Goshin

Goshin is a miniature forest composed of eleven junipers arranged on a single granite slab, creating a compact woodland scene in miniature scale. The trees are positioned to resemble a natural forest grouping despite their small combined footprint.

Master bonsai artist John Naka created this miniature forest in 1984 as a significant work of art. It was later donated to the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, where it became a cornerstone of the collection.

The eleven junipers in this forest carry personal meaning related to family bonds and watchfulness in Japanese tradition. Visitors can sense this deeper connection while observing how each tree fits into the overall group composition.

This forest display is located in a dedicated pavilion at the Botanical Garden and is freely accessible to visitors. It helps to take time viewing from different angles to fully appreciate the depth and compositional details of the arrangement.

The name Goshin comes from Japanese and translates to guardian or protective being. This naming choice revealed Naka's intention to create a symbolic protective presence through the forest composition.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Creator: John Naka

GPS coordinates: 38.91210,-76.96380

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40