Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in The Palm Beaches

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Delray Beaches’ Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, which recognizes a long-standing connection between Japan and The Palm Beaches. This connection dates to 1904 when Jo Sakai led a small group of farmers to pioneer a settlement in what is now northern Boca Raton. They named their colony the Yamato Colony after an ancient name for Japan. The settlement was short-lived and the pioneers began dispersing in the 1920s, but today’s Morikami celebrates and honors that history by continuing to share Japanese culture with the public.

Photo Courtesy of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Any trip to the Morikami will be filled with peaceful, inspiring and educational moments, but you can also plan a special visit to take advantage of the following events and exhibits.

Explore history with the newest exhibit this May 9 – August 30, 2026 : Courage & Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American World War II Experience. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens’ upcoming exhibitions continue to immerse visitors in Japanese art and culture through rotating, thoughtfully curated shows. A highlight is “Yōkai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints” (May 9–August 30, 2026), featuring rare works that explore Japan’s folklore of ghosts, spirits, and mythical creatures through centuries of woodblock art. The exhibition blends history, storytelling, and visual intrigue, bringing to life the mysterious world of yōkai that still influences modern pop culture today.

Photo Courtesy of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Sado: Tea Ceremony: Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and season to season.; the intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.

Register here  

Check out all of their workshops and events here.

Other Ways to Celebrate

While The Palm Beaches have a special connection to Japan, there are many more ways to commemorate AAPI Heritage Month in May and beyond. Spend some time exploring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and history,right here in Palm Beach County.

The Palm Beach County Library System is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with events all month long. Be sure to check out their full lineup and join in on the celebration.

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with these engaging events from the Palm Beach County Library System.

The Palm Beaches are also home to AAPI businesses and restaurants that you can indulge in throughout the year. Some local favorites include: The MICHELIN GUIDE recommended , Moody Tongue at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Singing Bamboo Chinese Restaurant in West Palm Beach; Aroma serving Indian cuisine in West Palm Beach; Kanto Asian Street food by Lutong Pinoy an authentic restaurant in Lake Worth Beach; Taki Omakase in Boca Raton.