From July 4 to 13, 2025, Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens will host a collaborative exhibition with Tradman’s Bonsai exploring the timeless and cross-cultural beauty of nature’s forms.
Danish flower artist Nicolai Bergmann has been based in Japan for over 20 years. He creates unique designs that blend Japanese and Western styles while drawing deeply on Japan’s distinctive traditions, culture, and natural environment. Even those unfamiliar with his name have likely seen his signature Flower Box Arrangements, stylish black boxes that have become a new classic flower gift. Special editions appear at department stores for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and more. You may also have come across his café Nicolai Bergmann NOMU in Minami Aoyama on social media.
Inspired by the beautiful nature of Gora in Hakone, he spent eight years bringing to life Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens, which opened in 2022. The project is built around a deep commitment to protecting nature, creating a one-of-a-kind space that respects the ever-changing environment and fosters a special connection between people and the natural world.
Nicolai Bergmann
For this exhibition at Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens, Nicolai Bergmann is teaming up with TRADMAN’S BONSAI, a group dedicated to sharing the traditional Japanese art of bonsai with a global audience.
Founded in 2015 by bonsai producer Teppei Kojima, TRADMAN’S BONSAI goes beyond simply preserving tradition. They honor the core values of bonsai which include the spirit of hospitality and selflessness while bringing fresh innovation by blending bonsai with street culture, fashion, and art. Their work has gained widespread attention through collaborations with major brands like shu uemura, NIKE, Dior, and RIMOWA. The growing presence of bonsai in stylish shops across Japan reflects their influential role in revitalizing this traditional art form.
Bonsai Producer Teppei Kojima
Website: tradman’s.jp
Instagram: @tradmans_matsubaya.inc
Both artists, each exploring different forms of plant art, come together to create a celebration of nature’s sculptural beauty. Within six pavilions scattered throughout the gardens, TRADMAN’S BONSAI’s bonsai and Nicolai Bergmann’s floral designs combine to shape unique spaces.
Though both bonsai and flowers are living plants rooted in the present, they embody a timeless universality that transcends the concept of time. Over these ten days, visitors can experience this up close and reflect on how we connect with nature, perceive time, and appreciate the delicate balance of beauty.
Nicolai Bergmann Hakone Gardens
◾️ Overview
Address：1323-119 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
Opening Hours：10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed：Every Wednesday (open if Wednesday is a public holiday, then closed the following Thursday) and during New Year holidays
*Open on Wednesday, July 9
◾️ Ticket Information
Official Website：https://hakonegardens.jp/
Tickets for the following month go on sale from the 15th of each month
Parking Fee：500 yen per regular car (40 spaces available) tax included
*Cashless payment only on the day of visit
*Admission to the garden covers entry to this exhibition
Instagram: @nicolaibergmann_hakonegardens
