A Journey Through Timeless Art, Passed Down Generations
Ancient Japanese texts state that the Imperial Family of Japan, along with its reigning Emperor, has held an unbroken lineage for a staggering 2,700 years. But how can a single dynasty survive for so long? One part of the answer may lie in Saitama! ©Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau At the Bonsai Art Museum is a pine tree estimated to be 1,000 years old. It’s been passed down between numerous owners spanning generations, being carefully tended to by each to grow into the beauty we see today. Using your smartphone, you can listen to multi-language audio guiding you through the gallery collection, inviting a deeper level of appreciation. After learning about bonsai at the Omiya Bonsai Village, head out into the bonsai garden to fully enjoy its treasures. Next to Omiya is Iwatsuki, a former castle town with 500 years of history that remains full of charm. It’s also known for its doll-crafting industry, particularly for traditional “hina ningyo” dolls, which are dressed up to recreate Japan’s old imperial court to celebrate the Hinamatsuri festival. The Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum lets you dive into the world of traditional Japanese doll making, which has been passed down from grandmother to mother and child for generations, and is also deeply intertwined with the Japanese Imperial Family.
Start
Asakusa Station (9:00 AM)
Approximately 45 minutes : From Asakusa Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line for 5 minutes to Ueno Station, then take the Utsunomiya Line for 35 minutes to Toro Station
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
【English guided tour】
Omiya Bonsai Village
Our tour will take you on a leisurely stroll through the renowned Omiya Bonsai Village, a true mecca for bonsai enthusiasts, with an expert guide who shares your love of bonsai. Omiya Bonsai Village is one of the rare places where bonsai artisans reside and collaborate. Creating and perfecting this unique art form. At its height, the village boasted more than 30 bonsai gardens; today, six of these magnificent gardens are open to visitors. Over the course of three hours, we'll visit the Bonsai Museum and three distinctive bonsai gardens in the area, each with its own unique style and flavor. Our guide, steeped in knowledge and passion for bonsai, will provide fascinating insight into the cultivation and care of these miniature masterpieces, enhancing your appreciation of the art form.
Approximately 30 minutes : From Toro Station, take the JR Utsunomiya Line for 5 minutes to Omiya Station, then the Tobu Urban Park Line for 15 minutes to Iwatsuki Station, then walk 12 minutes
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Fall in Love With Hina Ningyo Dolls
Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum
Iwatsuki is celebrated as one of Japan's foremost producers of dolls, which are called “Iwatsuki ningyo.” Opened in 2020, this museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting Iwatsuki’s cherished doll traditions and culture. It offers a captivating exploration of Japanese history and the enduring allure of Japanese dolls, helping to ensure the legacy of doll culture survives for future generations. Browse through the riveting displays, and find your favorite doll! In recent years, a hit anime series set in Iwatsuki has also captured the hearts of many, shining a spotlight on the town. ©Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau
Approximately 60 minutes : Walk 12 minutes to Iwatsuki Station, then take the Tobu Urban Park Line for 10 minutes to Kasukabe Station, then the limited express on the Tobu Railway for 35 minutes to Asakusa Station
Goal
Asakusa Station (4:00 PM)