This Japanese Wonderland Near Miami Is Officially Reopening Next Week

Authentic sushi, kabuki theater, stunning architecture—if you’ve got some serious wanderlust for the Land of the Rising Sun, it's totally understandable why. But you don’t need to pay thousands for a plane ticket and travel across the world to experience it. Florida has its own little slice of Japan at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, and they officially reopen next week!

Morikami will finally be open to the public on Tuesday, June 16. So forget the visa and agonizingly long plane ride when you can just take a trip to the coast instead.

While the museum boasts extensive outdoor exhibits and indoor displays, only their outdoor gardens will be open at this time.

They will be opening an hour later than usual, at 11 a.m., and only payment through debit or credit card will be accepted.

Masks are only required for indoor venues, like the café and museum store.

The exhibits tell not only of the history of Japan, of its vibrant culture. They even host several workshops and events throughout the year, from cultural demonstrations to anime exhibitions.

You’ll definitely want to pay a visit in the early springtime too because it’s one of the only places in Florida where you can actually see cherry blossoms bloom.

Interestingly enough, South Florida even has an ancient, little-known connection with Japan. At the Yamato-kan building of the museum, you can find out all about it.

The original building of the museum, called Yamato-kan, is named for a small colony of Japanese farmers who settled in what is now Boca Raton.

While their farming expedition fell short of what they hoped it would be, it was the first seed of Japanese culture planted in Florida.

The 16-acre property holds two museum buildings and tons of winding garden paths. Wherever you walk, you’ll be inspired by the beauty of Japan.