This site offers a glimpse into Japanese culture with beautiful gardens and interesting exhibits.
Admission is $15 for adults and $13 for seniors. The museum celebrates over a century of connections between Japan and South Florida, starting with Japanese farmers who settled here in the early 1900s.
Visitors can enjoy feeding fish, strolling through different garden sections, and exploring the museum. There is also a café serving authentic Japanese food. This spot is perfect for a relaxing day surrounded by nature and culture.
History and Origins
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens celebrate a unique history. In the early 1900s, a group of young Japanese farmers arrived in what is now Boca Raton.
They formed an agricultural colony and named it Yamato, an ancient name for Japan.
This connection between Japan and South Florida is more than a century old. The museum and gardens were established to honor these early settlers and their contributions.
Morikami opened in 1977 and has since been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida.
Today, visitors can explore 16 acres of authentic Japanese gardens, enjoy rotating exhibits of Japanese art, and participate in cultural programs.
The site includes the James and Hazel Gates Woodruff Memorial Bridge, which marks the entrance to the gardens.
This bridge honors Mrs. Woodruff, a lover of Japanese gardens, and her husband, a U.S. naval commander and Pearl Harbor veteran.
Garden Highlights
Morikami Gardens is famous for its stunning landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. The gardens are designed for strolling and enjoying the views.
One of the main attractions is the koi pond, where visitors can feed fish for just $1. The pond is home to koi, turtles, and other Japanese fish that eagerly gather for food, creating a lively and engaging experience.
The gardens feature six distinct sections inspired by famous gardens in Japan.
These include the Paradise Garden, representing the Buddhist heaven, and the early rock garden, inspired by Chinese landscape paintings.
Other sections include the Shinden Garden, the Colossus Way Late Garden, the Hiraniwa Flat Garden, and the Modern Romantic Garden.
Each offers unique features and beautiful scenery, perfect for photography, meditation, or simply relaxing.
Special Features
One of the unique features of Morikami Gardens is the shishi-odoshi, or deer chaser.
This traditional garden element consists of a swinging bamboo arm that collects water and strikes a rock basin below when full.
The distinct sound of bamboo hitting stone is meant to startle animals that wander into the garden. This feature adds a touch of authenticity and charm to the gardens.
Another highlight is the Heavenly Dragon Waterfall, a popular gathering spot with koi fish and other wildlife.
This beautiful waterfall is considered a bridge to heaven, adding a mystical element to the garden experience.
Additionally, visitors can find Holte, the resident god of happiness, strategically placed to surprise and delight guests as they explore the grounds.
Museum and Cultural Programs
The Morikami Museum offers rotating exhibits of Japanese art in its galleries.
These exhibits provide insight into traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. The museum also features an authentic tea house where visitors can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
These ceremonies are held monthly and are a significant part of the cultural outreach programs offered by the museum.
The museum store offers a variety of Japanese goods, including art, crafts, and souvenirs.
Visitors can also enjoy the award-winning Cornell Café, which serves authentic Japanese food.
The café features dishes like teriyaki chicken and salmon served over white rice with a vegetable medley, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Visitor Information
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cornell Café operates from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The museum and gardens are closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission prices are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors. For more information, visitors can check the museum’s official website.
Whether you are a local resident or a traveler, Morikami offers a serene and enriching experience.
The combination of beautiful gardens, cultural exhibits, and engaging programs makes it a must-visit destination in South Florida.
Whether you are interested in Japanese culture or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens have something to offer everyone.