Bonsai trees are known for their small size, delicate beauty, and intricate pruning techniques. However, there is one bonsai tree in the world that stands out from the rest due to its massive size: the world’s largest bonsai tree.
Located in the Bonsai Village of the Omiya district in Saitama, Japan, the world’s largest bonsai tree is a white pine tree that is over 600 years old. Known as the “Great Pine of Murohacho,” the tree stands at an impressive height of 13.7 feet (4.18 meters) and has a trunk diameter of 6.5 feet (2 meters).
Uniqueness
What makes the Great Pine of Murohacho unique is that it is not a traditional bonsai tree in the sense that it has not been pruned to miniature size. Rather, it is a full-sized tree that has been carefully trained and shaped to have a bonsai-like appearance. The tree’s massive size and shape make it a true masterpiece of horticultural art, and a testament to the skill and patience of its caretakers.
History
The history of the Great Pine of Murohacho dates back to the 14th century when it was discovered in the forests of Murohacho, a mountainous region in central Japan. The tree was eventually brought to the Omiya Bonsai Village, where it has been carefully nurtured and shaped over the centuries by a succession of skilled bonsai masters.
To create the bonsai-like appearance of the Great Pine of Murohacho, the tree has been pruned and shaped using a variety of techniques, including “wiring” (the use of wires to bend and shape the branches) and “jinning” (the process of stripping bark from the trunk to create the appearance of age and weathering). Despite its size, the tree retains a sense of delicacy and grace that is characteristic of traditional bonsai trees.
Today, the Great Pine of Murohacho is a beloved icon of the Omiya Bonsai Village, and a popular destination for bonsai enthusiasts from around the world. Its impressive size and age make it a living testament to the beauty and artistry of bonsai, and a reminder of the power of nature to inspire awe and wonder in all who encounter it.
How to see the Great Pine of Murochacho:
If you’re interested in seeing the world’s largest bonsai tree, the Great Pine of Murohacho, there are a few options for visiting it:
- Visit the Omiya Bonsai Village: The Great Pine of Murohacho is located in the Omiya Bonsai Village in Saitama, Japan. This village is home to a number of other historic and impressive bonsai trees, as well as museums and exhibitions that showcase the history and art of bonsai. The village is easily accessible by train from Tokyo, and is open to visitors year-round.
- Attend the Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition: The Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition is an annual event held in Tokyo, Japan, that showcases some of the finest bonsai trees in the world. The Great Pine of Murohacho has been exhibited at this event in the past, and may be on display in the future. The exhibition is typically held in February, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.
- Visit a bonsai museum or exhibition: If you’re unable to travel to Japan, there may be a bonsai museum or exhibition closer to home that features the Great Pine of Murohacho or other impressive bonsai trees. Many botanical gardens and horticultural societies have bonsai collections on display, and some may have special exhibitions that feature larger or more historic trees.
Regardless of how you choose to see the world’s largest bonsai tree, it is sure to be a memorable and inspiring experience. The Great Pine of Murohacho is not only a stunning work of horticultural art, but a living testament to the centuries of care and dedication that have gone into its creation and preservation.