A Perfect Day Trip to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Florida

The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is a hidden gem in Delray Beach, offering visitors a little piece of Japan without ever leaving the United States.
This hidden gem boasts a little piece of Japan right in the heart of South Florida.
Just over an hour’s drive from South Beach, you’ll find yourself in a completely different world. A tranquil, picture-perfect landscape that boasts history, amazing gardens, waterfalls, and interesting exhibits.
One of the best day trips you can take from the city is a visit to Morikami Gardens.

A Perfect Day Trip to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Florida

Since opening its doors in 1977, Morikami has been a hub of Japanese arts and culture in Florida.

Morikami Museum & Garden houses thousands of art objects and artifacts, including ancient tea ceremony sets and textiles, all within a stunning Japanese Villa.

As you stroll through the gardens, you’ll come across traditional Japanese architecture and stunning blooming flowers. Inside the museum, you’ll uncover thousands of Japanese artifacts, from ancient tea ceremony sets to exquisite textiles.

Things to do in Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

• Explore Morikami Gardens, a stunning living exhibit that pays homage to famous gardens from Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
• Experience Japanese culture through monthly tea ceremonies and changing exhibitions in the galleries.
• Step into the Yamato-kan building and learn the story of the Yamato Colony in “The Yamato Colony: Pioneering Japanese in Florida”.
• Marvel at “Japan Through the Eyes of a Child” for an unique perspective from a child’s point of view.
• Indulge in more activities while admiring nature – 225-seat theater, research library, classrooms, tea house with viewing gallery, Cornell Cafe – and let tranquility wash over you.

Morikami Gardens

The Morikami Gardens are a stunning living exhibit that features six different gardens, each of which pays homage to famous gardens from Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Dubbed”Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew,” these gardens include the Shinden Garden, Early Rock Garden, Paradise Garden, Hiraniwa Flat Garden, Karesansui Late Rock Garden, and Modern Romantic Garden. With each garden hailing from a different historical period, visitors to the Morikami Gardens can expect to be transported through time as they stroll through this slice of Japan in Florida.

Exhibitions

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by attending one of the monthly tea ceremonies held in the Seishin-an tea house or check out one of the changing exhibitions in the galleries. The peaceful and tranquil atmosphere creates an oasis of calm, giving you the chance to relax and recharge.

Morikami Gardens: The museum

The museum, Yamato-kan, displays two permanent exhibits – Yamato Colony and Japan Through the Eyes of a Child . Plus 3 galleries, theater, library, classrooms, tea house and Cornell Cafe for unforgettable experiences.

The Yamato-kan, the original building fashioned after a Japanese villa, showcases two permanent exhibits. The first exhibit, The Yamato Colony: Pioneering Japanese in Florida, presents the story of the Yamato Colony.

The second exhibit, Japan Through the Eyes of a Child, is a unique perspective from a child’s point of view. But that’s not all the museum has to offer. The main building, which opened in 1993, has three galleries, a 225-seat theater, research library, classrooms, tea house with viewing gallery, and the Cornell Cafe.

Tips for visiting Morikami Gardens

If you’re planning to visit the Morikami Gardens, there are a few tips that will make your experience all the more enjoyable

If you’re looking for a little more guidance, the self-guided audio tour is a great way to get to know the museum.

Give yourself at least a couple of hours to really soak in everything the gardens have to offer.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll want to be able to leisurely explore the museum and gardens, so make sure your feet are up to the task.

Wear sunscreen and a hat. Even though the gardens are mostly shaded, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in hot Florida weather.

Take advantage of the self-guided audio tour. It’s an excellent way to get familiar with the museum before exploring on your own

To make your visit extra fun, purchase fish food so you can interact with the koi and turtles.

Cap off your visit with some bubble tea in the cafe overlooking the gardens. It’s the perfect way to relax and reflect on your leisurely stroll through the Morikami Gardens.

Morikami Japanese Gardens: That bit of history

Over a century ago, a Japanese national named Jo Sakai visited Florida with a goal of creating Japanese agricultural colonies in the. Sakai pitched his idea to the Jacksonville Board of Trade and was enthusiastically supported. This led him to find the first colony site, which he named Yamato, a name used for Japan centuries ago. However, while the pioneer farmers settled in a section of Boca Raton, their goal of revolutionizing the farming industry didn’t materialize. The community eventually abandoned the project in the 1920s. But their legacy lives on through the Morikami Gardens, which celebrates and honors the Yamato Colony’s history.

Make sure to add Morikami Gardens to your Miami itinerary. If you have time, even head over to West Palm Beach to make the most out of your visit.