Mt. Fuji Elopement | Japan Wedding Photographer
The day we met for the Mt. Fuji elopement shoot at Kawaguchiko Station, the roads were slippery from the overnight snow. Concerned about safety, I suggested an alternative location—a beautiful Japanese garden—instead of the initial plan, which involved a sloped area likely to be treacherous. The couple immediately embraced the change with open minds, and I’m so glad they did. The new location turned out to be even better than expected. With almost no one else around, we had this expansive garden entirely to ourselves.
Our second location was nothing short of a dream. It’s a hidden gem with no official name on Google Maps, a spot I serendipitously discovered just three days earlier while driving around. The view of Mt. Fuji from there was absolutely breathtaking.
The couple had planned to exchange vows by a lakeside later in the day, but this location felt so special that we decided to pivot and have their vow exchange here. Mt. Fuji stood majestically in the background, silently witnessing their heartfelt promises to each other. The moment was magical—filled with laughter, tears, and deep emotion. It was simply perfect.
Next, we moved to Yamanakako. While Kawaguchiko often attracts many tourists, Yamanakako offers a quieter atmosphere, making it my preferred choice for Mt. Fuji pre-wedding and elopement shoots. Did you know Yamanakako is the closest of the Five Lakes to Mt. Fuji? The proximity provides an unparalleled view of the mountain. Although the temperature was freezing, the experience was well worth it.
After warming up in the car with some coffee, we headed to our final location for an evening shoot. I encouraged the couple to simply celebrate and enjoy the perfect day they had created. When I dropped them off at the station, they later texted me, saying, “Today was a dream come true.”
Capturing their Mt. Fuji elopement was truly a privilege, and the memories of this incredible day will stay with me forever.
Tokyo Elopement Photographer | Japan Destination Wedding
A Rainy Day Elopement: Embracing Serenity in a Japanese Tea Ceremony Wedding
There's something poetic about raindrops tapping against windows, a melody that whispers secrets of renewal and intimacy. Imagine this scene: a Japanese garden, misty, with cherry blossoms bowing under the weight of raindrops. In this setting, a couple from the US embarks on a journey of love and cultural immersion, choosing to exchange vows in a Japanese tea ceremony, surrounded by their closest friends, on a rainy day.
Elopements often evoke images of spontaneity and adventure, and this one was no exception. The couple's decision to journey to Japan, a land of tradition and beauty, for their union reflects a desire to blend their love story with another culture. And what better way to do so than through the simplicity and elegance of a Japanese tea ceremony?
As the rain fell outside, the couple and their guests gathered in a tatami room. The atmosphere was tranquil, as if time had paused to witness this moment. The tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a Japanese tradition that emphasizes harmony, respect, and tranquility. Guided by a tea master, the couple and their guests partook in this ritual of mindfulness and connection. Each movement was steeped in symbolism, a testament to the beauty of simplicity.
As they sipped the warm, earthy brew, the couple exchanged vows, their words echoing softly in the space. In this moment, surrounded by the patter of rain and the warmth of their loved ones, they forged a bond that transcended time and distance. It was a celebration of love in its purest form, stripped of extravagance and pretense, yet full of meaning and significance.
After the ceremony, as the rain subsided and the clouds parted to reveal a soft glow, the couple ventured into the garden for a quiet moment alone. Amongst the glistening droplets and foliage, they embraced, their hearts full of gratitude for this unforgettable day.
In the end, it wasn't the grandeur of a lavish ceremony or the opulence of a far-flung destination that made their elopement truly magical. It was the simple beauty of a rainy day in Japan, where love blossomed amidst the tranquility of a tea ceremony, and where two souls found solace in each other's embrace.
Venue : Happo-en, Tokyo
Tea Master : Otsuka Sanae
Wedding Planner : Michelle
If you’d like us to capture your unforgettable elopement in Japan, please contact us.