AUG 23 2013 

BY JULIA

XplorMor Team found a hidden treasure in South Florida!  Morikami Japanese Gardens and Museum is a cultural gem in the community of Delray, Florida. Busy, bustling streets surrounding the park only help to intensify the surprise and wonder when first entering its gardens. There is a small entrance fee, or for the enthusiast, various levels of annual membership may be purchased. Either way, it’s worth it.

XplorMor Expedition to Morikami Japanese Garden by Julia

A mile-long meandering trail winds through Roji-En, or “Garden of the Dew Drops”, which consists of six main gardens that highlight 1000 years of Japanese garden design. There are lakes, bridges, ancient moss-covered stone sculptures, lanterns and pagodas, and easy-flowing waterfalls, pools and streams. Lush plants trained and sculpted into peaceful landscapes along with meditative rock gardens and water jugs set the tranquil Japanese landscape scene.

XplorMor Expedition to Morikami Japanese by Julia

Wildlife further enhanced our visit to Morikami. Keep your eyes open. We almost missed the most amazing creäture: a large Green Iguana (at least 4 feet) sunning on a rock by the lake’s edge. There were also butterflies, dragonflies, turtles, koi and many birds.

Morikami Japanese Gardens, Florida, USA by XplorMor

Plan to spend a few hours or all day walking the trails and admiring the gardens, touring the museum and dining at the café which offers Pan-Asian cuisine. Morikami’s indoor exhibitions change throughout the year, offering further insight into Japanese art and history. There is now an exhibit of Kokeshi Dolls (wood lathe-turned dolls).

Read more about XplorMor Team’s tour of Morikami Japanese Gardens.