Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden in Hasselt. On a sunny day in July, I began my solo trip to Hasselt in Belgium. I boarded the train with the goal of visiting the Tanabata Festival. The festival was held in the largest Japanese Garden in Europe. I had high expectations and was not disappointed.
Watch my video here: Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden in Hasselt.
The Japanese Garden: An Oasis of Peace
The Japanese Garden in Hasselt is truly a vast, serene place. This Japanese Garden is the largest in Europe and offers plenty of space for both events and quiet walks. The origin of the Japanese Garden lies in a friendship agreement signed in 1985 between the city of Hasselt and the Japanese city of Itami. These two cities became sister cities. To strengthen this relationship, the Japanese Garden was created. The Japanese Garden was officially inaugurated on November 20, 1992, and has since served as a miniature representation of the Japanese landscape. Hills, koi ponds, and authentic Japanese architecture create an environment that encourages meditation and reflection.
Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden: Wishes & Traditions
The Tanabata Festival, also known as the wishing festival, originates from Japan and traditionally marks the beginning of summer. According to legend, it is about Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way. They were only allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month. During the Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden in Hasselt, you could write your wishes on wooden tablets or colorful paper strips. These wishes were then hung on bamboo branches or special racks. The tablets will be burned in August during the Obon Nocturne, another traditional Japanese festival, on August 9 and 10, 2024.
Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden: Demonstrations & Workshops
Upon arrival in the Japanese garden, I was welcomed by an impressive Katori demonstration. Men and women of the Dojo-Taki demonstrated their skills with the Japanese sword, the katana. This demonstration was led by Hugo Chauveau and is part of the oldest historically traceable Japanese martial tradition, Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryu, founded in 1447 near the Katori Shrine.
There was also a Taiko drum demonstration, performed by the drummers of Kono Yo under the direction of Ingrid Otten. Taiko is a form of traditional Japanese percussion, known for its energetic and powerful rhythms.
Cultural Experience
The Tanabata festival also offered a range of cultural activities. There were carillon performances and the opportunity to dress in traditional Japanese kimonos. A highlight was the Kamishibai theater, where stories were told using drawings. A storyteller would pull drawings one by one from a box, to bring the story to life. Cosplayers, dressed as various Japanese characters, walked around the Japanese garden. They added an extra touch of authenticity and color to the atmosphere.
Enjoying Japanese Cuisine
Of course, there were also numerous food stalls, where you could enjoy authentic Japanese dishes. This completed the cultural experience and allowed me to enjoy my visit culinary as well.
A Place of Reflection
Despite the hustle and bustle of the Tanabata Festival, I found plenty of quiet spots in the garden to sit and enjoy the surroundings. By the pond or on a bench in the park, I took the time to absorb everything, without feeling rushed.
Accessibility Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is easily accessible by public transport. From Hasselt station, you can take various bus lines that bring you close to the Japanese garden. You can get off at the stop at the “Rijksadministratief Centrum” on Koning Boudewijnlaan, or at the “Hasselt Zwembad” stop and then walk through Kapermolen Park to the entrance of the Japanese Garden. Consult the De Lijn website for the most recent information.
I personally chose to walk from Hasselt station at Monseigneur Broekxplein, a walk of about half an hour that took me through the city center. This way, I also got to see some of Hasselt.
If you come by car, there is free parking along Gouverneur Verwilghensingel.
Practical Information
For more information about opening times, ticket prices and events, you can visit the website of the Japanese Garden: Visit Hasselt.
Address: Japanese Garden
Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 15
3500 Hasselt, Belgium
My Solo Trip Experience
This solo trip to the Tanabata Festival in the Japanese Garden was a unique experience. The combination of cultural activities, beautiful nature, and a serene environment made it an unforgettable day. If you get the chance, the Tanabata Festival is definitely worth a visit, even if you are traveling alone.
