just back from japan

sheila and I are just back from two weeks in Japan, traveling with bonsai friends from Honolulu; impressed with the beauty of the country side, kindness of the people, efficiency of public transportation, cleanliness of the roadsides, train stations and public restrooms, the many ancient temples and manicured gardens, cherry blossoms, Mt Fuji, and last but not least, the abundance of bonsai nurseries and high quality bonsai, everywhere we went. sharing some pictures taken at nakanishi chinshouen and kandaka syojuen nurseries in the kinashi/takamatsu area of shikoku - the primary pine growing region in japan. some of the area nurseries are more than 100 years old. the nakanishi nursery for example, is now managed by yoichi, the 3rd or 4th generation of the family to run the business.[url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? crossing the seto bridge to shikoku hi=113&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? cherry blossoms i=114&u=15061647][/url]

[url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? underneath looking up. i=115&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? just off the bus in kinashi. this huge white pine and rows of black pines growing in an open field next to the road. no fences, no keep out signs, no theft. remarkable !!! i=116&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? kotobuki variety black pine very short compact needles =117&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? pick the one you want i=118&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? how about a cork bark black pine? this one is at least 12 inches across the base. i=119&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? each township has its own design for manhole covers. i=120&u=15061647][/url][url=https://servimg.com/image_preview.php? i=121&u=15061647][/url] walking towards the nursery we pass the nakanishi home. the pines are displayed outside that wall on the street

Great photos ,thanks for showing them. Looks like a good trip.

Hi kauaibonsai,

Just for curiosity, is it true that customs don't let you bring anything? Or is it a myth?

Joao Santos wrote:Hi kauaibonsai,

Just for curiosity, is it true that customs don't let you bring anything? Or is it a myth?

Depends on the country you are entering. The USA has strict import requirements that usually requires a permit and a quarantine.

India on the other hand has no restrictions.

Nice photos of Japan. I have enjoyed my many travels there. Next year, in Takamatsu there is going to be a massive bonsai show the week before the Taikanten. Would be a great time to visit Japan - fall colors and great bonsai.

thanks for the comment, smithy. glad you enjoyed the pictures. I have others to post later. hi joao. the restrictions on importing bonsai are imposed by the country to which the trees are being imported. thanks for the info rob. the big show in takamatsu next fall, is the 11th ASPAC.

Fields of dreams Thanks for sharing.

kauaibonsai wrote:thanks for the comment, smithy. glad you enjoyed the pictures. I have others to post later. hi joao. the restrictions on importing bonsai are imposed by the country to which the trees are being imported. thanks for the info rob. the big show in takamatsu next fall, is the 11th ASPAC.

In my case, I'm thinking about planning a visit to Japan and bring something to Portugal, and I've heard that is not possible but...