Culture, Investments, Latvia, Real Estate, Tourism

Mayor Zuokas explained that the sakura trees planted on the right bank of the Neris, which blossom every spring, "symbolize Vilnius' multiculturalism, international cooperation. They are also one of the city's most beautiful green spaces. Today, we begin yet another project of cooperation and cultural dialogue. We have agreed on plans for a Japanese garden to be built in the New City Center, which will become one of the city's greatest attractions."

At the project's presentation, Japan's Ambassador to Lithuania Kazuko Shiraishi thanked the Vilnius City Municipality for their support of the project. "I have visited the Japanese gardens at Vilnius University and in Samogitia. They are good places for people to enjoy Japanese culture and beautiful Japanese gardens.

The sakuras at Sugihara park and the Asian art center in Uzupis neighbourhood in Vilnius are examples of the relationship between Japan, Lithuania and Vilnius. I hope that this presentation will improve the relationship between Vilnius, Japan and Lithuania," she said.

The park is expected to receive roughly 200,000 visitors a year. It would create at least 15 new jobs.

The park may cost up to between LTL 10-12 million (EUR 2.9-3.5 million).