Did you know that Florida has had a huge influence from Japan? At the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida, tourists come from all over the world to learn about this topic in a beautiful setting. After taking a tour, you will leave with a new understanding of Japanese gardens, culture, and Florida’s connection with Japan.

The Morikami Gardens is named Roji-en, which translate to Garden of the Drops of Dew. The gardens, along with the museum, first opened in 1977. Morikami consists of six unique gardens that were inspired by famous gardens in Japan. Each one is special since their qualities were inspired from different time periods in Japan. The gardens are filled with a multifarious amount of Japanese plants such as bonsai, sakura trees, and gumbo limbo trees.

Although the passing tour guides and uncontrollable loud children can feel like nuisances, the sound of nearby rushing water, the feeling of the beautiful warm weather, and smell of pine from the pine trees drowns away all stress. It is encouraged to take a seat on one of the many benches and let go of your worries after taking a tour either with a human guide or an acoustic guide. These guides explain the significance of each garden, while also including information about Japanese culture and how Florida was changed by the Japanese. You are always welcome to come back on any given day to relax in the gardens.

Brianna Nema is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

Photo courtesy and copyright Brianna Nema