DELRAY BEACH — According to photographer Judy Throop of Smiles & Wiggles Photography, Morikami Museum with its Japanese Gardens is one of the most beautiful places in Florida to visit.

According to its website, Morikami was built in 1977 as a center for Japanese arts and culture. “With rotating exhibitions, tea ceremonies performed monthly (October through May) in the Seishin-an tea house and educational outreach programs with local schools and organizations, Morikami strives to spread appreciation for the living culture of Japan.”

George Morikami, the museum’s founder, was one of the original settlers of the Yamato Colony in the area of what is now northern Boca Raton. Morikami donated his land to Palm Beach County so it could become a park to preserve the memory of the Yamato Colony.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions showcasing Japanese art and artifacts. Some of the items shown belong to the museum and some to private collectors and other museums.

Not only can visitors experience the exhibits, but the museum also offers classes, workshops, cultural demonstrations and more.

Morikami consists of not only one garden but six, including a Bonsai Collection. The website explains the gardens are “inspired by, but are not replicas of, significant gardens of Japan.” They were created by designer Hoichi Kurisu.

The gardens can be booked for private events such as weddings and ceremonies.

The museum and gardens are located in Delray Beach at 4000 Morikami Park Road. They can be found on the web at morikami.org and by phone at 561-495-0233.

They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Admission fees are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors 65+, $12 for students and military with ID and $10 for children between 6 and 17.