A Temple Photo Wedding Embracing Traditional Japanese Culture. | Pre-Wedding Photography in Japan | WEDDING AVENUE

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A Temple Photo Wedding Embracing Traditional Japanese Culture.

Low angle of the couple in kimono descending the steep red arched bridge of Shomyoji Temple under a clear blue sky, Japan wedding photography

Hello, everyone!
This is Wedding Avenue Yokohama Branch!

Day by day, the weather is getting warmer, and we can feel the arrival of spring♪
We’re eagerly waiting for the cherry blossoms to bloom…!!

Today, we’re introducing “Shomyoji Temple,” located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City.
Originally built as a private Buddhist hall by Hojo Sanetoki, a key figure in the Kamakura shogunate, it later developed into the family temple of the Kanazawa Hojo clan.
The temple is beloved as a peaceful retreat with stunning seasonal landscapes — cherry blossoms in spring, yellow irises in early summer, and vibrant autumn foliage.

Now that the weather is warmer, how about a location photoshoot at Shomyoji Temple with cherry blossoms?
Please read on till the end (^_^)

1. On the Red Bridge

Back view of the couple in kimono and hakama on the red arched bridge leading to the main hall of Shomyoji Temple, kimono wedding photos

The highlight of Shomyoji is its Pure Land-style Garden.
In the spacious temple grounds, there is a large pond called “Ajigaike.”
A small island sits in the center of the pond, connected to the shore by a red bridge. It is said that crossing the bridge symbolizes a journey to the Pure Land (paradise).
The arched bridge is called “Soribashi,” the central island is “Nakajima,” and the flat bridge leading to the main hall is “Hirabashi.”

This iconic red bridge is a must-photograph spot, regardless of the season◎

2. Strolling Through the Garden

Bride with a red wagasa umbrella and groom with a white umbrella in kimono by a pond with pine trees at Shomyoji Temple, Japan wedding photography

Surrounded by rich nature, Shomyoji offers different charms throughout the seasons!
Around Ajigaike, cherry blossoms bloom in late March, and by May, the pond’s edges are adorned with vibrant yellow irises, creating a stunning view.
In autumn, ancient trees over 800 years old, such as massive ginkgo trees, beautifully reflect on the pond’s surface.

Enjoy a relaxed walk while capturing your natural selves in this ever-changing scenery.

Both weekdays and weekends are available for shoots at Shomyoji!

3. Purifying Your Heart Away from the Bustle

Bride in a pastel uchikake and groom in hakama pressing their hands together beside a temple bell rope at Shomyoji Temple, kimono wedding photos

After crossing the red bridge, you can visit the Golden Hall (Kondo), which upholds the traditions of the Seven Halls and Pagodas.
Unlike regular gardens, here you can capture precious moments of your worship.

The sacred atmosphere, the solemn architecture, and the natural beauty all help to bring a peaceful, heart-soothing experience.

4. Capturing Tradition Against a Beautiful Backdrop

Groom in hakama and bride in a white kimono small before a thatched-roof temple gate in deep shade, traditional Japanese wedding photoshoot

To the right of the main hall stands the Shakadō (Shakyamuni Hall), built in 1862.
Its magnificent thatched roof is a testament to its rich history.

The combination of traditional architecture and Japanese attire creates a scene full of elegance and timelessness, allowing you to capture a special moment that feels like stepping back in time.

5. Creating a Dramatic Mood with Natural Light

Groom in a beige hakama holding hands with the bride in a pastel kimono among lush green trees at a temple garden, wedding photography

Photoshoots in the peaceful, nature-rich setting of Shomyoji provide a relaxing, heartwarming experience.
The harmony of nature and emotion offers an unforgettable pre-wedding photoshoot.

Why not escape the daily rush and create beautiful, emotional memories surrounded by nature?

6. Conclusion

Bride in a pastel uchikake and groom in a peach hakama sitting close on a bench beside a red arched bridge under green trees, kimono wedding photos

We have introduced the many charms of Shomyoji Temple!
Its beautiful scenery and rich historical background make it the perfect location for traditional Japanese attire shoots (^^)/

The serene and calming atmosphere of Shomyoji will make colorful kimono and elegant white wedding robes stand out even more◎

If you are even a little interested, please feel free to contact us♡

Shomyoji Temple Japanese Wedding Photo Plan: ¥181,280

【What’s Included in the Plan】

Shooting data: 200 edited photos / Irouchikake or Shiromuku (traditional wedding kimono) / Monpuku (men’s formal kimono) / Hair & makeup / Attendant / Art bouquet / Kimono dressing / Dressing accessories / Japanese-style accessories / Photo selection / Retouching (color correction) / Arrangement of photoshoot location / Over 400 shots by a professional photographer.

Application Fee: ¥10,000
Taxi Travel Time: About 30 minutes

Shomyoji Temple Information

Address: 212-1 Kanazawa-cho, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Closed Days: Open year-round

Website: Visit Shomyoji Temple Website

Map: View Shomyoji on Google Maps

Photo Gallery

Close-up of zori sandals and the embroidered hem of the uchikake beside the groom's hakama on a temple step, a creative wedding photos detail
Bride in a floral uchikake smiling back over her shoulder beside the groom on a red bridge facing the temple hall at Shomyoji, photo wedding
Groom in a peach montsuki hakama gazing at the smiling bride in a floral kimono through soft green leaves, natural pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan
Groom holding a cream wagasa umbrella over the bride in a white kimono beside a carved wooden temple hall, Japanese wedding photoshoot
Couple in kimono hidden behind an open paper umbrella at the top of a red arched bridge with sun flare, a cinematic kimono wedding photos shot
Bride in a pastel uchikake and groom in hakama laughing together as they hold the temple bell rope at Shomyoji Temple, wedding photography
Smiling bride in a floral kimono looking at the groom beside the red and white bell rope at a temple, a joyful pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan
Portrait of the bride in an embroidered pastel uchikake with a flower hair ornament before a wooden fence at Shomyoji, kimono wedding photos
Groom in hakama pointing into the distance as the bride in a pastel kimono sits beside him on a wooden bench in a garden, wedding photos in Japan
Couple in kimono and hakama standing on a pink arched bridge with the bright sun overhead in Yokohama, a radiant Japan wedding photography scene
Bride and groom in kimono leaning on the railing of a red arched bridge against green trees and blue sky, a cheerful photo wedding in Japan
Groom in a peach hakama and bride in a floral uchikake making peace signs among green trees, playful pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan
Couple in kimono standing at the top of the red bridge with wooded hills behind Shomyoji Temple, a scenic kimono wedding photos moment
Groom in hakama and bride in a pastel uchikake standing on the steps of a weathered wooden temple hall in warm light, Japanese wedding photoshoot
Groom with a paper umbrella and bride in a floral kimono climbing the red arched bridge toward the temple hall at Shomyoji, wedding photography
Couple in kimono framed by the wooden doors of a temple hall behind an old bronze lantern, a classic Japan wedding photography composition