The Parque de la Vega in Alcobendas, north of Madrid, is home to one of the most authentic and unknown Japanese gardens in the region, the result of a collaboration between the City Council and the Embassy of Japan. Inaugurated in 2011, the space recreates the traditional Japanese aesthetics with ponds, architectural elements, wooden bridges, winding paths and a well-tended vegetation that invites to stroll and contemplation.
At the heart of the park is the emblematic Peace Bell, a replica of the one installed at the UN headquarters in New York. This monument pays tribute to the victims of World War II and represents the five elements of feng shui: water, fire, earth, metal and wood. The design also incorporates the concept of “borrowed landscape”(shakkei), a Japanese concept that seeks harmony between the natural and architectural elements of the environment.
The Japanese garden and bonsai museum in Madrid.
Next to the Japanese garden is the Luis Vallejo Bonsai Museum, considered one of the most important in Europe, with more than 200 specimens on display. The collections include native species and trees brought directly from Japan, cultivated by masters such as Luis Vallejo, Masahiko Kimura or Hiroshi Takeyama. The museum offers guided tours, courses and exhibitions that bring the art of bonsai and Japanese philosophy closer to visitors.
The entire park, with a total area of 15,000 square meters, is perfect for enthusiasts of Japanese culture and to introduce children to its concepts: it has themed children’s areas, meadows for relaxation and an Environmental Education Classroom. Access is free, although the bonsai museum has an entrance fee of between 3 € and 5 € depending on the day and rate. The opening hours vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to consult them before going.