1000 Year Old Japanese Bonsai Tree Adventure ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Japanese Bonsai Trees have been a part of Japanese culture for over 1000 years going back to the Heian Era. Today, we'll visit the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum 大宮盆栽美術館 in Saitama to see some amazing tree! One in particular is a 1000 year old Ezo Spruce that has a lot of personality.
What does BONSAI mean?
The word literally means TRAY PLANTING.
A tree in a tray.
But the beauty of it transcends its size. It outlives its owner. A way Japanese connect with nature.
★ About #teamtrees :
Let's plant 20 Million Trees!
(1) Just plant some trees to support or
(2) Donate to have some trees planted through the Abor Day Foundation. Info is available at teamtrees.org
This campaign has been headed by Mr Beast, a KZbin creator who has an ambitious plan to plant more trees! I'm hoping for a lot of success.
More explanation here from KZbin Creator with 20 million subscribers Mr Beast: • Planting 20,000,000 Tr...
Where is the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum 大宮盆栽美術館 ?
▶︎ goo.gl/maps/f8...
Special thank you to the wonderful staff at the museum for their help to make this episode. Yes, they speak English and the museum has English info and articles to read :)
【ビジネス関連のお問い合わせは　[e-mail]へ】
#onlyinjapan #bonsai #teamtrees

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

We don't have a FUNDRAISER option in Japan but I'm trying hard to help our KZbin creator community plant 20,000,000 trees around the world and teamtrees.com #teamtrees is a great way we can do something good! (You hear that Mr Paul Logan - hehehe) I know not everyone has time to plant a tree which is why for $1 donated to the Arbor Tree Foundation = 1 tree planted! Small steps lead to bigger and bigger ones. Let's keep at it and share your own experiences with me on twitter, instagram and facebook (onlyinjapantv) and we can change the world! -John

[@himerosen]

Thanks for spreading awareness!

[@nutzhazel]

Thanks for the awareness and making a video of this beautiful place. I now want to own some beautiful and timeless bonsai ❤️

[@madhavishinde5045]

Nice informative video..please make one video on nikko’s edo wonderland

[@xcalibertrekker6693]

Been well over a month since the last vid. Hope everything is ok.

[@cecilesang2330]

I really want to tell you this is not only in Japan, it's from China. The Japanese even didn't change his original name, Bonsai's chinese name is Pengzai, with character 盆栽.

[@asianformusic]

Bonsai passed down multiple generations is a real family tree!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Well said!! LOVE IT!!! #familytree

[@gerygero6014]

bruhhh

[@youtubefalcon9550]

I also have bonsai TREEeeEeEEEEEe eeeeeeeee

[@tolga1cool]

Get out ...

[@muhammadbhikhoo3940]

Only if it has your roots 😂

[@n0isyturtle]

The rainy footage made this more beautiful.

[@zZiL341yRj736]

noisyturtle Indeed

[@parentheses4662]

So many like, so little comments.

[@almost1889]

@@parentheses4662 it's only 141 likes right now, if it has a thousand or 2 than yeha

[@christopherstein2024]

Animal crossing vibes

[@y-mefarm4249]

Every year I plant 50 to 100 black walnut trees. This year I planted about 60. 😊🌳

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

AWESOME!! That’s the spirit @Y-ME Farm much love from Japan ⛩

[@someclown7026]

That’s really cool, just curious where you plant them, I want to plant some trees, but I’m not particularly sure where I can.

[@y-mefarm4249]

@@someclown7026 I have black walnut trees on my farm, so I get tons of nuts. I plant them on my farm, I go to metro parks and smash them into the ground, toss them out my car window. But mostly just plant them on my farm or my neighbors come and get some to plant on their farms.

[@sayyedkumail956]

Y-ME Farm that's really cool I really appreciate your dedication towards nature

[@y-mefarm4249]

@@sayyedkumail956 Thank you. I am a farmer and rely on nature. If you take from the land you must give back.

[@supernoot7334]

I was so relaxed watching this one it almost put me to sleep. The rain didn't help...its just something so tranquil about bonsai and to know the story behind their beauty makes me come to love them so much more

[@Grahzzyhardcore]

Go watch mr beast video

[@praddzzz]

You need to watch some “unintentional ASMR “ videos they have similar uploads from channels

[@violet2048]

Since I wont be here in 50 years, imagine the life the 1000 year old tree will be able to stimulate even further into the future. That's probably why I love our California Redwoods. We must protect our trees and love them.

[@italiansunrunner]

Imagine the stress thats on the person that takes care of the 1000 year old bonsai

[@marlymcfly1991]

Probably not too stressfull considering people hire professionals to care for these highly valued trees so the carer would know exactly how to treat it. I'd say it's more of an honor and great responsibility however it may not be all that stressfull c:

[@taqzai4936]

actually it's a stress-relieving hobby to make bonsai trees..

[@du9267]

Get that bonsai tree insurance

[@jnk3775]

They don’t stress but they are happy and feel relaxing taking care for magical trees...

[@jaimemendoza5163]

😰

[@mareecuree]

I've always loved the kind of treatment that Bonsai trees need because it also allows the owner or the caretaker to be molded and disciplined like the tree. It's like both parties can learn a lesson from the other.

[@BonsaiTalk]

True!

[@iansiegel3094]

Thank you for posting John. I have bad depression and your videos bring peace and serenity to my life. I hope you know that you are doing more than just teaching us about Japan.

[@cobe398]

I'm glad you can find peace in these videos. I really am.

[@jeeperscreepers8704]

Why you are depressed?

[@matthmatthmatth]

@@jeeperscreepers8704 be quiet you imbecile.

[@wakkyai]

This is a video I was waiting for a long time

[@petapetan]

わろた

[@entvisual]

*How is Nature declining* but technology keep advancing?

[@sheldonjr7194]

@@entvisual greed and innovation.

[@cloudyven39]

A good example of literally appreciating the small things in life.

[@williamhoang5308]

I need my personal Bonsai tree. So soothing and relaxing every time I look at it!

[@BonsaiTalk]

What tree do you wanna start with!?

[@snifey7694]

I have a mango tree chilli tree probably someday planting some Chinese tree tea tree Bruce Lee tree bonsai tree I want one to put on my table and look at for hours

[@mikoy9241]

we have the same profile lol

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

MrBeast just planted 20 million trees, this video was perfect timing

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I knew about it a few weeks ago :) he called it the world's biggest collab between KZbinrs! Let's hope it does some good!! Quick note: for those asking, Japan doesn't have the Fundraiser option like the USA but the links for #teamtrees are in the description.

[@niklas6047]

@@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN You should enable the fundraiser feature on this video as well :)

[@vikrimg4755]

1:02

[@harrisonholmes905]

@@niklas6047 He literally said that he can't, and there's a link in the description to donate.

[@yettiioptimize1693]

Talk about making hundreds of thousands just planting trees, guess money does grow on trees!!🌴💰💰

[@sumredpillgaysian2090]

Looking at the many Bonsai trees makes me feel at peace and calm. The feel makes me like I'm staring at something ancient and beautiful. An awe struck kind of feel.

[@JapaneseJourney]

John, what do you think about making a meet-up with as many Japan-based creators as possible, going out and planting trees?

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Japan is one country that doesn’t need more trees 🌲 we’ve no lumber industry and import it because it’s cheaper than doing it ourselves. After WWII a lot of trees were replanted - that have pollen. No one used it for building and now we’ve one of the worst hay fever problems in the world in Tokyo. But I might plant one 🌱 with my wife and watch it grow over the years :) I think people just needed to be reminded that we need more trees and trees are good, out live us all.

[@JapaneseJourney]

@@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN thanks for the reply, it's appreciated.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I think it might be good to do something for the community though! Japan does need help in other area. My friends did a trash pick up of plastics recently. We’ve an obligation as creators to try to do more than just say BUY THIS or COME HERE, I think so your idea is excellent and I’ll talk with KZbin Japan about making something happen together :)

[@JapaneseJourney]

@@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN that's great! If there's any way I can support you, please let me know!

[@Soulessdeeds]

Its weird how much I like the main channel as much as his GO channel. He puts the just as much energy into both but obviously one has more editing and planning lol.

[@MrYoumitube]

On my bucket list is to visit Japan and view all the famous Bonsai Nurseries, Only problem is I probably will have a hard time going back home.

[@MrTitaniumDioxide]

_Even_ in the rain? _Especially_ in the rain! "Trees need rain, right?" Right, John...you da man....twenty million trees _around the world._ What a beautiful New Year gift to give to everyone, everywhere.

[@Fruechtchen]

I love the 120 year old japanese mountain maple at 5:18 😍 so beautiful!! Thank you for making it possible to see that on the other side of the world! Greetings from my bed in Germany! 😄👍

[@syara8]

So beautiful! The branches, the leaves, everything looks perfect. And the fact that it's a miniature tree makes it more lovely!

[@BonsaiTalk]

That's bonsai!

[@chloeagape4853]

so beautiful... it's definitely something you GOTTA see in person. it's like being near baby Yoda or something, bonsai trees emanate this gorgeous, beautiful and wise energy.

[@blazbohinc4964]

"what makes a bonsai special" "well... to be short - it gives off good vibes" Quite reasonable have a nice day

[@Tastychronicles]

Bonsai Trees are such handsome, hearty trees. I would absolutely visit this Bonsai Museum in Omiya, Saitama, Japan. Thanks for this video and the reminder to preserve our Mother Earth by planting more trees.

[@theoutsiderspost4982]

I have a bonsai tree in my house. I have had it for 6 years and keep in healthy. It survives the winters here too.

[@vb8428]

Still there?

[@clyvierquimpo8026]

We have bonsai at our home , it's older than my grandma and they treated it like a boss

[@WhatsInside]

So cool. I want one of these

[@BonsaiTalk]

You will be hooked, they are addictive!

[@N0S02]

Whoa your the real what’s inside. Im a big fan

[@evinator1612]

Why, so u can cut into it with a knife and say “oH guYS The TReE haS WoOD InSIdE iT”

[@tastetherainbow9643]

Evinator1 - Awesome

[@ryzenryne8747]

@@evinator1612 I couldn't breathe

[@st5338]

I've loved bonsai trees and was fascinated by them ever since I was little when I saw one on a children's television show. It was so magical seeing all those old bonsai trees displaying their unique charm and beauty in this museum. The pouring rain may not have been ideal for filming, but it added such serene and natural effect, along with the soft background music, it gave the entire presentation a zen-like ambiance. This was a really wonderful and much appreciated video. Thanks, John👍🇯🇵❤

[@Pyobum]

Hi John it's Cedric I bumped into you at the museum, I made it back home safely despite the multiple train delays going to the airport due to the typhoon, it was one of the most nerve-racking experience in my life! Congrats on delivering your video despite dealing with the weather conditions! ;)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Hey Cedric! Thank you so much for talking with me through the Typhoon part and the help :) glad you made it home. Today is sunny in Tokyo by the way. How was the flight? Hope you had a good trip - ended with Bonsai! 🌲

[@Pyobum]

@@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN The 12 hours flight was without hiccup, I do what I always do, binge watch movies until my eyes can't stay open then pass out haha! Japan was fantastic and I will definitely consider coming back in the future, your videos are so inspiring. Thank you and keep up the great content!

[@crimped357]

I want a bonsai tree more than ever now! I think I could watch it all day every day.

[@BonsaiTalk]

You should get one..

[@Shanaoh]

I watched your videos for years, but I didn’t realize that I haven’t even subscribed to you. I’m really sorry cuz you deserve way more subs and views. I will still keep on watching your videos bcuz your voice is so relaxing. Thank you for making quality content all these years. 🤗

[@julanmax]

Just imagine a 1000 years old bonsai tree how many people take care it, and how many people feel love & joy looking at it,

[@scbtripwire]

That explains why I've never seen a "full size" Bonzai not planted in a pot or trey.

[@HungNguyen-nb3kj]

Bonsai trees look so beautiful in the rain or the camera

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I love walking in the rain! The colors are really nice with the tree for most of the year in rain 🌧

[@oussamachaachoui3727]

I love omiya bonsaï museum I practice bonsai art, when I collect a tree from nature I plant others just to be grateful to mother nature

[@kiyoshiishihara6748]

Long ago Japanese discovered a tree only grows big as a root size but age as normal Keep in small pot and taking care of tree became very popular low cost hobby for centuries

[@jason_from_canada]

The bonsai work on so many levels. A metaphor for life. Good job with such a fast turnaround to make the video. 👍

[@Kitora_Su]

Just planted 20 trees. I love these kinds of events where it's related to the environment or Science. Thanks for the video John it was amazing and informative. My favourite Bonsai tree was the Blue Dragon ofc 🐉🐲 and the Momoji...and well, all of them xD

[@Pew7070]

Beautiful example of Japanese culture! Well done Johny boy! Also, cool retro throw with that “beeper” on your jacket! 👍🏻👍🏻😉😁

[@No13oDy]

I've been camping at the Sequoia national park in California there literally jaw dropping I've never felt so small.

[@MikeCatrone]

They're all so beautiful, honestly the rain is a nice peaceful touch to the experience

[@brothergrimace3859]

Okay, so 'bonsai' isn't a breed of tree, but a style in which they're cultivated? I didn't know that! Also, the 'Blue Dragon'... yeah. I can totally see it. Props to your dedication to getting this done during a typhoon. I came over from Instagram after watching you on video.

[@nirmal148]

It's a tree that's deprived of nutrition.....when cultivated, the roots are regularly trimmed so that the growth is stunted

[@alexverdigris9939]

@@nirmal148 Not really. It's deprived of space for root growth, not nutrition. Nutrients are added artificially using plant fertilisers. The roots are trimmed not to stunt growth but rather to stimulate new root growth and to make space for it. What controls growth is simply by restriction of space for the root growth (which in turn controls canopy growth), as well as by pruning of canopy branches and leaf defoliation.

[@nirmal148]

@@alexverdigris9939 hi Alex, right.....dont have anything against bonsai trees or the culture.....there are definitely much worse things happening around us.....but think like this..... aren't you depriving the tree of the nutrition it would have otherwise got if you had let the roots grow and the canopy and size of tree grow in its own capacity?..... basically tree ensures its own survival by sprouting more roots when under stress of not having 'enough' root length..... The tree definitely looks beautiful.....but I wanted to say what actually is done.....saying it nicely skews the impression.

[@nirmal148]

In nature bonsai trees grow when the plant sprouts in an area of very low nutrition....like on rocky terrain etc......what man does is same, just deliberately.....the plant ofcourse tries it's best to survive.....seeing this we associate the story of struggle to survive and it's 'Beauty' and try to hide what it actually is.....don't get me wrong....there definitely is an awe seeing how God created plants to endure... seeing this in nature is definitely rewarding.....but for purpose of commercialisation when man deliberately multiplies the numbers, I personally feel it's cruel

[@skankhunt-zh8ky]

@@nirmal148 no there deprived of space not nutrition, think of it like a gold fish the bigger space of water it's in the bigger it'll grow.

[@johnsymons76]

Absolutely stunning! Thanks John for your dedication to preserving our forests. Enjoy your weekend.

[@exelaxo]

Japan is so pretty! It seems like a fantasy world with all its delicous looking food and lovely culture! I really hope i can go some day

[@urbancommando79]

I could sit in that garden all day

[@Robert-xp4ii]

Bonsai trees are incredibly beautiful. I can certainly see where the "Blue Dragon" got its name from. I'm amazed how those maple trees have such small leaves, perfectly adding to the overall miniature tree. Truly amazing.

[@mrs.quills7061]

This is probably one of my favorite episodes! I love trees and nature, and bonsai trees are one of my favorites. They're so unique and beautiful. Thank you for encouraging others to care about the environment and major props for shooting and editing this the same day! I didn't realize you did this all until I saw the stream. Awesome work John. 🎋♥️

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I wish I had more time to try it myself, understand the mind of a master and learn more about the care of them. This is just an intro. I want to free myself from the digital world a little more and this or ikebana would be great. I wish I lived in the jungle minus the poisonous bugs 😂

[@BonsaiTalk]

Best way is to start with tropicals.. They are easiest for indoors

[@squa-squathedragon4124]

“ I had come during a typhoon but that didn’t stop me from searching for that 1000-year-old bonsai tree.” Priorities man..

[@michaelmugo8626]

Foward ever!

[@clambroth1923]

Cool. As someone who grows bonsai I had mixed feelings about watching this video. Positive because the trees are absolutely exceptional specimen. Negative because I realize how crappy and insignificant my trees are. But hey, the fun is in doing it. Keep up the good work.

[@varunhebli]

This is the first time I realised that bonsai are just miniatures of large ones. Thank you for revealing such a beautiful place to us. Even if I don't go anywhere else, I HAVE to come all the way to Japan because of you!

[@portertanakafactory]

My husband grew up in this area!!! Will definitely have to explore this the next time we are in Tokyo

[@leonardoturtle9802]

This video is very cool, I'm very happy you finally did bonsai trees as they are very important. Cool video as always, I was waiting for one to release!

[@BonsaiTalk]

They are The best!

[@mayuravirus6134]

Also greenery is great to relax your eyes

[@ARC.475]

i love trees🌲 :) I've been planting trees since i was a kid .

[@sophiaangelini4368]

Never heard of a thousand - year old bonsai. Saw a 500 -year old bonsai n Washington, DC. and of course the Sequoia in California but this is truly grand for Tree lovers-

[@desireeangelahayward1610]

Great episode John! Attempted to watch it with the hubby, but he fell asleep few minutes into it (because he is always tired from school & work, not because it bored him! 🙂), so will watch again tonight! He LOVES Bonsai's!!

[@hiyoristernfunkel]

I have some Bonsai too. They are not so old but they have some beautiful old Charme. I love them 💝

[@CC80]

That was an interesting transition into the organ in the music for a minute.

[@LessTalkMoreDelicious]

Please do one on "Niwaki" next please (Japanese garden-tree, "big bonsai," nurseries, cultivation, development, pruning, professional gardeners, maintenance, etc.). Maybe follow around a professional Japanese gardener while he works and prunes them (both public big Japanese gardens, and even the many more home gardens/clients). Not many English videos at all on Niwaki... but it would be super awesome content.

[@Wesshimself]

Great video from our young peter barakan. Love Bonsai Trees

[@BonsaiTalk]

Cool stuff

[@SilkyC]

Bonsai trees are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this museum with the world!

[@DjPolo1897]

My wife is Japanese, amazingly her family live in Saitama prefecture and her grandfather has many Bonsai, he loves them so much he sold his Katana collection to buy more, they are amazing.

[@bellasadar7443]

66% of Japan are covered in trees!!! 😱👍👍👍

[@RaduB.]

They really are beautiful. Great day to show them to us!

[@franz3810]

I need to go to Japan!!!

[@albertoalbertoni9529]

Unique place, how much beauty and elegance.

[@ajaayshharrma03]

Japan is just soo awesome❤ My dream country. Love from India.

[@Joelikesmoviesnstuff]

Wow! I interviewed a man whose Bonsai collection included one which was over 100 years old (and I was super-impressed with that). But 1, 000 years old? I have no words.

[@shred9178]

Seeing those beautiful bonsai tree's it feels like you live in a fantasy miniature world.. I wish i could also see them in person..

[@lacrospilacrospi3465]

GOOD JOB. I WILL DONATE! I LOVE THE RAIN AND THE BEAUTY YOU SHOWED, WONDERFUL, AND AWSOME, WISH I WAS THERE

[@diyanfonseka]

Love that you're also involved in the fundraiser!! :D

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

3:20 the one in the center back. 2 right of the 1000 year old tree, lovely.

[@whitetornado603]

Love Bonsai trees and love the Japanese culture. I just discovered your channel. SUBSCRIBED:)

[@freddychavez5954]

I loved this episode and learned a lot about Bonzai tree's. Keep up the great work John. Only in Japan is#1

[@NoshAbroad]

Boku wa Groot! (僕はグルート) Patreon crew, Instagram squad. Represent!

[@Dr-xl7lz]

🇮🇳 Love From India

[@ADRIAN-zh4ti]

Aged bonsai wood imparts unique flavors to barbecues, especially when grilling special meats like Kobe beef.

[@jasonstravers776]

I’ve been here twice and I absolutely love it. An incredible place to see if your visiting Japan.

[@scotts9691]

I love your vids John. They have inspired me to finally get my passport and plan my trip to Japan. Thanks for the quality uploads man, you rock!

[@bartman898]

Love your videos. I also love the bonsai trees. I wish you travelled to other countries. The style and content of your videos is exceptional and i would love to see the world filtered through your lense.

[@ffpm85755]

I alway get great pleasure to learn from you. Love the culture of Japan so much history. Keep up the great work.

[@zer0deaths862]

Good thing I've planted over 300 trees the last 12 years now.

[@Proberaumwurst]

Great video! Love Bonsai myself. Please don't ever stop making videos.

[@peterslootmans7237]

Been there in november 2019. The weather then was much better. It was a real treat.

[@angelgirl6966]

Thank you for being so awesome my son love to loved to watch you his name is Tony Kepple he passed away

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I’m so sorry to hear Tony passed away. I’m glad that I was able to bring some smiles and a piece of a place far away through KZbin. Thank you. As a viewer he was part of a community and that’s important to all of us and he’ll be missed. Sincerely, John

[@macbewmagoo8616]

💙

[@jeffjefferson2676]

You could grow clones of these trees from cell culture. So without harm to the trees! Really cool! Greetings, Jeff

[@WhiteDragon689]

In Florida's Moricami Museun and Gardens, there is a 300 year old baby Bonzai that I check up on every so often.

[@nadinegel]

Love this topic about Bonsai, thank you John for showing us the Bonsai Museum, kudos to your great effort even when it rain or shine you are always there. Learned about chiisai ki‼️🌲🌴🌳.👍👏👏

[@karljoseph4766]

Japanese perfection 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@benjaminjernfors]

1:57 This is a trick I use often lmao

[@rhonyg8626]

My favorite so far.. i hope to visit in japan next month!! Love the bonsai most specially the meaning

[@AliGAMETUBE]

الي جاي من جو حطاب يجق لايك 😍😍❤️🇮🇶

[@AliGAMETUBE]

@@xaea-1231 💩

[@slyfer5321]

Teacher: Alright our next project is to show everyone your family tree. Japanese student:

[@0dyss3us51]

Amazing specimens!! Thank you for raising awareness on teamtree!

[@mickeymarimuthu5808]

Thank you sharing. It is so relaxing watching bonsai trees.

[@zZiL341yRj736]

The rain makes this a lot better.

[@md.qumruzzaman9565]

Overwhelming and breathtaking

[@Ellindrn]

Every trees in that museum collectively can cost about the GDP of a small country

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Bonsai are so cool! I used to keep one. Cool part of their culture

[@BonsaiTalk]

They are awesome!

[@ruchikawasonsingh92]

Wow ! How come I missed this one Everytime ! Thank you so much for this video. It's a must on my next visit to Tokyo

[@sadgrlhour3405]

im so obsessed with this tree why is it so beautiful