8 Best Locations for Elopement That Aren’t Tokyo or Kyoto
Dreaming of a unique and unforgettable wedding day? Japan is a perfect destination for couples looking to tie the knot or elope. While the country is famous for the bustling energy of its capital, Tokyo or its ancient city, Kyoto, it also offers countless picturesque locations where nature and iconic landmarks blend seamlessly. If you’re searching for the ideal spots to elope in Japan, this article highlights our top 8 picks to inspire your special day.
Ginzan Onsen
Dreaming of a magical and romantic winter elopement? Ginzan Onsen, nestled in Yamagata Prefecture north of Tokyo, is the perfect destination. Known as one of Japan's most picturesque hot spring towns. In winter, it transforms into a fairytale scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) and relax in hot springs surrounded by snowy landscapes. Create unforgettable memories with a romantic elopement or wedding photoshoot in this breathtaking setting.
Ginzan Onsen covered in snow in winter / Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization
Kawaguchiko / Yamanakako - Mt. Fuji area
Located just under two hours from Tokyo by express train from Shinjuku Station, Kawaguchiko offers jaw-dropping views of Mt. Fuji. Ideal in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for fiery foliage, it's a photographer’s dream. For a fresh and dreamy touch, visit in late April to early May to see vibrant blue nemophila flowers in bloom at Oishi Park.
Takayama / Toyama
Takayama has one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved historic districts. The wooden machiya houses, narrow lanes, and old sake shops evoke a sense of stepping back in time. It offers an atmospheric backdrop that doesn’t feel overly commercial or “touristy.” Takayama is also one of the locations that gets a lot of snow during the winter months, so for couples who want to experience a winter wonderland, this is the place to go! You can also find the UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawago nearby, with the picturesque Shokawa River running through the village.
Sanmachi Historic District, Old town of Takayama /Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization
Shirakawago in winter / Credit: Visit Toyama
Wakatake-no-Mori (Wakayama Farm)
While Arashiyama in Kyoto is a well-known bamboo forest, we’d like to introduce you to an even more beautiful alternative (in our humble opinion). Wakatake-no-Mori Wakayama Farm in Utsunomiya City, north of Tokyo, offers a magical setting for elopements. Surrounded by the spectacular Nikko mountain range, this 24-hectare bamboo forest is a serene escape. With over a century of sustainable farming, the farm’s tranquil groves—where sunlight filters through the bamboo—provide an intimate and unforgettable backdrop for your special day. The forest also lights up with illumination on weekend and holiday nights.
Illumination at night at Wakayama Farm/ Credit : Wakayama Farm
Oide Park
Looking to experience the beauty of Japan's winter and spring in one place? Oide Park in Nagano is a must-see. Just a 15-minute walk from Hakuba Station, this scenic park features an observation terrace offering breathtaking views of Hakuba’s majestic mountains. During peak sakura season, the pale pink cherry blossoms perfectly complement the deep blue, snow-capped peaks, making it a favorite for wedding photos. Autumn foliage is equally stunning, providing a vibrant backdrop for any photoshoot. No matter the season, an elopement photoshoot at Oide Park guarantees unforgettable memories and breathtaking photos.
Snowy mountains and pink cherry blossoms in Oide Park / Credit: Go Nagano
Tonomine Kogen (Tonomine Highlands)
Tonomine Kogen, located in Kamikawa-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, is a hidden gem for couples looking for a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path elopement location. Known for its impressive wild Japanese pampas grass (susuki), this scenic highland area offers breathtaking views—especially in autumn when the grasses turn golden. With around 90 hectares of rolling grasslands and winding paths, you can immerse yourself in natural beauty from every angle. Tonomine Kogen has also been featured in various Japanese dramas and films, including Norwegian Wood, making it a truly cinematic setting for your elopement.
Tonomine Kogen in autumn / Credit : Discover Hyogo Japan
Hakone / Izu
Located just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone is a timeless favorite for couples seeking natural beauty, traditional charm, and a bit of luxury. From steaming hot springs and lake cruises to art museums and scenic ropeways, Hakone offers a perfect blend of romance and adventure. Hakone also offers a wide variety of luxury ryokans and private onsen retreats, making it perfect for a romantic stay after your ceremony.
Lake Ashi in Hakone / Credit: Hakone Japan
Maboroshi no Shima (Ishigaki)
Couples looking for a truly unique island elopement should check out Maboroshi no Shima on Ishigaki Island. With its crystal-clear waters and white sand, it’s an idyllic spot to exchange vows in a tropical paradise. There’s no other place that embodies the spirit of Okinawa and Ishigaki quite like Maboroshi no Shima. However, keep in mind that this mysterious location is only visible during low tide, so be sure to plan ahead and check the tide schedule to ensure you catch it at the perfect moment.
No matter where you choose to say “I do,” Japan offers endless beauty, history, and charm for couples seeking a truly one-of-a-kind elopement. From snow-covered hot spring towns to bamboo forests, lakeside shrines, and hidden coastal gems, each location brings its own magic. I hope this list has inspired you to look beyond the usual spots and consider something more personal and adventurous for your special day.
Ready to make it happen? Let’s capture your love story in one of these unforgettable places.
Contact us to start planning your dream elopement in Japan — and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.
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.