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.
