Planning a Japan elopement comes with culturally significant challenges. If you’re from outside of Japan and wanting to elope in this incredible country, there are some things you really need to consider. Here are some do’s and don’ts while planning your elopement in Japan.

✅ DO’S FOR PLANNING A JAPAN ELOPEMENT

Japan has a very homogenous culture, and there are many unspoken rules, expectations and codes of conduct. If you want to elope in Japan, I really encourage you to consider the following so you can be the best tourist possible while navigating the cultural norms.

✅ HIRE A LOCAL, NATIVE JAPANESE SPEAKING GUIDE. For me, this is almost non-negotiable. English is still a rare skill in Japan, and having a native speaking guide will help you immensely. You want someone with you who can order food, explain local customs, buy tickets, and smooth out any interactions.

✅ HIRE A DRIVER. You don’t want to deal with tolls, driving stress and Tokyo streets on your elopement day. Hire a guide so you can seamlessly and easily stop and go, while wasting zero time finding parking.

✅ PRIORITIZE TRADITIONAL JAPANESE EXPERIENCES. Japan has so much culture and history; you should find ways to incorporate Japanese forms of art, writing, paper, wood working, and connecting with nature part of your own elopement story. For example, this couple did a Kintsugi course and used the plate as part of their unity ceremony. Two halves, coming together as one to make something new.

✅ RESPECT AND RESEARCH JAPANESE CULTURE. Learning some basic phrases, the importance of body language (bowing, offering things with two hands) and showing signs of respect go a LONG way.

✅ CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR CEREMONY STYLE AND ATTIRE. Dressing in Kimonos and touring popular locations is a very common tourist activity all across Japan. The Japanese don’t generally find it offensive at all, but do consider if this feels authentic to you or not. There’s a fine line between respectful representation and cultural cosplay.

✅ EXPLORE OUTSIDE KYOTO, OSAKA AND TOKYO. These three cities see the majority of Japan tourism. If you’re willing to go a little further, not only will you be traveling more sustainably, but you’ll likely lose the crowds and find something truly unique.

❌ DONT’S FOR PLANNING A JAPAN ELOPEMENT

Japan has seen a massive surge in tourism the last few years. It’s crossed into over tourism in many places, and tourists are earning a bad image. Be a good ambassador for your country, and travel more sustainably!

❌ DON’T BE LOUD, ATTENTION SEEKING OR INCONSIDERATE. Japan honors the community over the individual, and they live by strict principles of harmony and mutual respect. Keep your voice down, be respectful and always consider those around you.

❌ DON’T VISIT DURING GOLDEN WEEK. Golden week is when most of Japan takes holiday. It’s the busiest week of the year, and you’d be wise to avoid visiting during this time!

❌ DON’T VISIT FROM JUNE TO AUGUST. Japan gets really really hot and humid during these months, as well as busy. Unless you want to be hot, sweaty and surrounded by tourists, avoid eloping in Japan mid-summer.

TOP SEASONS AND LOCATIONS FOR A JAPAN ELOPEMENT

Although Japan is small, it’s north to south axis is the equivalent of Portland, Maine to Miami, Florida. Seasons and weather can vary wildly all year round, depending on location. Here are some of my favorite seasonal combinations for an elopement in Japan with that in mind.

April near Mt. Fuji and around Tokyo

In early to mid April, the famous sakura blossoms have reached the end of their cycle, but the rest of the area is greener and warmer than their peak in March. It’s a beautiful time to be in Japan, and not as busy as the peak season in March.

October in Gifu or Nagoya, “Japanese Alps”

If you like fall colors and vibrant Japanese Maple trees, October is the perfect month in the central regions where the mountains are. You can expect cooler temperatures, misty forests, vibrant autumn colors and less tourists as well. You can even push your visit into early November to maximise the escape from crowds.

October or April in Kyoto

Similar to the two seasons and locations above, you can opt for spring flowers or fall colors in Kyoto by going in mid April or mid October.

May in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is Japan’s northern most prefecture, and therefore thaws out last after winter. If you’re too late for March or April blossoms, you can still catch some in early May in Hokkaido, where spring arrives later. Just make sure to avoid Japan’s Golden week!

February in Hokkaido

Maybe a ski elopement in Japan is more your vibe, with deep, fluffy snow and fresh lines? February or March is perfect, when days are a bit longer, the snowpack has built up and all the ski resorts are in full swing.

January in Okinawa

If you want to escape winter (for the northern hemisphere), January is a great time to head to Okinanwa. It’s tropical and January is smack in the middle of the dryest season.

CONSIDERING A JAPAN ELOPEMENT AND LOOKING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER?

Hey, my name is Mariah and I’m glad you’re here! I’m an American elopement photographer based in Europe. I’ve travel the world with eloping couples, documenting their unique adventures.

I’ve photographed elopements on 4 continents, from Japan to Patagonia to Italy and the Faroe Islands. I’m an experienced backpacker and mountain athlete, trilingual, and trained in emergency wilderness medicine, first aid and rescue.

If you want to know more about my photography packages for Japan elopements, contact me below:

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