Japanese Garden Hasselt
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The Japanese Garden in Hasselt, Belgium is a tranquil paradise that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. From the moment you enter the garden, you can’t help but feel relaxed and transported to a far-off place. The garden features a variety of lush plants and trees, including cherry blossoms, a small waterfall, a ceremonial house, and a Koi pond.
Here are practical tips on how to visit the Japanese Garden in Hasselt with kids and family activities nearby!
When: opening on 21.03.2023
How to Reach the Japanese Garden in Hasselt
You can reach the Japanese Garden in Hasselt either by car or by public transport. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Brussels either way. It takes about the same time to get there by car from Aachen.
Where to Stay with Kids near the Japanese Garden
€€€ Dormio Resort Maastricht is the perfect spot for family vacations. With an indoor pool with a play area for kids, a playground and a kids club it’s tough to beat! There is a spa and wellness center as well as a gym. Family rooms and free parking are available. This hotel is 35 minutes from the Japanese Garden in Hasselt and very close to the lively city of Maastricht.
€€ Holiday Suites Limburg Houthalen-Helchteren has an outdoor swimming pool and a playground. Family rooms and free parking are available. The hotel is about 20 minutes away from the Japanese Garden in Hasselt
€€ Center Parcs Erperheide is a well-known resort for families with young kids. The indoor water park, the playgrounds, the kids farm and the entertainment for families are some of the reasons that make Center Parcs great for a family vacation.
€ Landal Mooi Zutendaal has an indoor pool with play area for younger kids, indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Family rooms and free parking are available.
Cherry Blossoms
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Visitors of all ages can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and take in the beauty of its surroundings. The cherry blossoms are particularly popular, as they provide a stunning backdrop to the garden.
Ceremonial House
For those looking to explore a bit further, the ceremonial house provides insight into the culture and history of Japan. The ceremonial house is called Korokan, which means a place of rest and shelter for travelers (source here). It is built entirely of natural materials.
Waterfall
The small waterfall adds an extra layer of tranquility to the garden. The waterfall is not spectacular, however our kids were both impressed – the joys of having small kids!
They also loved the stepping stones in front of the waterfall. This part is not stroller-friendly, but there is an alternative way to go around the garden
Koi Pond
The Koi pond offers a chance to observe the graceful fish in their natural habitat. The national fish of Japan, Koi, symbolizes happiness and prosperity. There are several Koi in the ponds in the Japanese Garden of Hasselt.
There are several small Japanese monuments in the garden. You can read about them here
Visiting the Japanese Garden in Hasselt with Kids
With kids, the Japanese Garden in Hasselt is an ideal spot for an afternoon of fun and entertainment. The garden is typically filled with families, and is a great place for children to explore and learn about the environment. The garden also offers educational activities throughout the year, so visitors can gain an even greater appreciation for the beauty of Japan.
Tip
This is a small garden with no play area for kids, so plan for something nearby for the kids, such as the indoor and outdoor amusement park for younger kids Plopsa Hasselt or the massive playground of the provincial domain Bokrijk. Looking for more activities in the area? Check the map!
No matter the reason for visiting the Japanese Garden in Hasselt, Belgium, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. From the cherry blossoms to the small waterfall, the ceremonial house, and the Koi pond, it is a magical place that offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Practical Stuff
*Cost: adults EUR 6, kids <12 years old free entrance
*Free entrance for visitors in cosplay (Japanese pop culture) and traditional Japanese attire 🙂
*Tickets are separated in morning and afternoon slots, so that only 500 people maximum are in the garden at any given time
*You can book your tickets here
*There is a food truck with Japanese food (only on the weekends)
*The stones near the waterfall are not stroller and wheelchair friendly. There are also a few steps near the tea house. The good news is that there is an alternative path that is wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly.
The official website is here
*Dogs are not allowed
*Free parking
Address
About one hour drive from Schuman, Brussels (or 2 hours by public transport)
Japanese Garden
(link to the parking)
Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt
https://goo.gl/maps/5a8iHGnmrj8h2MNE8
Alternative parking here:
Koning Boudewijnlaan Parking
3500 Hasselt
https://goo.gl/maps/jVBG6qkjbFf97h467
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Nearby
Plopsa Indoor Hasselt is a fun indoor amusement park with an outdoor area as well. This is a great option even if it’s raining!
The awesome playground of Bokrijk (there is also an arboretum there and an open air museum) and with Cycling through water
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World Wild Schooling – BENELUX (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg)
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