In the middle of the Clingendael Estate in The Hague is a beautiful, historic Japanese garden. The garden has rare trees and plants and can only be visited temporarily twice a year. We take a look when the blooming azaleas, rhododendrons and wisteria are at their best.
History of the Japanese garden
The Japanese garden dates from the beginning of the 20th century and was created by the then owner of the Clingendael Estate, Marguerite M. Baronesse van Brienen (1871-1939). It is the only Japanese garden in the Netherlands from around 1910 and therefore has great historical value. With an area of 6,800 square meters, it is also the largest Japanese garden in the Netherlands. During her travels to Japan, Baroness van Brienen shipped various attributes to the garden in The Hague, including lanterns, statues, bridges and a pavilion. QR codes can be used to look up information about the objects in the garden on site.
Blooming rhododendrons and Japanese maples in exuberant autumn colours
The plants in the Japanese garden determine the atmosphere and the ground is completely covered with a thick layer of moss. A true spectacle takes place in the spring, when the azaleas, rhododendrons and ornamental cherries bloom profusely. The wisteria also contributes. In the autumn the garden shows its exuberant autumn colours, when the many Japanese maples and other trees change colour. You can also enjoy special water plants and ferns.
When is the Japanese garden open?
The Japanese garden is open for a few weeks twice a year, in both spring and autumn. For 2024, this will be in the spring from April 27 to June 9 (from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.). And in the autumn from mid to late October (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The garden can be visited 6 weeks a year in total. Admission is free. There is a maximum number of visitors and you may have to wait a while in bad weather.
How is the Japanese garden accessible?
The Clingendael estate and the Japanese garden within it are located on the Wassenaarseweg in The Hague. In the park, follow the signs ‘Japanese garden’. There is an entrance (near a wooden bridge) and 2 exits. You are not allowed to enter via the exits, so make sure you take the correct route.
The garden is partly wheelchair accessible, with a special, shorter route and accessible via the exit gate of other visitors. Since the garden is so vulnerable, dogs, buggies and electrically powered aids such as a mobility scooter are not allowed. Assistance dogs are allowed. You can have a drink or go to the toilet in the nearby tea room.
Based on the photos below, we will let you enjoy spring in the Japanese garden in 2024:
The red bridges symbolize joy, but red also wards off evil spirits.
The bottom is covered with a nice, thick layer of moss.
Blooming Primulas at the waterfront.
The wisteria is also in bloom.
Blooming rhododendrons and azaleas in different colors.
Statue of the Buddhist saint Jizo, protector of children.
On the Garden & Balcony overview page you will find many more tips and advice for garden and balcony fun. From advice on the care of garden plants to practical tips on pruning and landscaping.
(Source: denhaag.nl, denhaag.com. Photos: web editor MAX Today)
