Morikami Festivals

Happening at Hatsume: Delicious Craft Beer & Sake Selections

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Japanese craft beer has really made a name for itself over the last few years, in part, because opening a microbrewery in Japan is fairly simple as compared to in the U.S., and partially because Japan has a history (and culture) of producing high-quality and hand-crafted products. At Hatsume we’ll be bringing you craft beers from Japan’s very first microbrewery – Echigo! For those of you who are more sake inclined, we’ll be serving up some special spring options as well as a few long-time favorites. Read on for the …

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Happening at Hatsume: Top Ten Reasons to Get a 2015 Weekend Pass

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Hatsume Fair 2015 is just around the corner, and we are so excited to celebrate spring with you all! That’s why we’re putting together a new series of Happening at Hatsume blogs, so you’ll be the first to get the inside scoop on what we’re planning. This is part 1, but part 2 and part 3 are available as well! Maybe some of you are on the fence about whether a weekend pass is right for you – so here are a few reasons you should absolutely get yours today! 10) …

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NEW – VIP Tasting Room at Oshogatsu

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This year, for the first time ever, we’re bringing you a new way to experience our traditional New Year’s celebration– the VIP Tasting Room at Oshogatsu! This exclusive experience will give guests the opportunity to taste rare, high-end sakes, beer and even a specialty sake cocktail. Read on to hear more about the offerings in this first-ever VIP Tasting Room at Oshogatsu. Sake When sake was first brewed, over 2,000 years ago, it was served as an offering to the deities, and was revered as a very special and important …

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What is Obon? Exploring One of Japan’s Most Important Holidays

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During the summer observance of Obon, families in Japan reunite to give homage and thanks to their ancestors, who have returned for a brief visit to the living. Many families set up special altars in their homes decorated with food offerings for these visiting spirits, which may include vegetables, dango (rice dumplings), noodles, and fruits. Candles, special paper lanterns called bon chochin, and incense may also be placed on the Bon Altar. Vegetable animals – a horse made from a cucumber or an ox made out of eggplant – serve …

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Lantern Festival In the Spirit of Obon 2014

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What is Lantern Festival? Last year, Morikami’s much-loved summer event, Bon Festival,  evolved into Lantern Festival: In the Spirit of Obon. In an effort to protect the safety of Morikami visitors and staff, we moved the event out of the often inclement and even dangerous Florida summer months. While Obon is a traditional and religious Japanese holiday celebrated exclusively during the months of July and August, we have preserved the essence of Morikami’s much-loved event and the sanctity of Obon as it is celebrated in Japan, with Lantern Festival – a unique Fall celebration. The 2013 Lantern …

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