Art Music the lAst Word sports **dining** - Metropolis

8~9
SEP
Pack your trunk in
Azabu-Juban
So popular were the Azabu-Juban
Bonsai and Greenery Fairs of 2010
and 2011 that the organizers are
branching out once more—in a bigger
and more impressive format.
The festival will be held September 8-9, in
the trendy lanes of Azabu-Juban that hosted
it last year (see below). City dwellers will have
the chance to brush leaves with the miniature
trees and shrubs representative of
Japanese culture the world over.
All exhibits will be transported
to Tokyo from Angyo, near
Kawaguchi in south Saitama,
an area famed for its association
with the plants. This connection
stems back to the early Edo-period
when a 1657 fire devastated much
of what is now Tokyo, prompting
bonsai owners to flee north to save
their treasured specimens.
Last year saw more than 2,000
attendees from nations as varied as
the USA, Ukraine, Venezuela and
France soak up the sights alongside
Japanese visitors. Demonstrations
were given by experts in the field of bonsai
care and maintenance—an attraction set to
be repeated this year. So check it out if you’re
planning on buying one—the cheapest ones can
be had for ¥500—and talk to the growers about
how to ensure yours reaches its full potential.
If you miss the festival, or you just fancy
delving further into the magic of bonsai, head
up to Angyo on the Saitama railway line, a
continuation of the Namboku line, just 45
minutes from Azabu-Juban.
A further Angyo Bonsai & Greenery Fair
will be held October 6-8 at Kawaguchi Ryokka
advertorial
Angyo Bonsai & Greenery Fair
Center. For bonsai boffins, or just those with a
passing interest, neither event should be missed.
Patio Juban. Sep 8, 11am-8pm, Sep 9, 11am-5pm,
free. Nearest stn: azabu-Juban (exit 4). Featuring:
● Bonsai exhibition ● over 2,400 plants on sale
● demos, inc. bonsai care both days 1:30pm
● Gardening consultation