Japanse Tuin, Japanese garden in Ostend, Belgium

The Japanese Garden is a space of about 2,500 square meters (27,000 square feet) with ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and stone pagodas arranged in the traditional kaiyū-shiki-teien style. The different areas are connected through carefully placed plants, pathways, and water features that form a balanced whole.

The garden was designed by Japanese architect Takashi Sawano and opened in 2001 when Prince Philippe of Belgium inaugurated it. This creation marked the establishment of a cultural link between Japan and Belgium on the Ostend coast.

The garden is named Shin Kai Tei: shin means "deep" or "profound", kai means "ocean" or "sea", and tei means "garden" or "sanctuary". Its opening on 20 July 2001 was marked by a traditional Shinto ceremony attended by Prince Philippe. The pond is shaped like a turtle, a motif of longevity in Japanese tradition.

The garden lies near Ostend's city centre, close to the North Sea, and is freely accessible to walkers, so no ticket or booking is needed. Paths, benches and a gazebo allow a visit at any time of day. Enter from the former park of the Royal Villa and follow the turtle-shaped pond as a natural reference point.

The garden features several traditional bridges called yatsuhashi and a pond with koi carp swimming among water plants. These living elements give the garden a constantly changing quality that shifts with the seasons and time of day.