Mt. Fuji Elopement & Pre-Wedding Photos: What You Need to Know
Mt. Fuji is one of the most breathtaking backdrops in Japan and a dream location for many couples planning a proposal, engagement shoot, pre-wedding photos, or even a romantic elopement. With its snow-capped peak, serene lakes, and surrounding landscapes, it’s no wonder Mt. Fuji is one of the most requested locations I photograph.
But to truly capture the magic of Fuji, timing and preparation are everything. Here’s what you need to know when planning your special day.
Best Season for Mt. Fuji Wedding & Engagement Photos
The most important factor in seeing Mt. Fuji clearly is the season.
Autumn (October–November): Crisp skies, beautiful autumn foliage, pampas grass, and the return of Fuji’s snowcap. My favorite season to photograph in the Mt. Fuji area.
Winter (December–February): The clearest season with the best chance of seeing the mountain unobstructed. Snow adds a unique atmosphere, and the mountain is always snow-capped.
Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms bloom around Fuji’s lakes in April, offering the dream combination of sakura and Fuji. After cherry blossom season, other flowers like nemophila also make the scenery special.
Cherry blossoms & Mt. Fuji - this whole place was empty while other places were packed with tourists!
✨ Why not summer?
In summer (June–August) & September, Mt. Fuji is often hidden by clouds and haze. The hot and humid weather makes clear views rare, and the mountain frequently disappears behind thick clouds. Also, there is no snowcap during these months. Mt. Fuji looks much more impressive with its snowcap, which is why I only travel to the area from October through May.
Best Times of Day for a Mt. Fuji Photoshoot
When photographing Mt. Fuji, natural light makes all the difference.
Sunrise: The mountain glows with soft pastel tones, and there are fewer people around. The fog floating on the lake adds a magical touch. Perfect for intimate proposals.
Late Afternoon to Sunset: The golden hour brings warm light. For couples who want a mix of iconic shots and relaxed portraits, this is the ideal time.
💡 Tip: Midday light is usually too harsh. For that reason, I only shoot at sunrise or in the late afternoon to take advantage of the most beautiful natural light.
Extra Tips for Planning Your Fuji Photoshoot
Stay Overnight Instead of a Day Trip
While it’s possible to do a day trip from Tokyo, staying near Mt. Fuji gives you the flexibility to photograph at sunrise or sunset without rushing. Early mornings are usually the clearest, so booking accommodation in Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, or Fujiyoshida is highly recommended.Kawaguchiko vs. Yamanakako & Other Lakes : Which Fuji lake is right for your shoot?
Most international visitors stay around Kawaguchiko, as it is the most accessible and offers many hotels, cafés, and sightseeing options. It is a beautiful lake with iconic views of Fuji, but it can get very busy during peak seasons like cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
Mt. Fuji, however, has five lakes — Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko, and Motosuko. Each has its own charm, and they all offer different angles of the mountain.
My personal favorite is Yamanakako, the closest lake to Mt. Fuji. It has fewer crowds compared to Kawaguchiko and wide, open views of the mountain that feel more peaceful. Considering other lakes is a great idea if you’re visiting during a busy season or want a quieter experience.
Pre-wedding photoshoot at Yamanakako with majestic Mt. Fuji
Consider Weekday Sessions
The Mt. Fuji area gets very busy on weekends, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Plan your photoshoot for a weekday for a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.Temperature Differences
The Mt. Fuji area is much colder than Tokyo. Because of this, cherry blossoms bloom later here and autumn foliage appears earlier. So if you miss cherry blossom or autumn foliage season in Tokyo, you can still see them around Mt.Fuji area. Cherry blossoms usually bloom in mid–late April, and autumn foliage peaks in early-mid November in Mt. Fuji area.Know About Permits & Rules
Some locations around Fuji require special permits, particularly if you’re in wedding attire. Certain shrines, parks, and gardens need advance booking or have restrictions. I handle all location permits and also know hidden spots without crowds where we can capture beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.
Ready to plan your Mt. Fuji pre-wedding shoot or elopement in Japan?
I’d love to help capture your story!
Romantic Snowy Elopement in Japan’s Most Beautiful Garden
There’s nothing quite like waking up in a cozy traditional Japanese house, snow quietly falling outside, and realizing—today’s the day you elope in Japan.
This sweet morning in Kanazawa started off slow and calm, filled with excitement and nerves in the best way. The bride got ready in a warm and rustic Airbnb, surrounded by soft lighting and wooden walls. She slipped into a floral robe while the makeup artist worked her magic.
The room was filled with quiet chatter and laughter as everyone pitched in—laying out the dress, steaming the veil, triple-checking the bouquet. It wasn’t rushed or over-the-top. Just real, beautiful moments with the people who mattered most.
Once her hair was done and the gown was on, she layered a black puffer coat over her dress (and boots, of course—practical and cute) to brave the chilly weather. While we were waiting for our taxi to arrive, snow started to fall again, softly and steadily, adding even more magic to the morning. The bride stood under a big umbrella, veil floating in the breeze, glowing with joy and anticipation.
Once we arrived at the venue—a traditional tea house nestled in a beautiful Japanese garden blanketed in snow—it was time. The groom waited quietly, a mix of nerves and excitement, in a softly lit room filled with the warmth of their family members. The ceremony was small, intimate, and full of love, with family seated nearby and emotions running high. The couple shared a traditional sake ritual, San-san-kudo (三三九度) before exchanging vows, surrounded by the people who matter most.
Before the reception began, we took a little time to sneak away into the garden for some portraits in the snow. The quiet stillness of the space, with its frozen pond, aged stone lanterns, and pine trees dusted in white, made it feel like a hidden world just for the two of them.
Wrapped in each other’s arms—and in a cozy blanket between shots—the couple strolled through the garden paths, stopping for kisses on the bridge and a few moments to soak in everything that had just happened.
It was the perfect pause before heading into their cozy celebration with loved ones. These quiet moments, just the two of them in nature, were a reminder of why they chose to elope in Japan—for the beauty, the intimacy, and the freedom to simply be present with each other.
As the bride and groom stepped into the warmly lit tatami room, they were welcomed with an unforgettable cultural ritual: Kagami-wari. This is a traditional Japanese ceremony where the lid of a sake barrel is broken open using a wooden mallet, symbolizing harmony, good fortune, and new beginnings. The couple stood side-by-side, holding the mallet together, their faces glowing with laughter and joy as they took part in this unique moment. Everyone around them cheered as the lid popped open, filling the space with excitement and the subtle scent of sake.
Following the Kagami-wari, sake was poured and shared among guests—marking the start of the reception and a time for connection. While the formalities were over, the real beauty of this part of the day came through in the small things: heartfelt toasts, inside jokes, and warm glances exchanged across the table.
The long banquet table was thoughtfully decorated with delicate seasonal flowers and beautifully plated Japanese dishes. It was more than just a meal—it was a space where families bonded, stories were shared, and two cultures came together to celebrate love.
The bride, wrapped in a cozy shawl over her gown, smiled through every moment. Her groom gave a short speech, speaking from the heart, as everyone leaned in to listen. The laughter, the happy tears, and the gentle clinking of sake cups made the air feel full of love and celebration.
After the reception, the couple snuck away for a quiet moment in the garden—just the two of them, surrounded by soft snow and tall pines. Their peaceful walk through Kanazawa’s winter wonderland was the sweetest way to wrap up an already unforgettable day.
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.
Tokyo Engagement Photographer | Surprise Proposal + Engagement Photoshoot
Since Japan reopened its borders, Tokyo has truly become a city for lovers. Many couples are now choosing Tokyo as the perfect destination for their proposals or engagements, and I’m thrilled to be a part of capturing these unforgettable moments.
When J reached out to me with the idea of proposing to his longtime girlfriend in Tokyo, he wasn't sure where to make this important moment happen. I suggested a stunning Japanese garden, where vibrant cosmos flowers were in full bloom. The location was perfect, and J loved the idea.
As the moment unfolded, my heart raced with excitement. Watching this special occasion and capturing these timeless memories for such a sweet couple was both an honor and a pleasure.
Explore more of our Tokyo engagement and couple photography.
