Photo= A visitor enjoying illuminated plum bonsai in full bloom (February 8, Keiunkan, Minato-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture)

On February 8, the nighttime illumination began for "Nagahama Bonbai-ten," or plum tree bonsai exhibition in Nagahama, which is now being held at Keiunkan, in Minato-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture. Approximately 90 plum blossom bonsai were illuminated in soft light, creating a visual feast for visitors.

As the interior lights were dimmed, the bonsai were lit-up with 109 spotlights. Many of the plum blossoms, including the red-blossomed "Furo," the oldest plum tree, estimated to be 400 years old, were in full bloom, creating a fantastic atmosphere with their delicate fragrance. The snow-covered garden is also illuminated.

Prior to the illumination, names were given to new exhibits and announced. Sojitsu Kobori, the Grand Master of the Kobori Enshu School of Tea, named an estimated 150-year-old plum tree with double-flowered pink blossoms, "Yae-gasumi."

The illumination will continue until March 9. It starts at about 5:00 p.m. Opening hours are extended to 8:30 p.m. At night, the garden can be viewed from the second floor.