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Garden · Hasselt, Limburg
Japanse Tuin
Japanese garden of 2.5 hectares, a gift from the twin city Itami, with a waterfall, carp pond, bridges, a tea house and about 250 cherry trees.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Japanse Tuin
The Japanse Tuin of Hasselt covers 2.5 hectares in Kapermolenpark, northeast of the centre, and is presented as the largest Japanese garden in Europe. It was born from the friendship between Hasselt and Itami, a Japanese city with which Hasselt established ties in 1985. Hasselt gave Itami a carillon; Itami responded with the garden, inaugurated on 20 November 1992.
The project was designed by Japanese architect Takayuki Inoue, who chose the site, previously a pasture. Japanese gardeners built the garden in about 250 days of work, in the traditional 17th-century style. Building materials came from Japan, and the stones for the bridges came from Austria.
The route passes a small hill, a stream, a waterfall, a pebble beach, bridges and a tea house. Koi carp swim in the pond. A peace bell, installed in 2016, rings on special occasions.
The busiest time is the bloom of the roughly 250 cherry trees, which usually happens in March and April. In autumn the leaves change colour. The garden closes in winter for maintenance.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
During the cherry blossom season, which usually occurs in March and April, or in October for autumn colours. Weekdays are less crowded. The garden opens in spring and closes in winter; check opening days before you go.
How to get there
From the Grote Markt it's about a 20-minute walk, exiting via the ring road and crossing Kapermolenpark. From the station the walk takes around 30 minutes.
Tip
During cherry blossom season the garden fills up, especially at weekends: arrive early. Stay on the paths and do not feed the carp outside designated points.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Japanse Tuin
When do the cherry trees bloom?
Blooming usually occurs between March and April, depending on the winter. There are about 250 cherry trees. Check the situation close to the date, because the bloom lasts only a few days.
Is the garden open year‑round?
No. It closes in winter for maintenance and usually reopens in March. Check the garden’s calendar before you go.
Why is there a Japanese garden in Hasselt?
It was a gift from Itami, Hasselt’s sister city in Japan, opened in 1992. Previously, Hasselt had given Itami a carillon.
Can you walk there from the center?
Yes. It’s about a 20‑minute walk from the Grote Markt, via Kapermolenpark.