Discover Tranquility in an Unexpected Florida Corner: A Serene Japanese-Inspired Garden

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Discover Tranquility in an Unexpected Florida Corner: A Serene Japanese-Inspired Garden

Many American travelers dream of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to stunning Japan, home to beautiful mountain landscapes, Buddhist gardens, and those iconic cherry blossoms that coat the island nation in vivid pink petals each spring. But though there certainly are numerous Japan travel itineraries that won’t break the bank, heading out across the Pacific Ocean represents a major commitment that not everyone has the time or resources to indulge in.



Thankfully, there are some options closer to home for those looking to get their fill of Japanese nature, architecture, and culture. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, in Delray Beach, Florida, is a highly rated center which has offered the Sunshine State an authentic slice of Japan since it first opened back in 1977, when it was pioneered by members of the Japanese Yamato Colony of Boca Raton.

Featuring a traditional Japanese villa-style building known as the Yamato-kan, or “great peace,” as well as extensive Japanese gardens with koi-filled lakes, gentle waterfalls, and Zen sculptures. Online reviewers describe visiting Morikami as a singularly peaceful experience, with a leisurely stroll in the 16-acre gardens the perfect way to relax and unwind.



Collections, exhibitions, and a wide program of events

Yamato-kan building at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is also home to a newer museum building, which opened in 1993 and which houses over 7,000 examples of Japanese art and other historical items that are used to further visitors’ understanding of the country’s rich culture.

Exhibitions are typically held in the Yamato-kan, and are typically focused around a particular theme relating to Japanese art, culture, and tradition. Recent exhibitions have explored the history of Japanese tattooing, and the artwork of the Japanese science fiction classic “Akira.”



The museum holds around 500 items related to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and Morikami offers visitors the chance to take part in these sacred rituals, typically performing one session per month between October and May. As well as this, Morikami boasts an enormous calendar of other events and workshops held in both the gardens and the museum building’s 226-seat theater, so be sure to time your visit to ensure you catch something to your taste.

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Visiting Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Walkways at Morimaki Musem and Japanese Gardens

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.