need to plan your week-long stay to make sure you have a cross over between sessions 1 & 2.
It's definitely possible, and you can buy a ticket for both sessions at once which saves a few bucks, although to be fair I think the admission for both was about $15 ... nothing! There's no time limit for how long you can be in the exhibition space, so take your time...! Ueno Park (Tokyo Metropolitan Art Musuem) is very easy to reach by train, as are most things in Tokyo.
I also did day trip to Tokoname (Shinkansen), Omiya bonsai precinct (regular train), a few of the big name nurseries as well as the usual tourist districts in Tokyo and some nice Japanese gardens around town.
You won't have trouble filling in a week of stuff to see, even if you limited your itinerary to bonsai-related stuff (which you shouldn't!).
It's a worthwhile thing to see, I think it can be done in a week if that's all you can spare.