We bought a Japanese Boxwood bonsai here, which was around 30 years old when we got it! We've had it for several years now, so beautiful and easy to care for. We love wandering around and looking at all of the amazing bonsais: pine, olive, oak, maple, pomegranate, juniper, so many different and interesting varieties! The owner is truly a master. He is very friendly and kind, and we take our bonsai to him every 3 years to get it repotted and trimmed. I highly recommend this wonderful nursery if you are in the market for a bonsai. The owner is very fair with the prices, and he won't steer you wrong when it comes to the best bonsai for you. He teaches bonsai classes, too, which we would love to take, but we live a little too far away. read more

Fuji Bonsai Nursery - Japanese Boxwood Bonsai, 30+ years old - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sylmar, California

Great service. Amazing Bonsai! They had a wide selection of bonsai. They were the prices you'd expect.

The owner is super helpful, knowledgeable, and caring about his Bonsai Trees and plants! My fiancé and I came into this nursery as first time Bonsai owners and just getting into the gardening hobby, and he and his team helped us pick out the perfect tree to take home! He's also very helpful in providing the proper care, inviting us to classes, and providing the resources. As a young couple who just started the hobby, everyone in the community has been so helpful and positive. The owner cares about the quality of life of his tree and intends to send them to good, caring, and nurturing homes. I'm glad to have stopped by and will be coming back a lot more! I see the reviews here are picky, but let's be honest: this hobby is more than just a business. Bonsai trees should be cared for and highly respected. Also, people don't know that they don't know--- be open to learning. Others only feel insulted when they don't understand what they don't know and that's okay, but be open to LEARNING. #noonelikesweenies read more

Will not go there again. I went there today, the owner was there too and few other of his friends. I choose 3-4 bonsai out of thousand bonsais that he hoarded and none of 4 bonsai I chose was for sale. If its not for sale put in another section with a poster mentioning NOT FOR SALE instead of wasting people by keep saying "that one is not for sale" or give an off number that his friend threw out "oh you can have it $7000 dollars". If you want something unique it mostly not for sale. Maybe he should it turn it into museum and keep all the trees. read more

I went on a Friday afternoon and unfortunately Master Nagatoshi was not there. When I arrived the place seemed deserted and I walked around for a while before I found a man watering the trees. I told him that I wanted a small tree for a gift for a friend and he told me that they didn't really have very many small trees left - that they had all been purchased or were part of someone's personal collection. Having driven close to an hour I was pretty disappointed, but he said he'd show me the few that he had. There were really just about five trees and he said that they were all $95 which seemed a bit pricey to me, but having driven that far, I was buying something. It kind of felt like he was just making up the price because he figured I'd be willing to pay that, but I really can't say for sure. I had expected the price to be closer to $50, maybe $60 or $70. He did say he would waive the taxes if I paid in cash, so I went to the ATM to get cash since that would at least keep me under $100. He groomed the tree for me and showed me how to do it, and even added some more soil because I didn't like the look of the wire sticking out of the soil. All in all it was a great experience and I love the little bonsai that I got - just a bit more than I wanted to pay. Also note - all of their bonsai trees must live outdoors so make sure you have outdoor space for it. read more

Fuji Bonsai Nursery - Chinese Elm $95 - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sylmar, California

Just loved this place and the amazing knowledge and service that we were provided!!!! The thousands of beautiful bonsai there to shop, learn, and view was outstanding. Roy and Alex there are awesome!! read more

Great pre bonsai selection. Good open classes. Don't be afraid or feel put off by anyone.

TLDR: "Beautiful trees, ugly people" I have been interested in bonsai for 2 years and drummed up the courage to finally purchase my first seeds last September. Since then, I have enjoyed the process of learning about my plants and researching more about the craft of bonsai. As part of this newfound interest, I decided to spend part of my 30th birthday visiting Roy's nursery. I had seen photos online and thought it would be a lovely place to reflect on the past decade and look for inspiration for my seedlings. We arrived around noon (on a Thursday) as a group of guests were departing. The only on-site parking consists of a single-lane driveway. It was packed, but we found nearby street parking easily enough. No one greeted us as we entered. It took some time before someone spoke to us; another guest pointing us in the direction of the owner, Roy. He was curt and not very friendly, but we had caught him in the midst of his goodbyes so I thought nothing of it; perhaps he was simply distracted. I think it is important to mention that the bonsai trees were beautiful and that Roy clearly possesses a mastery of the art of bonsai. The trees were diverse and inventive and I enjoyed my time walking the grounds. Hence 2 stars, instead of 1. Having said that, spending time with Roy and his staff was a far-cry from the experience of walking amongst their trees. I walked away from my conversation with them feeling ridiculed and discouraged. After walking the grounds for 45 minutes or so, I waited patiently until Roy was free from attending to other guests. I introduced myself politely, keeping my mask on out of consideration. I asked Roy if he had time for a handful of questions regarding the seedlings I was currently working on and recommendations for an adult (perhaps 5-10 years) tree I might purchase from him. Roy gave no recommendations for what I might purchase. Getting information from him generally felt like an interrogation: hostile and one-sided. When I described my journey so far in bonsai, he condescended against using online resources, soap-boxing about the uselessness of information from online contributors. When I asked what a good adult tree to start with might be, he instead told me that I wasn't opening my eyes. Given that I'm still new to this hobby, I was surprised that he wouldn't simply give me a recommendation or two. I had cash on hand and would've been happy to purchase a tree if he had recommended one. At one point he even openly mocked my seriousness in pursuing this hobby. He never once asked me a single question about me or about my trees. One of his staff members rolled his eyes behind my back (a fact I learned later from my girlfriend who had joined me on the trip). When I mentioned that I had started with a couple of seedlings, one of which was a Norway Spruce, he and one of his staff members openly laughed at me. My seeds came from a starter kit and were not regionally specific, that did not seem to matter much to Roy. After a few minutes of this condescension and unwelcoming attitude, Roy tried to tell me to come back for classes. I nodded politely and quickly said my goodbyes, saddened as I walked off the grounds. Confused about what I had done to experience one of the worst birthday outings I've ever had. I was surprised to see a nursery with such an elitist outlook. The word I walked away from this nursery thinking was: "gatekeeper". While, I understand that many people buy bonsai simply for the aesthetic, I have been interested in this hobby because of its value in fostering patience and thoughtfulness. I still plan to continue my journey in bonsai, I may even look into lessons at a different nursery, However, I have no intention to share any of that experience with this business' terrible service and hostile staff. I recommend that you avoid this place as well. read more

I came in with my husband to buy him a bonsai for Christmas. We have never met a nicer shop owner. Roy is not only a true master of his craft, but he patiently answered our ton of questions. What a friendly and helpful person. The trees... *every* single one looked well cared for, impeccably groomed and nurtured. I've never been to a cleaner nursery. You can tell that a lot of care and love are put into everything. If you're really interested in a quality bonsai tree, please take the time to stop by and talk with the owner. It's not just like picking out a houseplant at Lowe's. There is a rich history, an art and a wonderful spirit to bonsai trees. We had a blast at the nursery, and we will definitely be back. So lucky to have this treasure located in the valley! read more

Fuji Bonsai Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sylmar, California

I've come to Fuji for years for bonsai care/maintenance. It's not what it used to be. One of my trees died while in Fuji's care, although it was sick when I brought it in. It happens. But more recently, another tree received no trim/treatment at all after being with them for more than a month. I only learned that he refused to care for it after I called. Rather capricious behavior, in my opinion, and very poor customer service, particularly considering the $$$$ spent there. I've wondered if there is something else going on, maybe some depression, dementia or something along those lines. Whatever it is, it's too unreliable for me. read more

This is an amazing large place of a wide wide variety of pre bonsai, finished bonsai, and many many types of plants. Roy (Sensei Bonsai Master) and creator of all the Bonsai on Karate Kid movies along with master bonsai wiring expert (Alex) are the best guys in the business. They have training and educational classes every Thursday and Saturdays at 9am to 2pm and open till 4:30pm in Sylmar, Ca on Glenoaks Blvd just north of Polk Street. You will be very impressed with this place and even more impressed with the bonsai artwork and prices. The classes are awesome with a bunch of super friendly people. Check this place out - you'll be glad you did. Tell them that you read this from Cliff. read more

See all

I myself do not own a bonsai tree. I come here for akadama soil. But after my second visit, the owner recognized my wife and I and asked what we were doing with all the akadama we were buying. I told him I use it for my haworthias, he smiled and he found it interesting. The staff and owner are really friendly. From what I can gather they know their repeat customers well. I'll continue to be a customer for sure. read more

Outstanding. If you want to see bonsai from 50 bucks to $25k, this is the place. The owner is super nice. They have classes twice a week. Everyone here is super friendly, knowledgeable. If you want to learn or just want a bonsai or you're a pro, come here. read more

Fuji Bonsai Nursery - The small juniper we bought! - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sylmar, California

I lived in the area for 30 years and never knew this place existed!!!! I bought my first bonsai tree, something I always wanted. I was showed how to take care of it and am happy with my purchase. read more

Fuji Bonsai Nursery - Here she is!!! What a beauty. - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sylmar, California

Fuji Bonsai Nursery is one of the best bonsai nurseries in Southern California. Beginners have been going there for decades. Owner Roy Nagatoshi is a fabulous teacher and gives new students lots of attention. Roy, his assistant Alex, and the students at his classes are friendly and helpful, like no other bonsai nursery I have been to. You may make new friends. Roy's class is at 9 am on Thursday and Saturday almost every week. Introduce yourself to Roy if you are a newcomer or beginner. Feel free to ask him lots of questions if you are looking to buy trees. He has a large variety of trees and pots. He can help you purchase a tree there if you want to. He also sells wire, tools, soil. Roy encourages beginners to watch what other students are doing to learn. Students bring their tools, wire and a tree or two they want to work on. Roy will look at your tree and provide input and show you what your particular tree needs at that time. He will review your work after you are done. Instruction on potting/repotting is available when the weather is appropriate. Roy's assistant Alex is also a fantastic teacher and helps students. I suggest arriving by 9 am and parking on the street. Your car may get blocked by late comers if you park in the nursery driveway. Roy has carts to help bring your trees into the nursery. Roy charges $25 per class. He takes cash, check or credit cards. You pay when you are all finished. read more

See all

roy not only has the best nursery in north america but hes also the most talented and knowledgeable he should be equally as known as naka or hirao hes one of the last bonsai gods in north america along with nguy voung and shimazu the national show should be here in socal where the best trees in north america exist read more

The best bonsai shop around. Nice people. Good plants. It's definitely worth your time to check it out!

A very nice environment from the moment I walk in they greeted us and help with any questions we had. When they found out it was our first time there they gave us a walk thru. I enjoyed my self and will be back again Many selections from sizes, species, an price. Great if your just starting in bonsais or have many years doing them. They also have classes for those that want to know more or need that hands on experience. read more

Great place to purchase bonsais of all shapes and sizes. Roy (the owner) was very nice and welcoming. There was a wide variety of bonsai plants to choose from. I hope to go back soon. The drive is well worth it if you are looking for a great selection of bonsai plants. He also offers classes on handling bonsais on Saturdays at 9AM. read more

See all

Stopped by this gem and I can't say enough good things. The owner is super nice and beyond knowledgeable. The property and bonsais are beautiful! Cannot wait to take a bonsai class here. read more

We stopped by to purchase a plant. We had a chance to meet Alex who gave us exceptional customer service. We had all our questions answered, and felt confident enough to make the purchase. If you're looking for bonsai plants go talk to Alex. He's very knowledgable and patient. We will be back to show him pictures of our progress! Thank you for the great help! read more

Anthony's experience here was similar to that of my own during my first and only visits to this nursery a year ago. First off if you're a novice bonsai practitioner DO NOT let this be the first nursery you visit. You will be disrespected and belittled, believe me. I feel this review to be necessary now that I'm seeing another customer with a similar experience. The individuals I met here while purchasing fertilizer were negative, condescending and just upright rude and disrespectful. If you have the audacity to belittle and disrespectful a fellow bonsai practitioner, let alone anyone who's only just beginning their journey into bonsai, You don't understand a single thing about the underlying meaning of the practice and meditation of the Art of Bonsai. I truly Hope the owner sees these reviews and deeply ponders the individuals he invites to his garden that are ruining the experience for novice bonsai practitioners. I highly Recommend visiting "Kimura Bonsai Nursery" in northridge instead. Trees are fantastic, wide variety of Yixing and tokoname pots. With outstanding service, individuals here actually welcome you and make you feel at home and answer all you questions with kindness. If you do decide to visit this place and have a negative experience, please leave a review. I feel the need to bring light to the negative atmosphere this place is creating in the bonsai community here in the valley. read more

Bought a Chinese Elm from Roy over a year ago. Having no experience with Bonsai, I bombarded him with questions and he patiently and pleasantly answered all of them. I followed up with Roy this week over the phone, seeking advice on recovering my bonsai (from my questionable care habits). He was just as friendly as when I was a potential customer. This is quality customer service personified. read more

About two weeks ago, I decided to get into bonsai trees so I started reading about Fuji Bonsai Nursery. It's the closest to where I live. Today I had the pleasure of meeting Roy. Roy is very knowledgeable. He took his time to talk to me about bonsai trees, very fascinating. The nursery is big and has a lot of different kinds - Juniper, Chinese Elm, Japanese Boxwood, Japanese Maple, etc. I purchased a Japanese Holly. Roy also holds classes twice a week - Thursday and Saturdays. If/when your bonsai gets "sick" and needs extra care, you can bring it in and Roy will bring it back to shape. read more

Fuji Bonsai Nursery - Ilex Crenata Bonsai aka Japanese Holly Bonsai. This one is only a few years old. - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Sylmar, California

This place is great! I needed some bonsai soil for my babies and found this place on line. I'm tired of China town, other local city shops and websites. This is for real. No website yet, but in the works per Roy Nagatoshi, the owner. He works out of his home in Sylmar. His front yard is full of beautiful trees, some aged and handed down from generations. 40 some years in the business. Backyard is fully stocked as well, and has plenty for sale. Perfect place to get your Bonsai needs, from an expert at heart. He also offers classes and if interested I suggest you call for more info. Next one up is on Dec 16th, and then Dec 23rd. Hope to see more people there thru this. Books can get a little confusing as well as contradicting. No more websites for me, or expensive stores or shops where they know nothing other than the name of the plant and how to water. I'll update this next time, hopefully with pictures. read more

This is the best Bonsai Nursery I've been to in the area. The prices are very fair because even starter material have been semi-trained and are much further on it's way to becoming very nice bonsai. You can get many different kinds of trees as starter material for around $40, pay $20 for a class and Roy will teach you about the tree, how to water, feed, groom, wire, pot, etc. on a Saturday class. You really get what you pay for. His bonsai gallery is huge, so even if you didn't take a class you can get great ideas and inspirations as to how each tree can be styled. The first time I saw Roy's bonsai was at the Hungtington Botanical Gardens Bonsai court. All of the bonsai there are excellent. Roy and his right hand man Alex are very nice guys and very willing to answer all of your questions. Every time I'm there, someone brings in a sick tree and little bonsai knowledge asks Roy for advice and he always points them in the right direction. One thing that I learned is that when you buy a $10-$20 tree elsewhere as starter material, it is usually not trained at all, meaning it has no interesting movement whatsoever, and is usually a very young cutting or very small tree. Think of growing that little thing for another 5 years and all the work and effort that takes. Is it really worth trying to save $20 instead of starting with a decent sized tree instead? Trust me, I've done it before and I don't recommend it. Buy a nice tree and you will enjoy it for a much longer time! Roy's dog is nice, he's big and friendly. read more

The sign for this nursery is easy to miss, so drive slowly once you're on Glenoaks. It's actually the owner's home. I've been here 3 times and always received professional service, even though I'm still a novice at bonsai. I took in my Chinese Elm when I thought it was dying, and Roy's assistant was very kind to trim it for me, assuring that it just needed some keeping up. He gave me a few pointers about trimming and training as he did it, and suggested that I attend a class that Roy gives on select Saturdays each month. Sure enough, the tree has developed new growth and is thriving. I couldn't help purchasing a small olive tree when I was there. It's worth the journey to Sylmar just to walk the grounds and view these tiny, beautiful wonders of nature. read more

Roy is Mr. Miyagi. I don't mean that in a derogatory manner, but this is a man that has, over 30 years+ crafted a zen garden with Bonsai. On a perfect So Cal day like today, it's an oasis in the middle of Sylmar. Thousands of Bonsai crowd the property. Want a 24 year old black pine? No problem. Want a 150 year old Juniper? He can do that too. Roy is patient and helpful and let me wander but was there when needed. He gave off the same Vibe Pat Morita did in the movie - serene and competent and truly at home in his environment. The sense of calm I felt was palpable. Pricing for art that takes lifetime is appropriate and while my taste ran towards four foot high seventy five year old Japanese Maple my budget did not. But that was okay. I didn't feel pressured at all. Plus he offers classes every Saturday and I would suggest it would make a killer first date. I'm taking my wife at some point. All in all if you desire the real deal Holyfield of Bonsai - go here. read more

Great bonsai nursery! Read all the Yelp reviews and bolted all the way from San Gabriel Valley to Fuji Bonsai Nursery, and let me tell you - the drive was definitely worth it! Roy was extremely helpful and friendly in helping a beginner like me pick out a suitable bonsai to practice and start out. I was looking for a Shimpaku variety and Roy meticulously helped me pick out one suitable to my desired wiring style. The medium sized Shimpaku with a generic black plastic pot was about 5-6 years old and in REALLY good health was around $48 after tax. Not only did Roy help me pick out a great looking bonsai for a beginner, but he also gave me quite a few great tips and answered all of my questions from soiling, watering, sunlight, to what season I should pot my bonsai (Spring). Roy also has bonsai classes for beginners to experts on Thursdays and Saturdays from 9AM to around 2PM for $20 each lesson, which I am planning on attending and will review! Besides the great help I received, Fuji Bonsai Nursery has such a great collection and variety of absolutely beautiful bonsai, with some even up to 80-100 years old. You can really tell Roy has given these trees a tremendous amount of love and care. For anyone still hesitant about making the longer trip to Fuji Bonsai Nursery, I really do recommend taking the drive! read more

Roy is truly a sensei in the finest regard for the meaning of teacher. He loves bonsai and the whole process of creating a bonsai. He is patient, funny and kind and teaches you as gently as the trees you are caring for. I have taken a few classes ( not enough due to work) but Roy's students are equally as knowledgeable in bonsai and will share their time and experience with you freely. It's a wonderful way to learn an art form. Roy has many starter trees up to trees that are worth tens of thousands of dollars. I look forward to my next class with him. read more

As you can see below you don't have to take it from me but Roy is THE MAN! I met Roy Dec '13 and attended my first class today. I absolutely enjoyed myself and learned many things. Not only is Roy super nice, knowledgeable, and cool but his long time students are also nice & helpful. I can tell by looking at Roy's face as we worked on our bonsai that he enjoys sharing knowledge with people who share the same passion as he does. If you're bonsai lover from beginner to advanced Fugi Nursery is the place to go. Not only does he have more bonsai than any other nursery around but he's got the most beautiful trees I've ever seen. Ever since I started with bonsai I always wanted to learn from a MASTER. Go see Roy!!! You wont be sorry. read more

Roy was super friendly, and his Kohai was invaluable in helping me find my bonsai. I spent an hour or two searching through the untrained bonsai lots for the right feeling. I finally discovered a Willow Leaf Ficus that suited me, and I felt had the potential to be a lifelong pal. I am going to begin the bonsai process and re-pot in late May. Can't wait!! * Quality Plants * Healthy Plants * Great Selection * Good Price The process was fun, informative, and I can't wait to head back for a visit with friends I have recommended it too. read more

I needed to repot a bonsai i have had for a long time, I am a novice at bonsai and wanted to have a proffesional do it for me. Tried the shop on Sawtelle but couldn't get straight answer if they would do it for me, so I salled Fuji bonsai they said they would do ot for me. It seemed like a bit of a long drive but after i arrived I realized it was worth the effort . Roy has an awesome bonsai nursery you can wander aroung for a longtime, The owner (Roy) was very freindly and took the time to explain different plants and how to care for them, He repotted my tree while I waited and i even left with 3 new bonsai. Do yourself a favor and visit this little slice of paradise. read more

Great bonsai and pre- bonsai selection. I buy soil for all my trees there as well. I found this nursery back in the mid 90's when I first was looking to get started with "how to" classes. Master Roy Nagatoshi , owner and teacher is truly a bonsai expert. I highly recommend this place and travel there over 100 miles from Bakersfield regularly. Need to go there! George read more

It's pretty nice but the prices are too expensive for me. ( Which but the plants are nicely aged and worth getting. ) I wish he had small cup-size plants for sale though. $30 for a 10-year+ old plant isn't too bad though. But I just don't have the money :D read more

The other reviews don't lie. Roy is really a master of his craft. A true Mr. Miyagi of bonsai! A friend and I needed some desperate help with our little bonsai tree. After so much incorrect information from Home Depot, and too much conflicting information online, we found Fuji Bonsai Nursery on yelp. Without a doubt the best decision we could have made to save our little tree. Not to mention, Roy knows our climate and how that will effect your care for your tree, there's many beautiful trees outside, he's a very gentle and nice man, and provides top notch care and information about the trees. We're definitely sold...this will be our "go to" involving ANY of our bonsai needs. read more

I've never been to a more beautiful bonsai (Garden, really) place in Southern California. Roy is a Master, and is very nice. You can't be in a hurry when you come visit though. read more

If you are ever in the LA are or in Southern California Fuji bonsai is a must stop! Great selection of trees and plants not to mention the masterpiece trees this place has is well worth the time to stop by and look around. Plus the owner is a pretty cool guy he not not only showed me some of his trees but took the time to answer a lot of my questions read more

i don't care about anyone wearing or not wearing masks. i drove in with my wife and 2 kids on a whim cause i've had deep interests in this form of art. felt welcomed, even if we were just browsing. they answered random questions i had, and even highlighted beginner plants. showed us around the property and was nice enough to school us with more information (free!!). had to leave cause the kids were really hungry, so i left without a plant. but i will be coming back for classes and some bonsai trees! thank you for feeding our interest and not making our visit uncomfortable. read more

Awesome place. Whatever your pleasure. They'll help you out. Reasonable prices. When I'm not working on my own. This is my goto spot. Always get great ideas from this place. read more