I’ve been captivated by this deck since I first spotted it on @moonlit.faye’s post back in 2017 when only the Major Arcana had been painted. Its delicate, flower‑infused aesthetic immediately caught my eye. Now that the full 78‑card deck is available, it has become one of my favorites for both its beautiful artwork and its intuitive depth.

The Botan Tarot blends contemporary design, Japanese flower language, and folktale-inspired imagery to create a deck that feels both personal and universal.

My First Impressions

When I received the full deck, I was struck by how cohesive and warm the energy feels. Even the “scary” cards don’t feel intimidating—they’re gentle, inviting reflection rather than fear. The gold gilded edges add elegance, and the deck feels substantial and well-made in your hands.

The Artwork

Addi Miyako hand-drew and painted each card using watercolors and colored pencils. The artwork is delicate and intricate, combining animal and human imagery throughout the deck.

✓ Major Arcana: Contemporary design with Art Nouveau influences, Japanese flower symbolism, and references to Miyako’s family history.
✓ Minor Arcana: Folktale characters reimagined, with rich symbolism in elements, plants, and animals, and cohesive color stories.
✓ Card Back: Features the peony, a flower that represents bravery in Japanese flower language.

The combination of soft watercolors and detailed pencil work creates a deck that feels alive and meditative.

Box, Card & Finish

The cards measure 2.75″ x 4.75″ on 310gsm black-core cardstock with a linen finish and rounded corners. They shuffle beautifully and feel sturdy in the hands.

✓ Gold gilded edges add elegance and highlight the deck’s premium quality.
✓ Packaging includes a box that protects the deck and adds to its collector appeal.

Unfortunately, I got some miscuts on the cards.

Guidebook

The full-color guidebook includes:

✓ Keywords for each card
✓ Guidance for intuitive readings
✓ Insight into the symbolic and floral imagery

It’s concise but effective for both new and intermediate readers.

How the Deck Works

The Botan Tarot can be used like a traditional tarot deck but encourages reflective and intuitive readings. It works particularly well for:

✓ Personal reflection and journaling
✓ Meditative spreads connecting with nature and plants
✓ Creative or story-based readings
✓ Emotional introspection and self-growth

Reading Style and Themes

The deck emphasizes:

✓ Connection with nature and plant symbolism
✓ Blending human and animal archetypes for guidance
✓ Gentle reflection rather than fear-based interpretation
✓ Intuition, mindfulness, and creative storytelling

Who It’s For

This deck is perfect for anyone who:

✓ Appreciates artful, contemporary tarot designs
✓ Enjoys Japanese cultural and botanical symbolism
✓ Is comfortable with intermediate-level tarot interpretations
✓ Wants a deck that encourages reflective and intuitive readings

My Honest Thoughts

I was surprised by how strong and warm the energy of this deck is. It now holds a special place in my heart, and I find myself drawn to certain cards repeatedly—like the Queen of Swords, which initially made me fall in love with the deck.

That said, I didn’t particularly like that some of the cards in my copy of the deck have miscuts. While it doesn’t affect how the cards read, it can be a little distracting visually.

Even with that, the combination of elegant design, thoughtful symbolism, and intuitive guidance makes this deck a joy to work with. The Botan Tarot is gentle, meditative, and perfect for anyone wanting to explore a more artistic and introspective approach to tarot.

Where to Find the Deck & Creator Info

✦ Deck Creator / Artist & Illustrator: Addi Miyako

✦ Funded on Kickstarter

✦ Launch Date: 2020

✦ Where to Get The Deck: Addi Miyako’s Website