Japanse Tuin Hasselt is 80 minutes from Brussels by train and is Europe’s largest Japanese garden in the traditional 17th-century style. Spanning 2.5 hectares, it is worth the journey, particularly if you visit between April and May when its 225 cherry trees are in full bloom.
Make the most of your visit. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Japanese Garden of Hasselt.
Europe’s Largest Japanese Garden
Designed by Japanese architect Takayuki Inoue, Japanse Tuin Hasselt opened in 1992 as a symbol of friendship between Hasselt and Itami (near Osaka). In return, Hasselt gifted Itami a tower carillon which rings during an annual concert.
The garden’s appeal lies in its simplicity. Unlike many Western gardens, it creates an oasis for reflection and meditation in our busy lives.
What to See in Japanse Tuin Hasselt
A numbered walking route guides you through the garden. While you can complete the circuit in 30-40 minutes, I spent 90 minutes here and could easily have stayed longer.
PRO TIP! Pick up the free walking guide at the entrance. It includes a map and descriptions of each section.
From the entrance, a path leads you to a zig-zag wooden bridge (Yatsuhashi) and the Dragon Gate Waterfall. Drawing inspiration from the 14th-century garden of the Tenryu-ji temple in Kyoto, this symbolises the division between life and death.
Water is central to the garden’s design. It cascades down the waterfall before ending in a still pond to the west, mirroring the different currents in our own lives.
Past manicured pine trees, you’ll see the Ceremonial House reflected in the pond. Both it and the adjacent tea house are inspired by traditional 17th-century houses.
At the pebble beach, around 190 koi carp swim to greet you. The koi is Japan’s national fish and symbolises happiness and prosperity
Adjacent to the beach are the garden’s stars: the cherry trees.
Cherry blossom (sakura) is a national obsession in Japan. Here, 225 Japanese sakura trees create a spectacular display in spring.
You’ll frequently hear the peace bell ringing. Inaugurated in 2016 to celebrate 150 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan, anyone can ring it.
Opposite sits a small shinto shrine. In Japan, these appear in gardens, temples and along mountain paths. People stop to clap twice, bow, give thanks or make a wish, and leave a small donation.
Complete your visit by crossing the graceful footbridge for a closer look at the Ceremonial House and tea house.
Plan Your Visit
When to visit: The garden is lovely year-round, but visit between April and May for cherry blossom season, and in October for spectacular autumn foliage.
Opening hours and tickets: Open March to October, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm). Closed Mondays. Adult tickets cost €7 (2026 price). Concessions available. Free entry for visitors in cosplay or traditional Japanese attire. Buy tickets at the entrance; booking isn’t necessary. Check the latest opening hours and prices here.
Getting there from Brussels: Trains leave Brussels twice hourly for Hasselt. Journey time is around 80 minutes. The garden is at Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt. It’s a 20-minute walk from Hasselt town centre or accessible by buses 11, 20a, 36 and 45. Free parking is available at the garden car park on Gouverneur Verwilghensingel.
Food and drink: Weekdays – vending machines only (hot and cold drinks, snacks) Weekends and events- additional food and drink options available Picnics are welcomed under the cherry trees or at tables.
Events and activities: 90-minute guided tours run every Sunday and public holiday. Buy tickets at the entrance. The garden also hosts tea demonstrations, tai chi for kids, origami, bento/sushi workshops, and ikebana and calligraphy courses. Check the website for details.
More Belgium travel inspiration
Hasselt was one of my favourite stops during my week in Belgium. Combine your garden visit with the Jenevermuseum Hasselt – the Hasselt Jenever Museum is educational and entertaining.
For more Belgium travel ideas, see my other guides:
- Complete guide to Hasselt
- Brussels and Ghent as bases for exploring Belgium by train
- Best chocolate in Bruges
- Lesser-visited gems like Mechelen and Leuven with De Kruidtuin botanical garden
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.