The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is in full bloom, so we had to see it for ourselves. With 225 cherry trees, it almost feels like a piece of Japan. We visited on March 28, and the trees were already covered in beautiful blossoms. We walked along the pond, under the blossoms, and watched visitors enjoying picnics on the grass. A few petals were already drifting down. The bloom doesn’t last long, so if you want to experience it, don’t wait too long.
From March 8 to April 13, 2025, the garden celebrates Hanami, the traditional cherry blossom festival. Visitors can enjoy the blooming sakura, relax with a picnic, and explore the peaceful paths.
Key events:
• Nocturne cherry blossom evenings: on select dates (March 11, 19, 27 & April 4), the garden stays open later for a quieter experience.
• ‘Sakura’ performance (April 13): a special closing event featuring traditional Japanese music and dance at 13:30 and 15:00.
The garden officially opened on March 1, but the exact bloom timing depends on the weather. There might be food and drink stalls during the weekends, but bringing your own picnic is also allowed.
The garden is open daily, and the last entry is 30 minutes before closing. If you want to see the cherry blossoms at their peak, keep an eye on the weather and visit early in the season! 🌸