Apparently, South Florida and Japan have a long history together – much to my surprise. Several years ago I visited Toyko and fell in love with the Japanese Gardens. I grew up in South Florida and only now realized there was a gem waiting to be discovered only thirty minutes from my house – Morikami Gardens and Museum.
Fun Facts about Morikami Gardens and Japanese Culture of Florida
In the early 1900s, there was a surge of Japanese farmers moving to the area – they became the Yamato Colony (Now I get it Yamato Road in Boca Raton). Around the 1930’s the colony left because they never made their dreams come true. However, one settler stayed – George Morakami – to continue farming the land. He always had a dream – to build a memorial to the Yamato Colony. In the 1970’s he did just that when he was 80 years old. Today Morikami has a Museum and a movie theater to give a better history of the place and George Morikami life. And beautifully manicured and preserved.
Morikami Gardens in Photos:
The Lakes and Gardens
ArtWorks around the Gardens
Japanese doorways and gateways
Japanese Typical House
Our Friend – Buddha
The Waterfalls
My Take On It:
The Japanese Gardens are simply gorgeous. The paths are easy to walk around on, and there is plenty to see.
There is an interactive Japanese House where you can learn about life in a modern Japanese family from the schooling they have to how they live and eat. However, it was closed due to renovations.
Important info to guide you:
Due to pandemic (COVID-19), a strict protocol was in place. Mask is required to enter the premise. Maintain social distance.Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Address: 4000 Morikami Park Road • Delray Beach 33446
- Phone: 561-495-0233
- Cost: $15 Adults (ages 11+) • $8 Children (ages 4-10) • FREE for children 4 & under. There is a discount for Seniors, College Students, Military/Veterans
- Website: https://morikami.org/