<p>Bonsai chrysanthemums on display at Matsumoto Castle</p>

Bonsai chrysanthemums on display at Matsumoto Castle (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Bonsai Chrysanthemum Display

A unique take on autumn's flowers in Matsumoto

Mandy Bartok Oct 27, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Bonsai chrysanthemums on display at Matsumoto Castle</p>

<p>The mums have been carefully tended in the typical bonsai style</p>

<p>Chrysanthemums are not the usual flower to be considered for bonsai cultivation, making this a rather unique exhibit</p>

<p>These two bonsai appear as if they are growing into each other</p>

<p>The bonsai on display seemed to cover a wide range of varieties, with multiple colors and petal types </p>

<p>The bonsai mums in this pot form the basis of a miniature garden scene</p>

<p>Regular-sized mums are also on display just across from the bonsai shelves</p>

<p>It's much easier to count the petals on the regular mums! :) </p>

It's not uncommon to find chrysanthemum festivals at shrines, temples or places of historical value during the autumn months. Chrysanthemums, or kiku in Japanese, are the representative flower of fall and with their ties to the Imperial family (whose crest is a many-petaled mum) they hold a special place in the hearts of many Japanese.

Matsumoto Castle has taken the typical autumn chrysanthemum display and given it a twist, with a focus on miniature - or bonsai style - mums. The effect is quite stunning, especially when the tiny plants are compared to their larger counterparts on the opposite side of the exhibit.

The chrysanthemum display is free to visit and is located in the northern part of the grounds of Matsumoto Castle.

More info

Find out more about Matsumoto Castle.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.