So, you’ve decided to get married in Japan? First of all—congratulations! 🎉 You’re about to embark on one of the most magical wedding journeys imaginable. Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” under a shower of cherry blossoms, in an ancient temple, or in a sleek modern chapel overlooking Tokyo, Japan offers a mesmerizing blend of tradition and innovation.
But, before you start picking out kimonos and practicing your sake toasts, let’s dive into everything you need to know to plan the perfect wedding in Japan.
1. Why Choose Japan for Your Wedding?
Imagine this: You and your partner standing beneath a torii gate, the air filled with the scent of cherry blossoms, while a gentle breeze rustles through an ancient Shinto shrine. Or maybe you picture yourselves in a luxury hotel in Tokyo, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the glowing city skyline.
Japan is a country of contrasts—old meets new, nature meets technology, and tradition meets modernity. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, stunning landscapes, or an intimate elopement, Japan has something for every couple.
2. Best Time to Get Married in Japan
Japan’s seasons are dramatic, and each one offers a unique atmosphere:
🌸 Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms (sakura) create an unreal pink fairytale, making it the most romantic (and busiest) time to get married. Book at least a year in advance!
🍂 Autumn (September–November): If sakura season is too cliché for you, autumn foliage (koyo) paints Japan in breathtaking shades of red, orange, and gold—equally stunning, but with fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but summer festivals add a vibrant cultural touch. If you love fireworks and yukatas, this might be your season.
❄️ Winter (December–February): Quiet, peaceful, and a great option for snow lovers. Plus, a winter wedding in Hokkaido or the Japanese Alps could be pure magic.
📌 Pro Tip: Avoid “Golden Week” (late April–early May) as Japan is overcrowded, and wedding costs skyrocket.
3. Legal Requirements: How to Get Married in Japan as a Foreigner
Unlike planning a wedding in your home country, getting legally married in Japan requires paperwork, patience, and some navigating through bureaucracy. Here’s what you’ll need:
📜 Marriage Registration (Konin Todoke) – The official marriage document.
🆔 Valid Passports – For both partners.
🖊️ Affidavit of Competency to Marry – Issued by your embassy in Japan, confirming you’re legally free to marry.
🎭 Japanese Translation – Some documents must be translated into Japanese.
Once submitted to the local municipal office, congratulations, you’re officially married! 🎉 However, this is a legal marriage, not a wedding ceremony—so now, onto the fun part!
📌 Useful Link: Check out a full legal guide here: wise.com
4. Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Venue
Japan offers a variety of breathtaking wedding locations, depending on your style:
🏯 Traditional & Cultural:
- Shunkoin Temple (Kyoto) – A serene Buddhist temple perfect for an intimate ceremony.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo) – One of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines, set in a beautiful forest.
🌆 Modern & Luxurious:
- Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – A dreamlike setting blending luxury and history. (Website)
- Shangri-La Tokyo – An ultra-chic venue with sky-high views of the city. (Website)
🏞 Nature & Unique:
- Hoshinoya Fuji (Yamanashi) – A luxury “glamping” resort with stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Rurikoin Temple (Kyoto) – A hidden gem famous for its vibrant autumn foliage.
📌 Pro Tip: Many temples have strict rules on photography, so confirm beforehand!
5. Japanese Wedding Traditions to Consider
Want to incorporate Japanese culture into your big day? Here are some stunning traditions:
🍶 San-San-Kudo Ritual – A sake-sharing ceremony symbolizing the bond between the couple and their families.
🎎 Kimono & Hakama Attire – Instead of a white dress and tuxedo, wear traditional wedding kimonos for a unique touch.
🎐 1,000 Origami Cranes – Symbolizing good fortune and longevity. Many couples fold them together as a bonding experience.
6. How Much Does a Wedding in Japan Cost?
Japan can be affordable or extravagant, depending on your choices:
💲 Simple City Hall Wedding: ¥0–¥50,000 ($0–$350)
💲 Temple or Shrine Ceremony: ¥300,000–¥1,000,000 ($2,000–$7,000)
💲 Luxury Hotel Wedding: ¥3,000,000+ ($20,000+)
📌 Pro Tip: Save money by choosing a weekday ceremony, as weekends are significantly more expensive.
7. Capturing the Moment: Wedding Photography in Japan
Japan’s landscapes provide a storybook backdrop for wedding photos. Whether it’s a vibrant street in Tokyo, a bamboo forest in Arashiyama, or a snowy peak in Hokkaido, your wedding album will look like a fairytale come to life.
📸 If you’re looking for a photographer who understands the magic of Japan’s wedding scenes, check out my portfolio here:
👉 Your Happy Moments Photography
8. Guest Travel & Accommodation
If you’re inviting guests, make sure they:
✈️ Check visa requirements (many countries have visa-free access for short stays).
🚅 Get a Japan Rail Pass for easy travel.
🏨 Stay in a traditional ryokan for a true Japanese experience.
📌 Pro Tip: For budget-friendly stays, recommend capsule hotels or business hotels like APA Hotel or Toyoko Inn.
9. Post-Wedding Honeymoon in Japan
Japan is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Some must-visit spots:
🌿 Hakone: Onsen baths with Mount Fuji views.
🏝 Okinawa: Tropical beaches and coral reefs.
🎨 Naoshima: Japan’s hidden art island.
🏔 Hokkaido: Winter wonderland for ski lovers.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
Planning a wedding in Japan may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it transforms into an exciting adventure. Whether you dream of a temple ceremony, a modern luxury wedding, or an intimate elopement, your love story deserves to be captured beautifully.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in turning these magical moments into lifelong memories. Let’s make your Japan wedding unforgettable!
📸 Check out my photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding: Contact
Here’s to your love story—told in the heart of Japan! 🥂🇯🇵
