The Japanese garden in Hasselt is with a total area of 2,5 hectares the largest Japanese Garden in Europe, which opened in 1992. It is a symbol of friendship between Hasselt and its Japanese twin city, Itami in Hyogo Prefecture.

It was laid out by the landscape architect Inoue Takuyuki and planted by visiting Japanese craftsmen according to traditional principles. The garden is at its most spectacular in the spring, when dozens of cherry trees bloom.

Hanami, the annual cherry blossom festival, is marked by special events like tea ceremonies, guided walks and performances.