Segment: Japankert of Budapest
Episode: Autumn 2020, Ep 3
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
TX Date: 7th March 2020

Japankert is a fascinating Japanese garden in the heart of Budapest.

• Budapest has a few Japanese gardens, though this is the oldest in Hungary, designed and built in 1920 by Marton Varga.
• Stones define the atmosphere of the garden, with spring and freshwater types of limestone both being used here. These stones were surfaced during the modernisation of the cog railway track and transported here to the garden by horse-drawn carts.
• The design of the garden is clever, guiding visitors through with the flowing water. At the final point you can find the stylised ‘snowy peak’ of Mt Fuji, a symbolic representation of the unique region of Japan.
• The most prestigious tree of the garden is the Acer Platanoides, known as the Norway maple. This is a species of maple native to eastern and central Europe, as well as western Asia.
• The weeping Pagoda is absolutely stunning. They are incredibly hardy, growing well in most environments.
• The Ginko Biloba, a healing, long-lived ancient conifer which almost became extinct in the 17th century, features in Japankert.
• While the garden remains beautiful in autumn, but spring is definitely the best time of year to admire the garden.

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