MORIKAMI JAPANESE GARDENS
More in the Gardens of America, occasional series…this is a phenomenal site in Delray Beach, Florida.
“There is a very beautiful garden with a most interesting history in Palm Beach County, Florida. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens were established in 1977. Located on land donated by George Sukeji Morikami, they celebrate a rich, 100 year-old connection between Japan and South Florida.
Jo and Sada Sakai and child – 1
“In the early 1900s, a group of young Japanese farmers, led by Jo Sakai, established the Yamato Colony in northern Boca Raton. Named after an ancient term for Japan, this small agricultural community aimed to introduce innovative farming practices to Florida. The settlers primarily grew pineapples and winter vegetables, but faced challenges like competition and economic changes that made farming difficult.
“Despite hardships, the colony grew to include families, blending Japanese traditions with life in Florida. However, by the 1940s, most colonists had left or returned to Japan. During World War II, the U.S. government took over much of the land for military use. George Sukeji Morikami, one of the last remaining settlers, stayed and later donated his land to Palm Beach County. This gift led to the creation of Morikami Park, which opened in 1977 as a cultural and educational center honoring the Yamato Colony’s legacy.
George Morikami – 2
“Working alongside his friends, neighbors, and the Palm Beach County Department of Parks and Recreation, George Morikami helped transform his personal history into a lasting legacy—building a bridge of cultural understanding between George’s two homelands. Today, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens features traditional Japanese architecture, three exhibition galleries, a theater, and an authentic tea house. The 16-acre Japanese gardens reflect a variety of historical styles from across Japan, thoughtfully arranged to form one harmonious landscape. With close to 7,500 art objects and artifacts, including tea ceremony items and textiles, the Morikami offers visitors a deep, immersive experience of Japanese culture and its enduring connection to Florida.
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GARDENS
“The 16 acres that surround Morikami’s two museum buildings include expansive Japanese gardens with strolling paths, resting areas, our world-class bonsai collection and lakes teeming with koi and other wildlife. The wider 200-acre park features nature trails, pine forests and picnic areas.
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“In 2001, Morikami completed a major garden expansion and renovation. The new gardens reflect major periods of Japanese garden design, from the eighth to the 20th century, and serve as an outdoor extension of the museum. According to the garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu, each garden is intended to express the character and ideas of a unique counterpart in Japan without attempting to duplicate those gardens, and seamlessly flow together as one garden.
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“Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, with its unique gardens and collections, is one of Palm Beach County’s most treasured cultural attractions. Located in a tranquil natural setting, Morikami invites visitors to explore its many facets and discover Florida’s heritage and its connection with Japan.”
SOURCES CITED
1.https://www.bocahistory.org/yamato-colony/
