The Japanese garden in Hasselt is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Covering an area of 2.5 hectares, it is Europe's largest Japanese garden and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the province of Limburg.
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The Japanese garden is a result of the friendship between Hasselt and the Japanese city of Itami. They became 'sister cities' in 1985. Hasselt presented Itami with a tower carillon, while Itami offered to install a Japanese garden in return. It took 250 days to complete. The garden, which lies close to Kapermolenpark, was opened to the public on 20 November 1992.
Waterfalls, ponds with koi carp, a tea house… the Japanese garden is a real tribute to its name. It's an ideal spot to soak up some Japanese culture, for some quiet reflection or simply a walk to enjoy its unique surroundings. The garden organises regular events, such as tea demonstrations, calligraphy lessons or sake tastings.
The Japanese garden is closed during the winter. It will reopen its doors to visitors on 24 March 2018. For more information, please go to http://visithasselt.be/en/japanese-garden-1.
