December 26, 2015
The past Christmas break, my oldest brother had been able to come visit us in Florida. Both he and I have a vested interest in Japan and it's culture and aesthetic. Since he left his koi behind at home, I thought it would be a great chance to check out the Morikami Gardens and Museum in Del Ray. After a three hour drive, it did not disappoint.
We made it in time to join the guided tour, but with the drive we all decided to pop into the restaurant that was conveniently located inside the gardens. The menu consisted of various sushi rolls, bento boxes, and noodle bowls among other dishes. It was quite packed the day after Christmas, but it seems as though it's a hot spot regularly as their staff delivered quick and wonderful service.
Although we passed on the guided tour, Morikami offers a self-guided tour through a website on your phone. It walks you through each section of the park as you pass through, sharing history and significant details. Many people even seemed to opt for a relaxing stroll through the gardens without the tour.
Bridges, gardens, architecture, bamboo, zen gardens, waterfalls, koi fish, and a bird that was reluctant to leave our sides- I'd say Morikami Gardens went well beyond our expectations. The event calendar on the website shows that the place is frequented by workshops, festivals, and other interesting events that would be sure to add to the beauty that is Morikami.
If you ever get the chance to visit, it is well worth the while. Hope our pictures do it justice!
Photos by Isacc Yi & myself