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17 reviews for Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
This place is my oasis.
Tranquil and peaceful, at some points you will hear the rustling sound of bamboo trees swaying in the wind and at other points the sounds of waterfalls. Listen closely and you can hear Koi fish breaking the surface of the pond waters or the gentle tapping of a bamboo fountain.
In addition to the gardens, a Japanese Cafe is also offered that serves very decent food---try the Japanese curry which is very good.
The museum alternates different types of exhibits and guest speakers (including Anime cartoonists) throughout the year as well and hosts festivals celebrating various Japanese holidays. If you come to the festivals, expect to be entertained. Also expect that the museum will be crowded, since the Morikami's events are very popular.
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3.5 stars
Something different to do on a weekend!
I finally made it to this place after being told on a numerous occasions it's worth a visit. It's funny to know that there is a tiny slice of Japan in Northwest Boca/Delray Beach!
It reminded me bit of the Japan exposition in EPCOT center, but better!
The gardens are tranquil, peaceful. The flowers were in bloom! The bamboo grove is neat! The bonsai exposition was interesting to see. These little dwarf trees...
It's fun to see the children feed the carp and the turtles.
The museum portion was mostly contemporary Japanese art. That was totally worth a stroll. There is also a tea ceremony room where you can sit and observe how its done.
The gift shop sells Japanese knick-knacks, tea sets, kimonos. What did catch my eye however is the Japanese snacks sections. I couldn't help but indulge on strange candies from a faraway land.
All and all, I am glad I came. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the outdoors, a peaceful stroll, taking pictures, or Japanese culture.
AC
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Wow... kirei da ne? (Beautiful isn't it?)
The gardens are a beautiful place to escape to or get married in (there was a wedding the day of my visit). I heard it is the largest Japanese garden on the east coast. Very peaceful and tranquil. You can't help but to forget your worldly worries. It is almost like being transported back in time to old Japan. There was a little Japanese-style building, but sadly it was closed that day.
We did, however see a lot of interesting things, like the random lizard that was wandering on our path, and a water pump thingy. Also, the zen garden and the waterfalls were beautiful and serene.
If the weather isn't too pretty, there is a gallery, which featured Roger Shimomura , a thought-provoking political cartoonist. His artwork raised a lot of awareness about Asian stereotypes and the perception of Japanese in popular media. Through eye-opening paintings, visitors could see daily life through the eyes of a Japanese American who was locked away in the camp Minidoka during World War II.
Sometimes they hold festivals here, and I regret not making it here to see the Hatsume festival.
But we were in for a treat that day when me and my friend Zohan attended the Japanese tea ceremony, which was very educational. It was a 20 minute long demonstration of only a fraction of how it would be in real-life duration. But there is no music and if you must use a camera, make sure it is sound-less. You can hear a pin drop in this room, even with all the audience observing the ceremony. After the ceremony, we were all treated to some Japanese sweets and green tea (which was pretty bitter compared to green tea I have had at restaurants). I left that day with an even greater appreciation for Japanese culture, respect, and humility.
If you are into Asian or Japanese culture, or even an occasional anime otaku, then you definitely should visit here. I can't wait for my next visit.
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I'd like to refer to the Morikami as an oasis, because that is exactly what it is. Tucked away down Morikami Park Road is the large expanse of beautiful Japanese style gardens and museum of the Morikami. If you find yourself looking out the window at a perfect sky but have nothing to do, go here. If you love Japan, go here. If you love photography, go here. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the Japanese culture in South Florida.
Their exhibits vary but are always interesting, albeit small because of the size of the actual museum hall. You can catch an Omotesenke style tea ceremony or have a bite to eat at the renowned Cornell Cafe. I also adore their little gift shop. It's jam packed with great Japanese gifts. They can be expensive, so it's worh having the museum member discount. If you're a student, a membership is only 30$ and you can come and go all year. This membership gives you discounts to many of their events and the gift shop as well as free admission to their festival events. If you live close by, the Morikami offers various Japanese cultural classes including language and Ikebana which a membership also gives you privileges for.
I have to say one thing about the festivals. Okay, two things. GO EARLY! They get insanely packed and although there is a shuttle for parking the line is always long. I've seen people park across the street and walk the miles in to get to the festival. The fireworks at night are beautiful, but unless you don't mind braving an enormous crowd, it can be a bit hectic to wait for. The second thing I was going to say is that once you've been to one festival, the other ones are pretty much the same.
The festival menu at the Cornell Cafe is pre-planned and just so so, but it is better than the fair food. The hot dogs were alright, but I might as well have chugged frying oil when I ordered a funnel cake.
The best time to really enjoy a relaxing day at the Morikami is on a non-festival day. You can take all the time in the world and really absorb everything. There is a wonderful silence in the garden that everyone in our stressed-out world can use nowadays. I recommend you scope out their website, http://www.morikami.org for admission and Cornell Cafe prices. You can also see the current exhibit or plan a visit for future ones.
For the regular admission price of about $11 bucks with tax for adults, it is well worth it!
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If you need an "escape" from the typical south Florida scene, look no further than Morikami. When we first visited, we became members after only going 10 feet into the building. THAT's how breathtaking it is when you first see the Gardens.
I had never seen anything so amazing and beautiful. Every plant you see as you walk through the garderns was strategically and specifically placed to enhance the experience. There's a huge lake with some really bizarre wildlife, including several HUGE iguanas, gigantic Coi (sp?) fish, even a baby alligator!
It's also very romantic for couples to walk through the tranquil gardens, holding hands and taking time to sit at each of the various benches placed throughout the park. Each bench holds its own unique view of the property. There's also a museum in the main building, with revolving exhibits, and the offer tea ceremonies PLUS an award-winning cafe with the best veggie sushi around. You'll definitely be hungry after walking the 1-mile path around the lake.
The history of the Yamato Clan that settled the area is unbelievable as well. Make sure you save time to elarn about how the gardens were established. It's an incredible story!
Absolutely beautiful and well maintained gardens, ponds, and educational experience on Japanese gardens and their evolution through the centuries. Give yourself a few hours and just wander over bridges and through bamboo paths. Sit and contemplate. Have lunch at the delicious cafe. We always see a lot of turtles, koi and large birds in the water feeding.
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I went to the gardens with my mom yesterday and she just loved every inch of vegetation around her. We sat on a little bench across the lake where we could see everything, the main building, Japanese house, the bridges, a collection of bamboo trees and more. It was so peaceful we didn't even have to say a word to feel comfortable together. A perfect little escape from the busy everyday life most of us lead.
These gardens are so pretty!!!! It's 2 acres of developed Japanese gardens with a beautiful lake and a traditional Japanese-style home with tidbits of Japanese history and the history of the Yamato colony in Palm Beach, FL.
The main house has a traditional tea room, where they perform the ceremonies once a month. It is really pretty, and all the details involved are so exact that it takes tea masters 5 to 10 years to train for the official ceremonies.
They have a really nice bonsai garden, with tons of different tree species in bonsai size - soooooo cute!!!! It was incredible to see trees that you know are huge in miniature sizes. Seeing the trees made me want to give bonsai-growing a try. LOL - maybe one day.
They have festivals throughout the year that are a lot of fun. The spring festival is coming up, and they have the Japanese drums (like in Epcot Center!!!). They're super cool!!
I have loved this place since the first time I went back in 2002; but I'm only giving it four stars today b/c the traditional house I talked about above was closed. And unfortunately we (my mom) didn't get to experience the entire place, but still had to pay full price and the guy at the ticket box didn't mention it. So we were disappointed when we got there to find out it was closed to public access. Really, the place is nothing more than a really large garden, so having the house closed was definitely a bummer.
If you plan on going call ahead and make sure they've reopened the house.
What a beautiful place. This place is a little slice of Japan, literally since it was developed by Japanese immigrants trying to set up a community down here, and is a perfect place to find solace and center when things are hectic. This is definitely a place worth the trip, at least once. Spend the day touring the gardens, feeding koi and lunching at the Japanese restaurant (quite good, if simple menu) while taking in the sights and learning about the history behind the gardens. It really struck me how lucky I felt to have a place like this to visit in South Florida. Bring a camera and a few hours with nothing to do. You'll have a great time.
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This review comprises both the gardens and the Cornell Cafe, the Japanese cafe which is located at the complex. The gardens are beautifully maintained in classic Japanese style, and the ponds and streams are filled with obviously well-fed koi, herons and native turtles (no Crocs seen, but there is a warning to look out). This place is totally peaceful and someone could easily spend a whole day inspecting the plants and flowers while achieving a zen state. Not overly filled with tourists which is nice.
The Cornell Cafe is a really excellent Japanese restaurant on the premises, considering its just a museum restaurant. Although a small menu, the items are all freshly prepared, and the prices are extremely reasonable. Top marks go to the veggie gyoza (dumplings) and Bento box which is filled with all kinds a goodness (recommend to share with two - its big!). The table look out onto the lake and gardens and the service is casual and friendly!
Beautiful traditional Japanese gardens. Great to spend the day outside and relax. Love watching their ponds, specially the turtles. The Japanese Cafe is excellent, everything freshly made, and te prices are very reasonable. Best of all is that the tables look out the lake and gardens to keep enjoying at every moment you're there.
The Morikami has, if I'm not mistaken 3 or 4 annual festivals. If you get a chance do go to at least one of them. It's a different experience, there's obviously more people, but there's music, exhibitors, vendors...
I recommend you experience it both ways.
Only downside is that when you've do it a couple of times per year it starts to get a bit borring since all you do is walk and look, so now I go with friends once a year or every 2 years to a festival and enjoy a nice day out.
I was really impressed with the Morikami gardens. I went for the Bon Festival (or, Obon) so it was a bit of a different experience. I got there right at the beginning, which was nice because I had a chance to walk the gardens before they became completely packed with the thousands of festival visitors. The festival was fun, but if you are looking for a more serene experience (kind of the point of a Japanese garden) this is not the time to go.
But, if you want to have a funnel cake, a hot dog, and a beer, while walking through one of the top 10 gardens outside Japan (thanks Liz!) then this is the time to go for that surreal experience!
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A treasure! It's peaceful and beautiful and the koi are deadly and ready to jump, push and otherwise out maneuver the turtles for snacks in the ponds. Very fun. I wish I had a bungalow in these gardens-minus all the tourists, obviously.
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The Morikami rocks! In the midst of the eternal suburban sprawl that is South Florida lies the Moriami musuem... just this wonderful peaceful outdoor (and some indoor) space that's truly an escape from the rest of Florida.
It's out of place, almost, to find this traditional Japanese space in an area who's culture is primarily latin and not diverse outside of that. And refreshing, to boot.
I would strongly suggest to anyone in the area that they stop by and spend a relaxing couple of hours at Morikami.
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Yah that's right five starts. This is the perfect place for a romantic walk, a bonding experience with the family or a place to do yoga or even work. Generally any task is best completed here. The paths are smooth and easy to navigate for youngsters or octogenarians. The walk isn't long and there is cold water available at almost every turn. The BF and I stopped on almost every bench to watch butterflys go by and appreciate the beauty of the flora. The koi fish in the pond are HUGE, don't miss them at the end of the walk.
I went last Saturaday for the tea exhibit that ended yesterday. I was too late to try the cafe, which closes at 3pm. I'll be back in a few weeks as I've heard this is a dining experience not to be missed. Student discounts are available btw.
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I love the Morikami! It's a huge Japanese Garden, with a museum, library, gift shop, cafe, and tea ceremony room in the main building. While I've been to the museum and picked up a couple little bites at the cafe, the main attraction for me is the garden.
There are a variety of paths you can take to wander around the lush surroundings. Check out the koi in the ponds, and keep your eyes peeled for baby gators, turtles, and exotic birds. There are also a couple rock gardens, expertly raked, to catch a few relaxing zen moments.
The best time to go is when they have their special festivals, and admission is half-price ($5 instead of $10). The only downside to this is that it's always super-crowded, and you end up having to park far away on the grass, and deal with more people as you stroll through the gardens. But even at $10, the Morikami is a deal!
Great place to go on the Delray-Palm Beach area. Beautiful gardens,peaceful landscape,great Bonsai show, beautiful ponds and vegetation. worths it going anytime. The Japanese tapestry and history museum is very interesting too. A treasure in the area
the morimaki is so beautiful and unusual and rich in history.
it's a garden, a museum, a cultural center all in one.
the gardens ranked in the top 10 japanese gardens outside of japan. they're beautiful and peaceful and serene with bubbling waterfalls and reflecting ponds and winding trees.
the museums has thousands of japanese artifacts and also contains classrooms, a theater, a cafe, a courtyard, a terrace and a tea house, with all the building having traditional japanese design.
the cafe deserves a section of it's own. the cornell cafe was actually judged by the food network as one of the top three museum dining experiences in the country. it's an open-air cafe that looks onto the gardens. they serve delicious pan-asian fare. take a look at the menu online... everything is pretty tasty for a museum cafe.
this is a place not to miss. a cultural jewel in south florida.
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