A Harmonious Blend: Bonsai, Sakura, and Coffee Create a Unique Experience
Imagine sipping exquisite coffee amidst the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms and the timeless artistry of bonsai. This spring, a special event is set to captivate visitors in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, known as a historic hub for horticulture. The “BONSAI CAFE” will open its doors at Mizoin Temple, a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot, from March 10th to March 29th, 2026, offering a unique fusion of nature, tradition, and modern craft.
This limited-time cafe is a collaborative effort by WALTZ Co., Ltd., operators of the MARUGO Group wine bars, alongside Mizoin Temple, bonsai creators Hachisuba BONSAI-Art, and specialty coffee experts COVERT COFFEE. It’s designed as an “experiential cafe” that intertwines Kawaguchi’s rich tradition of bonsai and early-blooming Angyo cherry blossoms with contemporary craft coffee culture.
Discover the Essence of BONSAI CAFE
Kawaguchi City’s Angyo region boasts a history of over 400 years as a distinguished “town of bonsai” and “gardening trees.” With the esteemed cooperation of Hachisuba BONSAI-Art, who blend traditional bonsai techniques with modern expression, the BONSAI CAFE aims to introduce the profound charm of Japan’s world-renowned bonsai culture as a tangible experience. The historic First Guest Hall of Mizoin Temple transforms into a space themed around “gardening trees,” inviting guests to unwind while gazing upon the vibrant cherry blossoms and meticulously crafted bonsai.
This cafe isn’t just about drinks; it’s about the immersive experience—the tranquil ambiance created by the bonsai within the cafe and the Angyo cherry blossoms blooming outside. Here, each cup of carefully selected specialty coffee is hand-dripped, offering a moment of quiet contemplation. COVERT COFFEE’s dedication to single-origin, light-roasted beans, chosen for their specific farm, variety, and processing method, ensures a truly exceptional brew. With meticulous attention to water quality, extraction temperature, brewing method, and grinding, each cup promises a rich, enveloping aroma and a nuanced flavor profile that rivals fine wine or tea. It’s a sensory journey to be savored amidst the picturesque Angyo cherry blossoms.
Angyo Cherry Blossom Forecast and Festival Highlights
The Angyo cherry blossoms (Angyo Kanzakura) for 2026 have begun to bloom around Mizoin Temple and the station area in Kawaguchi City as of late February, slightly earlier than usual due to continuous warm weather. They are expected to reach full bloom between March 10th and 21st. While weekends anticipate large crowds, weekdays are recommended for a more leisurely viewing experience.
During the Mizoin Temple Cherry Blossom Festival, which typically attracts around 40,000 visitors, a diverse program celebrating culture and community is planned. This includes food trucks, local product exhibitions, bonsai workshops led by Hachisuba BONSAI-Art, and even sign language dance performances, all centered around local businesses and creators.
Bonsai Collaboration: Hachisuba BONSAI-Art (Kawaguchi / Kirakuen)
Carrying on bonsai techniques from the Edo period, Hachisuba BONSAI-Art promotes bonsai culture with a contemporary approach. They will provide bonsai for display and lead workshops at this event.
Coffee Collaboration: COVERT COFFEE
Specializing in single-origin specialty coffee, COVERT COFFEE offers a light-roast focused lineup with floral and delicate flavors that complement the cherry blossom season. Their commitment to beans from specific origins, varieties, and processing methods embodies a fusion of culture and craft.
A Taste of the Season: Featured Offerings
Beyond coffee, the BONSAI CAFE presents an array of delightful treats and beverages:
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Single-origin coffee (1,000 yen – 1,400 yen)
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Sakura Rosé wine
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Mizoin Temple Cherry Blossom Festival exclusive Sakura Anpan (sweet bean paste bun)
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Bordeaux Canelé and more
WALTZ Co., Ltd.’s Vision: Authentic Yet Innovative
WALTZ Co., Ltd. has consistently championed the philosophy of “Authentic yet Innovative” through its food and beverage ventures, creating projects that bridge local culture with contemporary values. The BONSAI CAFE is more than just a temporary cafe; it’s a cross-cultural experience that merges Kawaguchi’s gardening heritage, cherry blossom beauty, and culinary delights, blending regional traditions with modern lifestyles.
This fusion offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s evolving cultural landscape, where ancient traditions meet modern tastes, inviting visitors to savor a moment of serene beauty.
Event Overview
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Name: BONSAI CAFE
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Period: March 10th (Tuesday) – March 29th (Sunday), 2026
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Hours: 10:00 – 16:00
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Venue: Mizoin Temple First Guest Hall (2008 Angyo Hara, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture)
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Organizer: WALTZ Co., Ltd.
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Bonsai Cooperation: Kirakuen / Hachisuba BONSAI-Art
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Coffee Cooperation: COVERT COFFEE
The BONSAI CAFE embodies a fascinating trend: the thoughtful integration of Japan’s profound cultural heritage with contemporary lifestyle elements. For global fans of Kawaii culture, this event signifies how traditional Japanese aesthetics, like the delicate art of bonsai and the fleeting beauty of sakura, are being reinterpreted and made accessible through modern mediums like specialty coffee. It’s a delightful example of how Japan continues to offer fresh, engaging experiences that honor its past while embracing the present, ensuring that its charm resonates with new audiences worldwide.
