Special Programs

Morikami provides informative and unique experiences for all ages through its Special Programs. Here you will find educational and cultural programming related to our current exhibitions and all things Japan—lectures, films, performances, special events, and more!

All programs are open for registration on August 1st of each year for the upcoming season. Each season runs from October through the summer of the next year.

Explore each special programs page or browse the full list.

Butoh Dance Performance Films Koto New Year Concert Kyudo New Year Demonstration Launch the Lantern Dinner Morikami Book Club Mori Stories Obon Weekend Orchid Weekend Sogetsu Flower Arranging Demo Speaker Series Sunset Stroll Stroll for Well-Being A Taste of Asia Tea Day World Bonsai Day Yōkai Day Youth Music Camp

Talk by Artist Mariko Kusumoto

Speaker Series: My Creative Journey

Learn about Kusumoto’s journey as an artist, beginning with her undergraduate studies working in 2-dimensional medium (oil painting and printmaking), and then her 18-year career as a metalsmith, and how she transitioned into working with fabrics. As new opportunities presented themselves, the direction of her work was able to evolve by allowing her instinct to lead her. Through that evolution her career has been like a journey.

1:00PM, Friday, November 7, 2025

Morikami Theater

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Morikami Book Club

Open to all Morikami Members

Embark on a thrilling literary journey with Benefactor member Christine Carton and fellow Morikami members as they kick off a brand new season of riveting book explorations! To join the Morikami Book Club, please reach out to Christine Carton at christinec@gate.net. All meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 12 pm at …

12:00PM, Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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12:00PM, Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Friday, May 8, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

12:00PM, Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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Museum Closed for National Holiday

We are closed on major national holidays, including: 4th of July Thanksgiving Christmas Day New Year’s Day Easter General Museum Hours Open Tuesday through Sunday | 10am – 5pm Last Admissions Ticket Sold at 4:30pm Closed Mondays and major holidays Administrative Offices Open Monday through Friday | 9am – 5pm Cornell Café Open Tuesday through Sunday | 11am …

10:00AM, Thursday, November 27, 2025

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

10:00AM, Thursday, December 25, 2025

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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10:00AM, Thursday, January 1, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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Craft activity for kids of all ages

Family Fun Day: Nengajō: New Year’s Cards

Join us throughout the holiday season to create a nengajō, a Japanese New Year’s card, to share with friends and family.

10:00AM, Saturday, December 13, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Sunday, December 14, 2025

Lobby

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10:00AM, Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Thursday, December 18, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Friday, December 19, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Saturday, December 20, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Sunday, December 21, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Friday, December 26, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Saturday, December 27, 2025

Lobby

10:00AM, Sunday, December 28, 2025

Lobby

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Delve into the world of Japanese folklore

Mori Stories: Kamishibai Folktales

Japanese Paper Theater

Bring the whole family and delve into the world of Japanese folklore or stories through kamishibai, Paper Theater. Join us for a reading of these classic stories. Reading starts on the hour with a short related activity to follow.

12:00PM, Saturday, December 13, 2025

Kamiya Room (Classroom A)

1:00PM, Thursday, April 16, 2026

Kamiya Room (Classroom A)

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11:00AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026

Kamiya Room (Classroom A)

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Craft activities for kids of all ages.

Virtual Family Fun Days

Virtual craft activities for kids of all ages.

12:00PM, Saturday, December 13, 2025

Virtual

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Orchid Weekend

Saturday, February 7 & Sunday, February 8, 2026 Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Cost: FREE with your paid museum admission Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of orchids at the Morikami Museum’s Orchid Weekend! Wander through our picturesque gardens and discover the beauty and diversity of these exquisite blooms. Meet a curated selection of orchid vendors, suppliers, …

10:00AM, Saturday, February 7, 2026

Morikami Gardens

10:00AM, Sunday, February 8, 2026

Morikami Gardens

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Craft activity for kids of all ages

Family Fun Day: Hinamatsuri Dolls

Girls’ Festival or Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri) is celebrated on March 3rd in Japan. A set of dolls representing the emperor and empress and their court (three ladies-in-waiting and five musicians) is set up in the family home to mark the occasion. Celebrate Hina Matsuri by making a special craft to take home.

12:00PM, Sunday, March 1, 2026

Sakai Room (Library)

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A Taste of Asia: A Culinary and Cultural Experience

Join us for an evening under the stars as we present “A Taste of Asia: A Culinary and Cultural Experience” on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 6:30–11:00 p.m. Relish the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Asian culinary culture in a Japanese garden setting during this special inaugural event.

6:30PM, Saturday, March 7, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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Taiko Drumming Show outside at sunset with guests viewing from the terrace

Sunset Stroll

Join us for an enchanting evening at our Sunset Strolls. Each evening includes exhilarating Taiko drum performances and a variety of cultural and culinary delights.

5:30PM, Thursday, April 23, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

5:30PM, Thursday, May 21, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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5:30PM, Thursday, June 18, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

5:30PM, Thursday, September 17, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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Guest Artist Workshops

Youth Summer Music & Culture Camp

(Grade 3rd – 12th)

Campers will be immersed in Japanese culture participating in fun craft activities, Japanese cultural arts, and exciting music classes which include the 13-string koto (zither) and taiko drums, taught by professional musicians, Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto, Koto instructor and members from the Fushu Daiko Taiko group. All materials and Instruments that campers need are provided for their use at camp.

9:00AM, Monday, June 22, 2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens

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Craft activity for kids of all ages

Family Fun Day: Tanabata

Make a wish for the Star Festival, Tanabata! Write your wish on a strip of colored paper, or tanzaku, and tie it to a branch of our Tanabata bamboo to celebrate.

10:00AM, Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Lobby

10:00AM, Thursday, July 2, 2026

Lobby

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10:00AM, Friday, July 3, 2026

Lobby

10:00AM, Sunday, July 5, 2026

Lobby

10:00AM, Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Lobby

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