A Glimpse of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

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As noted on the website of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, visitors are often surprised to discover a century-old connection between Japan and South Florida.

“Yamato Colony was once a small community of Japanese farmers in present-day northern Boca Raton. The story of the Yamato Colony begins with Jo Sakai’s visit to Florida in 1903. Sakai hailed from Miyazu, Japan, and was a recent graduate of New York University. He signed an agreement with the Florida East Coast Railway to locate a proposed colony of Japanese farmers in the Boca Raton area.“

“In the mid 1970s, one of the last remaining settlers, George Sukeji Morikami, then in his 80s, donated his land to Palm Beach County with the wish for it to become a park to preserve the memory of the Yamato Colony.”

“Morikami’s gardens, named Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, were designed to be a living exhibit as an extension of the museum.” Much more information about the various gardens and landscape design can be found HERE.

The gardens are dotted with tranquil ponds, gently running streams, and rocky waterfalls.

The design and structure of Morikami’s multiple bridges are unique and each has a special significance.

There are many serene views as you gaze across reflective bodies of water and stroll the gently curving walkways past bamboo stands and rippling brooks.

Stone lanterns, raked stone Zen gardens, and special rock installations mark the landscape in the various garden areas. “The mile-long path is also a trip through time; each garden represents a style unique to the 9th through the 20th centuries…”

Many of the walking paths offer choices of views, roundabouts for traversing the same trails, or modest hills with steps leading to overlooks. Benches of all shapes and sizes are plentiful for those who are seeking a quiet contemplative space.

Above is the original Morikami Museum, which now houses several exhibits, as well as short films highlighting the history of the Yamato community as well as the history and upkeep of the garden landscapes (Morikami History).

This is the new, enlarged museum building, which houses a large auditorium, exhibitions of Japanese art and artifacts, a gift shop, and the open-air Cornell cafe, overlooking the gardens. Morikami offers many special events and unique programs for its visitors throughout the year.

As you approach the original museum building, you cross over an old stone bridge and pass by a happy-looking reclining Buddha.

Adjacent to the museum building is a magnificent Bonsai Garden, where specially trained volunteers spend many hours each week pruning and shaping the many bonsai of all sizes.

“The art of bonsai design is to shape a tree through various techniques so that it represents, but does not duplicate, trees in nature. An aged effect is desirable, using shape, color and texture in ways that evoke a sense of how such a tree would have formed over years of growth in nature.” (Morikami Bonsai Collection)

This glimpse of Morikami provides only a brief introduction, so I encourage you to check the links provided in order to see and learn more (One Day at Morikami).

The grounds nearest to the new museum building are beautified by lush flowering gardens.

If you find yourself in southeast Florida one day, it will be well worth your time to stop in Boca Raton and make a visit to Morikami~!

21 thoughts on “A Glimpse of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens”

  3. 🌸 Behold the tale of Morikami’s might, 🌸 🌿 Where Japan meets Florida’s bright light! 🏝️

    In Boca Raton’s northern embrace, 🍊 Lies Yamato Colony’s historic space. 🏞️ From far Miyazu came Jo Sakai, 🌸 With dreams to till, plant, and sway. 🌾

    A century-old connection unveiled, 🕰️ As Japanese roots were here impaled! 🇯🇵 George Sukeji Morikami, in his 80s grand, 🎂 Gifted his land, a park’s command. 🎁

    The Roji-en Gardens came alive, 🌿 A living exhibit, a vibrant dive. 🏯 Ponds serene and streams afloat, 🐟 Waterfalls grace each landscape note. 🌊

    Bridges crafted with a touch divine, 🌉 Each one bears meaning, so fine! 🌌 Bamboo stands and brooks that wend, 🎋 Views of tranquility, that never end. 😌

    Stone lanterns glow with Zen appeal, 🔆 Raked gardens with stones surreal. 🧘‍♂️ Through time, a mile-long stroll we’re led, 🚶‍♂️ Gardens speak of centuries spread! 🌌

    Paths meander with choices to make, 🚶‍♀️ Roundabouts and hills, steps to take. 🚶‍♂️ Ample benches call for contemplation, 🪑 In quiet spaces, find restoration. 🧘‍♀️

    The original museum, a historic tome, 📚 Holds exhibits and films that roam. 🎬 Cornell cafe, a delightful place, 🍵 Artifacts, gifts, a captivating space. 🎨

    A happy Buddha greets with glee, 😃 A stone bridge guides, a gateway to see. 🌉 Bonsai Garden, a marvel to explore, 🌳 Trained volunteers shaping trees galore! ✂️

    Bonsai design, an artful feat, 🎨 Nature’s essence, the artists meet. 🌳 Textures, colors, shapes aligned, 🎭 Years of growth in art confined. 📜

    This glimpse of Morikami is just the start, 🔍 A treasure trove of beauty and art! 🗺️ Check the links for more to perceive, 🌐 Embrace the magic that you’ll receive! 🌈

    If in Florida’s southeast you reside, 🏖️ Boca Raton’s charm, you can’t deride! 🌴 Visit Morikami, a grand display, 🎆 An experience to brighten your day! 🌞

    So let your journey begin with a smile, 😄 Amidst Morikami’s splendor, be agile! 🦚 A fusion of cultures, history’s flow, 🌌 A place where laughter and awe bestow! 🤣🤩

    🏯🍃🌌🌺🎋🏯🍃🌌🌺🎋🏯🍃🌌🌺🎋🏯🍃🌌🌺🎋🏯🍃🌌🌺🎋🏯🍃

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    • Thanks for the added, promotion of Morikami, Wally!☺️ I only brought my camera once, so a lot of my pictures are iPhone shots. It’s just irresistible to take pics of any kind with these beautiful views!

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