Once in a while, one has the urge to leave the city, the impulse to lock oneself in a Buddhist temple for a few months –if only one could forgo bills and long “to do” lists.

But if you have a day to spare, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Palm Beach could help you find that peace of mind you’ve been yearning.

The museum is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets. It was built in 1977 on the grounds of the Yamato Colony, a large Japanese farming community that settled there more than a hundred years ago, and houses more than 5,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts.

But the main reason to visit the museum is its 200 acres of Japanese gardens, with strolling paths, picnic and resting areas, a tropical bonsai collection, lakes, trails and small forests. The gardens reflect major periods of Japanese garden design from the eighth to the 20th century.

The museum serves as the center of Japanese culture in South Florida, promoting Japanese art and history through exhibitions, tea ceremonies, monthly performances and educational programs for children and adults. Check their monthly calendar for a list of activities.

If you go:
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
4000 Morikami Park Rd.
Delray Beach, Fl 33446
561-495-0233