InUSA Tour Guide
Visitors to Florida are surprised to discover a century-old connection
between Japan and South Florida. In 1905, Jo Sakai, newly graduated
from the New York University School of Commerce, returned to his
hometown in Japan and organized a pioneering party to accompany him to
Boca Raton, Florida. Sakai and his companions implemented a bold
economic and social experiment, the Yamato Colony. Facing harsh farming
conditions, the families struggled to endure through the 1920s until,
finally, one by one they left for more hospitable parts of the US or
returned to Japan.
But one colonist remained. George Sukeji Morikami, who continued to work as a farmer and agricultural agent in South Florida, eventually prospering and amassing several hundred acres of land. In the mid-1970s, nearing the end of his long life, George Morikami donated 200 acres to Palm Beach County and the State of Florida.
The Morikami Museum celebrates the living culture of Japan and the unique history of a Japanese farming colony in Florida. Morikami Park offers 200 acres of tranquil pine forest, nature trails, lakes and waterfalls, shaded picnic pavilions, Japanese Gardens and bonsai collections. Classes and workshops for kids and adults include Japanese language, tea ceremony, flower arranging, orchid culture, ink painting, haiku, origami, bonsai, nature photography, toy and kite-making and more. The museum store features authentic gift items from Japan, including jewelry, books, cards, dolls, toys, clothing, pattery, lacquerware, kitchenware, tea utensils and much more. The cafe features a delightful menu of homestyle Japanese food, beverages and snacks.
HOURS: 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays and national holidays.
ADMISSION: Adults $9.00, seniors $8.00, children 6-18 $6.00, children under 6 and museum members free.
DIRECTIONS: From I-95, exit onto Linton Blvd and drive west 4 mi to Jog Rd. Turn left and drive south 0.75 mi to Morikami Park Rd. Turn right and proceed to the Museum and Gardens at the end of the road. From FL Turnpike, exit at Delray Beach and drive east 2 mi to Jog Rd. Turn right and drive south 1.75 mi to Morikami Park Rd. Turn right and proceed to the Museum and Gardens at the end of the road.