Experience the Essence of Japan in Palm Beach County, Florida

The Morikami attracts visitors locally and from around the world and nation because it's so unique -- a combination of Eastern beauty and Western accessibility. The Morikami - the only museum in the Southeast United States wholly dedicated to the living culture of Japan - plays host to a number of festivals and events, showcasing Florida's link to the Japan. Here are a few of the attractions that make the Morikami a worthwhile stop on any traveler's itinerary, any time of the year.

Roji-en: Gardens of the Drops of Dew (the George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Japanese Gardens) – Featuring six Japanese gardening styles, the Roji-En is the crown jewel of the Morikami. Situated on 16 acres, the gardens surround Morikami Pond and lead walkers approximately one mile through meandering greenery, past towering bamboo and rushing waterfalls and beside beds of carefully raked pebbles. Visitors are urged to walk slowly in order to notice the deliberate sculpture of the leaves, bushes, flowers and branches, which are painstakingly maintained on a daily basis. Hoichi Kurisu, founder and president of Kurisu International, designed the gardens, which include representations of Shinden Gardens (9th-12th century), Paradise Gardens (13th-14th century), Early Rock Gardens (14th century), Late Rock Gardens (15th century), Flat Garden (16th-17th century) and Modern Romantic Gardens (19th-20th century). Roji-En is recognized as one of the top 10 Japanese gardens in Europe, North America and Australia by the Journal of Japanese Gardening.

The Morikami Museum – Inside the main gallery of the Morikami, a schedule of rotating exhibitions, along with a 5,000-piece Permanent Collections Gallery, bring alive the artistry, history and complexity of Japanese culture. Senior Curator Tom Gregersen selects from a wide range of creative perspectives to introduce west to east. The Morikami Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM). According to AAM, of the nation's nearly 16,000 museums, approximately 750 are currently accredited. The accredited designation means that the Morikami is meeting and/or exceeding its mission and goals of being a world-class museum committed to preserving and celebrating the living culture of Japan.

Cornell Café & Tea House: With an outside eating area overlooking Morikami Pond, Cornell Café has been featured on The Food Network's The Best Of …, a popular cable TV series that highlights the best of America's restaurants and eateries. Chef Fu and Christie Chen create Pan-Asian cuisine by combining their culinary talent and Asian heritage. Diners can choose from an extensive menu that includes appetizers, teas, soups, entrees and desserts, which can be enjoyed on the outside terrace that overlooks the Roji-En gardens.

In addition, the Morikami has a Seishin-an Tea House, where demonstrations of sado, the calming ritual of serving tea, is performed for visitors on a regular basis.

The Morikami's Festivals & Public Programs: Four times a year, the Morikami welcomes thousands to its signature festivals, where families and friends experience true Japanese entertainment. Visitors can ring in the New Year during celebration, a traditional time of new beginnings and hope in January that is recognized with activities that all family members can enjoy. Hatsume Fair, a celebration of spring that lasts for two days in March, features craft and artisan vendors from around the country, anime vendors and two stages featuring cosplay contests, taiko drum performances and more. In August, the Morikami honors the spirits of loved ones who have passed away at the special Bon Festival. This spiritual event culminates with fireworks and a lantern-floating on the pond.

Special engagements and performances, such koto and traditional dance concerts by featured performers, are often held in the Morikami Theater. For more information, please visit www.morikami.org.

A seasonal roster of classes with experienced instructors who teach the art of bonsai, nature photography, Japanese language and flower arranging. Special workshops, gallery talks, lectures, discussions, videos, films and guest speakers from academic, art and international business circles also cover exhibit-related and general interest topics relating to Japan.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977. The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida's heritage and its connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, Pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive museum store.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-17 and free for museum members and children 5 and under. The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.