Among the handful of gardens I’m happy to visit every time I go to Japan, Taisho-en is a favorite. World-class trees. World-class work.

Taisho-en is managed by Taiga Urushibata. His father, Nobuichi Urushibata, was a prominent shohin professional. Taiga, who apprenticed with Masahiko Kumura, is well-known for working on trees of all sizes.

Walking among the trees in Taiga’s garden is a pleasure because each bears close investigation. The following are good examples of the bonsai you’ll find if you get the chance to visit.

Black pine

Needle juniper

Shimpaku

Chinese quince

Shimpaku

Red pine

Shimpaku

Shimpaku

Shimpaku

Shimpaku