Japanese Garden, Genk Travel Guide

The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is a 2.5-hectare park that provides a tranquil escape from the city. As the largest Japanese garden in Europe, it exemplifies the beauty and serenity of Japanese garden design. The garden was created to symbolize the friendship between Hasselt and its sister city, Itami, Japan. Itami gifted the garden to Hasselt in 1992 as a way to share Japanese culture and traditions. In return, Hasselt gifted Itami a carillon tower.The garden's design adheres to the traditional 17th-century style, featuring a variety of elements that evoke a sense of peace and harmony. Visitors can stroll across charming stone bridges that arch over ponds filled with graceful koi fish. The soothing sounds of a waterfall cascade down a small hill, inspired by the Tenryūji temple garden in Kyoto. The Korokan ceremony house, built with natural materials like stone, wood, and bamboo, is a highlight, offering a space of peace for travelers.Throughout the garden, meticulously placed stones, carefully pruned trees, and flowering plants create a landscape that changes with the seasons. Spring is especially beautiful when the 250 cherry trees burst into bloom. The Peace Bell, installed in 2016, commemorates the 150-year diplomatic relationship between Belgium and Japan. Visitors are welcome to ring the bell as a symbol of peace. The garden hosts monthly activities that are open to the public, offering opportunities to experience Japanese culture.