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Japanese Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Hasselt
Experience Japanese serenity in the heart of Belgium at Europe's largest Japanese garden, a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange.
The Japanese Garden in Hasselt, the largest of its kind in Europe, offers a serene escape with traditional Japanese landscaping, a ceremony house, a waterfall, and a koi pond, celebrating the bond between Hasselt and its sister city, Itami.
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A brief summary to Japanese Garden
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Walking
From Hasselt city center, the Japanese Garden is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head east along the Koning Boudewijnlaan, following signs for Kapermolenpark. The garden is located within the park, just past the Kapermolen.
Public Transport
From Hasselt train station, take bus line 1 towards the Japanese Garden. The bus stop is located just outside the train station. A single bus ticket costs approximately €3. The ride takes about 4 minutes. Get off at the Japanese Garden stop, a short walk from the entrance. Alternatively, from the city center, local buses are available with a ride costing €1 with a 10-journey ticket with municipal discount.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Hasselt. A taxi ride from the train station to the Japanese Garden typically costs between €4-€5 and takes only a few minutes. Taxi fares within Hasselt start at €2.40, with a kilometer price of €2.32. Be aware that night allowance of €3 may be added.
Driving
If driving, use the GPS address Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt. Free parking is available at the garden's parking lot on Gouverneur Verwilghensingel. Note that parking spaces are limited, especially during peak season. As an alternative, free parking is available at Parking C (corner of Universiteitslaan and Trichterheideweg).
Local tips
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Visit during the week to avoid crowds, especially during the cherry blossom season.
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Check the official website for seasonal events like tea ceremonies and floral workshops.
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Wear comfortable shoes to explore the garden's winding paths and varied terrain.
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Bring a camera to capture the picturesque scenery, especially the cherry blossoms in spring and the colorful foliage in autumn.
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Enjoy a picnic in the designated areas, or try Japanese snacks from the food vendors during weekends and special events.
Discover more about Japanese Garden
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.
A brief summary to Japanese Garden
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