Japan is renowned for its culture of omotenashi—hospitality from the heart. Standing at the very pinnacle of this tradition is bonsai. These miniature landscapes, nurtured with delicate skill and time, bring serenity and dignity to any space while captivating the hearts of all who encounter them.

A Beauty Spanning from the Imperial Household to Luxury Hotels

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the “Daido Garden” on the Imperial Palace grounds manages over 90 species and 500 pots of bonsai. These masterpieces adorn the Palace and Imperial residences during key ceremonies welcoming state guests and dignitaries. Among them are venerable trees with centuries of history, such as a Shinpaku juniper said to be over 600 years old and a five-needle pine named “Third Shogun,” associated with Tokugawa Iemitsu and estimated at 550 years old.

Today, bonsai culture extends far beyond the Imperial Palace. Leading luxury hotels and venues across Japan incorporate bonsai to embody Japanese beauty and hospitality. At The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto and The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, for example, bonsai grace lobbies and suites, offering guests from around the world an authentic taste of Japanese refinement.

Conveying Authentic Hospitality

Bonsai are far more than decorative objects; they are living symbols of time, craftsmanship, and reverence for nature. Each pot carries its own story, quietly moving visitors and revealing the depth of Japanese culture.

From palaces that welcome heads of state to hotels greeting travelers from across the globe, bonsai have secured their place as Japan’s ultimate “omotenashi” décor. We hope to continue sharing this tradition with the world and passing it on to future generations.

Of course, quarantine regulations remain a major challenge for expanding bonsai culture internationally. This is why it may be time to shine a spotlight on bonsai alternatives that condense the essence of the art but do not require quarantine. While imperial venues and luxury hotels can invest heavily in ornamental décor, there are natural limits to the time and cost most organizations can devote to it. With this in mind, we believe our handcrafted, maintenance-free artisan bonsai can serve as a new kind of “Japan’s ultimate omotenashi décor,” bringing the spirit of bonsai to more settings worldwide.