Dreaming of an escape that feels like you've switched continents without boarding a plane? Head to Belgium, where Europe's largest Japanese garden is hiding. With its waterfalls, traditional bridges, and flaming maples, this place already looks like it stepped straight out of a postcard. But from October 17 to 25, it promises to be even more stunning with its traditional chrysanthemum festival.
Europe's largest Japanese garden is located in Belgium
It's in Hasselt, in the Limbourg province, that this little wonder of 2.5 hectares entirely dedicated to the art of Japanese gardens is tucked away. Created in 1992 through a partnership between the Belgian city and its Japanese twin town of Itami, the garden was designed according to traditional Japanese landscaping principles. As you stroll through, you discover waterfalls, pools filled with koi carp, Japanese bridges, a tea house and a traditional pavilion. All set in a particularly peaceful atmosphere, just minutes from downtown. And while the place is highly appreciated in spring for its cherry blossoms, autumn offers it a completely different spectacle.
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A Japanese festival transforms the garden from October 17 to 25
From October 17 to 25, 2026, the garden will host its traditional Kikumatsuri, or chrysanthemum festival. During this celebration, chrysanthemums take center stage in the landscape, with floral arrangements designed to showcase this emblematic Japanese flower. This year, the festival particularly highlights creativity and collective effort, with installations created by the garden's volunteers. A wonderful opportunity to add some lovely autumn color to the landscape already dressed in its fall hues.
A flower that holds a very special place in Japan
Because in Japan, the chrysanthemum is no ordinary flower. Introduced from China in the 6th century, it quickly became a symbol of longevity, renewal, and autumn. It's even associated with the Japanese imperial family, who made it one of their emblems. And this tradition goes back centuries: the first celebrations dedicated
dates back to the year 910. Suffice it to say that the Japanese had embraced autumn floral decorations long before our wreaths of dead leaves.Your last chance to enjoy the garden before winter arrives
And that's precisely what makes this getaway particularly special in October: the Japanese Garden in Hasselt will close its doors on October 31st for the entire winter season. You'll then have to wait until spring 2027 to stroll its pathways, admire its ponds, and cross its little bridges again. The chrysanthemum festival represents one of the last opportunities to discover this magical place this year. At around 2 hours 15 to 2 hours 30 from Lille by car, here's an autumn outing idea that's well worth the extra kilometers. And honestly, between the Japanese maples, cascading waterfalls, and autumn blooms, it's hard to find a better excuse for a day in Japan… without ever leaving Belgium.
Chrysanthemum Festival, Kikumatsuri
Japanese Garden inHasselt
Governor Verwilghensingel 15, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
From Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm