The garden was built as a gesture of friendship following the sister-city agreement established between Hasselt and Itami in 1985.
Architects from Itami designed the garden to be a replica of a traditional 17th-century Japanese strolling garden.
The koi pond contains specific types of carp that have been bred for centuries in Japan, some of which are donated during diplomatic exchanges.
The garden’s layout follows the principle of 'shakkei' or 'borrowed scenery', integrating the surrounding natural horizon into the garden's visual perimeter.
Every stone used in the garden was selected for its specific shape and symbolic placement based on traditional Japanese gardening philosophy.
The tea house was constructed using authentic materials and techniques by Japanese craftsmen to ensure traditional accuracy.
The Hasselt Japanese Garden is the largest of its kind in Europe, spanning 2.5 hectares. Designed in collaboration with the Japanese city of Itami, it serves as a symbol of friendship between the two municipalities. The garden features a traditional waterfall, a stone lantern collection, and a ceremonial tea house. A large koi pond serves as the central focal point, populated by hundreds of ornamental carp. The layout follows the Edo-period style, incorporating winding paths designed to encourage slow-paced movement and contemplation. The garden includes a 'Korokan' pavilion for exhibitions and cultural workshops. Natural elements such as maple trees and cherry blossoms are strategically placed to showcase distinct seasonal changes. Granite and basalt rocks are imported directly from Japan to maintain authentic landscaping standards.
The red wooden bridge overlooking the central koi pond provides the most iconic perspective of the garden.
Follow the garden path in a clockwise direction to fully experience the intended sequence of views.
Visit during the spring cherry blossom season to see the pathways lined with blooming sakura trees.
Bring a camera with a macro lens to capture the fine details of the stone lanterns and the textures of the koi pond.
Attempting to touch the koi or walking on the grass, which disrupts the delicate design and protected ecosystem.
Closed on Mondays. The garden operates seasonally, typically opening in late March and closing in early November.
Refrain from feeding the koi fish, stay on marked paths to protect the moss and vegetation, and maintain a quiet voice to respect the contemplative atmosphere.
