You Can Explore This Japanese Fairytail Gardens For Just $15
Florida gardens are a calming oasis from the grind of urban life. There are numerous such gardens spread all over the Sunshine State. One of the most magical is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens near Miami.
The gardens bring a taste of Japan to South Florida. Most of the exhibits at the museum and gardens tells the fascinating story of not only Japan, but it's culture.
For just $15, you can see for yourself the relaxing grounds and also check out the area's connection with the Land of the Rising Sun.
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The garden's historic connection with South Florida
In addition to its stunning grounds, the gardens also showcase an important connection between Japan and South Florida.
Back in 1904, a group of farmers migrated to the land that is now occupied by Boca Raton.
The farmers formed a small colony called Yamato, but their dream of growing experimental crops didn't materialize.
By 1920, the community began leaving tropical South Florida for other parts of the country or returned to their homeland.
While the farming community was a bust, one stayed behind, George Morikami, and another idea was soon born.
A Japanese fairytale garden was born
In 1977, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens were open to the public.
Its mission is to showcase Japanese culture. To achieve this, the museum and gardens have rotating exhibits, tea ceremonies, and have molded the 16-acre land in the spirit of the homeland.
The gardens are 16-acres of relaxing pathways, bonsai collections, and serene lakes filled with koi and other marine life.
The Roji-En exhibit (Garden of the Drops of Dew), is a living exhibit that features six gardens of distinct nature.
Within the Roji-En is a path that will take you under a tunnel of trees that provides the perfect Instagram moment.
Exploring Yamato-kan
A huge feature of the gardens is the Yamato-kan, which is home to the permanent exhibition that tells the story of the farmers who came to Florida.
The exhibit tells the story of the garden's founder, George Morikami, and the farming community that settled in the region.
The exhibit showcases what the community was like and how the colony transformed into the gardens that sit on the land today.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the inside of the museum is currently closed, but you can still venture into the gardens to see the culture of Japan come to life.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Price: $15
Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd., Delray Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: A lush Japanese gardens filled with serene pathways and history.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.