As March begins and the cherry blossoms start to bud, Brussels Secret takes you to a place of escape just one hour from the capital. In the heart of the province of Limburg, close to the Netherlands, Europe’s largest Japanese garden is an enchanting and unmissable destination. This 2.5-hectare site marks a vibrant link, born of a historic friendship between the cities of Itami in Japan and Hasselt. The park, which will celebrate its 34th spring next year, transports us into Japanese culture, with sakura, freshwater fish, and traditional sake. A unique getaway in one of Belgium’s most beautiful landscapes.
A unique place: where Belgium meets Japan
The history of the Japanese Garden in Hasselt dates back to 1985, when the Flemish municipality and the city of Itami sealed a friendship pact and became twin towns. This symbolic link aims to offer Belgium an authentic Japanese enclave. Inaugurated in 1992 after several months of meticulous work, this garden is the result of a unique artistic vision orchestrated by architect Inoue Takayuki. A true invitation to disconnect, this sanctuary dedicated to contemplation has become a powerful symbol of the national landscape.
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Built on a former 2.5-hectare meadow, the garden was constructed using high-quality materials imported directly from Japan. Its exotic architecture creates a striking contrast between the foreign elements and the site’s original, completely preserved natural environment. Here, every path and every stream has been designed for visitors to relax, creating a unique link between the spirit of the Land of the Rising Sun and the Belgian way of life.
A sensory immersion in the heart of Hasselt’s Japanese garden
As soon as you step through the garden gates, you enter a place of exemplary harmony. First, you will discover the Ceremonial House, a jewel of wood and bamboo with a copper-tiled roof, then the imposing Peace Bell, symbolizing 150 years of friendship between Belgium and Japan. Between the ballet of the koi carp, the gentle murmur of the water features, and the spectacular cherry blossoms in spring, every detail promises visitors a moment of absolute tranquility.
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Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this Asian domain is a veritable open-air museum where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the experience. From origami and calligraphy workshops to tea ceremonies and traditional sake tastings from the city of Itami, each visit reveals a new facet of Japan. For more than thirty years, the Japanese Garden in Hasselt has offered a sublime sensory journey, a break that is as exotic as it is rejuvenating.
📍Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt. Open from March 1 to October 31, 2026, Tuesday through Sunday.