Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, Florida, United States

5Maxx882 5:00 PM Oct 6, 2022

Tranquility away from cacophony of fast paced Miami
Sometimes one must travel to find a respite from the cacophony of Life. A few miles off the super highways of I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, there is a small sign to turn towards the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The road is not straight causeway direct, however, curves around trees until one reaches the destination. There is a calm as one approaches the entrance. I was most fortunate to arrive on a day without a bevy of tourbuses and hoards of folks too busy talking together or on their phones. Inhale a deep breathe then release while wandering throughout this gem. The garden meanders around a lake with walking paths intertwined through groves of bamboo, pines, bonsai trees, and stone sculptures by wooden foot bridges and marked paths. Koi and turtles gather under the bridges alerted by the vibrations of passersby. There are hidden places with benches to sit and contemplate the beauty and sounds of nature. IF one is quiet, the rush of water falls flowing into streams, water filling and emptying the Shishi Odoshi bamboo sculpture, the rustle of the trees in the gentle breeze, and even the sound of one’s feet along the stone paths enhance sensations as intended by George Morikami and his landscape architect, Hoichi Kurisu. The visual harmony of elements is inspiring. Video stories within the Museum give further insight into this experience. And, of course, there is a place to partake in some Japanese cuisine. Yes, I will return. Arigatōgozaimashita!

4BRIAN B 5:00 PM Feb 25, 2020

Tranquility Amongst The Crowd
If you think of coming here for tranquility you may want to consider when to do that. A National Holiday may not be the best choice as we found ourselves part of a continuous crowd slowly walking around this rather pleasantly designed gardens. Yes there are many tranquil spots but you are unlikely to be alone in any one of them for more than a few seconds. So yes it's worth visiting here, just don't expect to be away from the maddening crowd! You'll be walking along as part of it! While there is a lot of green in evidence, January may not be the month for any additional color. The gift shop, as crowded as a New York City subway car in rush hour, is well stocked with Japanese items.