It may be too early, but the premier bonsai show in Tokyo will be held the second week of February, (I know it will include the dates Feb 9-11, but it lasts a week or more) as it is each year. It is called Kokufu-ten, and is held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum at Ueno Park.
It's amazing...I attended in 2001 and 2004.
John

Well if your in Tokyo an conifers are your thing,I would recomend a day trip to Nikko. It's about a 2hr train ride from Tokyo and I'm sure there must be charter bus tours from most hotels. I can remember seeing some old growth sugi or hinoki on the walking path around the Tokugawa tomb.They were massive. Jimmyonyx

Dear SCBonsai,

I might be able to make it to the exhibit. I think I'm arriving on Feb. 15. I did some searching and saw that the exhibit lasted to Feb. 16 in some past years.

Do you know where I can get this year's dates? If I can make it, do you advise that I get tickets in advance?

Thanks for your help.

Dear Jimmyonyx,

I'll definitely take in the Nikko Nat'l Park as well.

Kokufu Bonsai-ten

- Tokyo Metropolitan Art museum
- Wednesday Feb. 9th - Wednesday Feb 16th, 2005

I found this on the net...
It would be easy to buy admission at the museum. There is a free shuttle bus from the show to the vendor area about 10 minutes away...called the "Green Club" where thousands of show quality trees as well as pre-bonsai and pots, etc. are sold...

Here is a link that might be useful: Tokyo Metropolitan museum

Also, the Meiji Shrine/Park is easily accessible via the subway, and is an interesting trip if you have a few hours.

Here is a link that might be useful: Meiji shrine

The ume are already starting to bloom (a bit early this year), but there should still be loads blooming in 2-3 weeks. Zui Sen Ji in Kamakura has lots, along with an interesting old rock garden. Oh, trees, too. You should go to Kamakura anyways...

If you need someone to take you around the area, pm me. I have a lot of free time right now!

I would be careful in the low lying areas as it can be pretty cold ie) Kyoto and sleet and freezing rain can be a problem until early - mid march. Maybe this year is different. Just keep that in mind.