Bonsai*
Golden Geek (nominated)
Family Game
Tile-Laying
Solo Mode
Nature & Farming
Puzzle
In Bonsai you take on the role of master gardeners patiently growing your own miniature tree. Whoever cultivates the finest bonsai earns the honour of displaying it in the Imperial gardens β a calm, elegant tile-laying and set-collection game for 1 to 4 players.
On your turn you choose one of two actions: meditate β take a face-up card along with the bonsai tiles shown beneath it β or cultivate, placing tiles from your personal supply onto your tree. When your bonsai meets the requirements of an open Goal tile, you decide whether to claim it or hold out for a harder one. At the end of the game, the tiles in your tree score points. A solo mode with extra scenarios and the Emperor Challenge rounds things out.
Nominated for 3 awards.
- π₯ 1 - 4 Players
- β±οΈ 40 Minutes
- π§ 10+ years old
- π§© Easy to learn
We like Bonsai so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2026
- Position 57 in Best games released at SPIEL 2023 in Essen
- Position 23 in The Best Board Game Deals π° during Amazon Black Friday & Cyber Monday Week 2025!
- Position 31 in The Best Board Game Deals π° on Amazon Prime Day 2025!
- Position 21 in The best games set in Japan π―π΅
- Position 30 in The best games with hexagon grid ⬑
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