On a recent, late-May outing to Ueno park, I stumbled across the Satsuki Festival presented by The Japan Satsuki Association. At full bloom, Japanese azalea (satsuki) bonsai are a bright, stunning burst of color. Carefully maintained and crafted, they dazzle on their small pedestals.
Three double-sided rows in the wide promenade of northern Ueno park offered temporary housing for the beautiful, well-groomed specimens. Azaleas were also available for purchase, ranging from the equivalent of a mere few to a few hundred dollars, while pruning tips were available to those interested in cultivating their own mini masterpieces.
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