Hello to all our blog readers!

The other day, I took a day off and visited a garden, and it was so refreshing to be surrounded by nature. ☺
I enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the beautiful scenery and even savored the peaceful moment at sunset. This season, even a short walk around your neighborhood can lift your spirits. ♬

Being in nature is said to reduce the stress hormone “cortisol,” helping you relax. ◎
Even just 20 minutes can have an effect! This makes garden pre-wedding shoots perfect for capturing your natural smiles. (^^)/

There are plenty of other reasons why garden photography is so popular. The combination with traditional Japanese attire (kimono) is unbeatable, and you can enjoy the seasonal beauty throughout the year. If the garden has a Japanese-style room, you can also capture unique shots like sitting formally on tatami mats. ◎

In this blog, we have carefully selected 12 popular gardens nationwide for you. ☆彡
We present these natural havens in a ranking format, where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city, so please read to the end! ♡♡

A very popular spot for kimono pre-wedding photos!
The garden features a charming Japanese-style room and a tranquil garden. From the hexagonal floating pavilion, you can enjoy a view of the entire garden.

Recommended points:
☑ Shoot in a spacious and formal Japanese-style room
☑ Enjoy natural beauty with both a pond and waterfall
☑ Conveniently available on weekends and holidays

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥1,912
Japanese-style room (morning) ¥3,800
Japanese-style room (afternoon) ¥5,200

Cherry blossom season photography is also available ◎

A garden with beautiful seasonal colors
This pond-style strolling garden makes the most of the natural landscape of Mejirodai. You can enjoy scenery that changes with the seasons while walking around the pond. The reflections on the water are like a painting, making it a perfect spot for a special shot.

Recommended points:
☑ The bridge over the large pond is a popular spot for pre-wedding photos
☑ A calm Japanese-style room allows traditional sitting poses
☑ The view of the garden from the room’s windows is highly scenic

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥4,680
Japanese-style room ¥700

Spring photography is also possible, adding a lively seasonal atmosphere ◎

A historic garden showcasing the four seasons
Koishikawa Korakuen boasts vast grounds that are enjoyable just by exploring the garden itself. The layout represents lakes, mountains, rivers, and fields, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of landscapes. Designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, it’s truly a garden to be proud of. Pre-wedding photography here allows for a wide variety of shots. ♡

Recommended points:
☑ Capture charming shots with a red bridge as a backdrop
☑ Enjoy scenic views from the Japanese-style room
☑ Weekend and holiday shoots are possible

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥800
Japanese-style room ¥3,900
Entrance fee ¥1,500

Note: Photography during cherry blossom season is not allowed ✖

Sankeien Garden in Yokohama beautifully harmonizes seasonal nature with historic architecture. Popular for both kimono and Western-style pre-wedding photos, it attracts many couples.

A highlight is the view of the three-storied pagoda across the large pond. The reflection of the pagoda and seasonal flowers on the water creates a picture-perfect scene.

Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, while autumn foliage colors the garden vividly, allowing for stunning seasonal variations. Historic buildings such as Rinsen-kaku and Kakusho-kaku provide elegant backdrops for kimono photography.

Bamboo groves and paths offer opportunities for relaxed, natural poses, such as couples walking or embracing from behind. The fresh, green surroundings make for unforgettable memories.

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥18,000～, Tea room ¥40,000
Entrance fee: ¥900 per person

A special stage to experience Japanese culture
Located in Yokohama’s Isogo area, Kuraki Noh Stage is surrounded by a Japanese garden, offering a serene and culturally rich location for kimono shoots.

The main attraction is the authentic Noh stage. Its cypress wood radiates warmth and an elegant atmosphere, enhancing the beauty of white or colorful kimono. Shots from the center of the stage, walking along the hanamichi, or using fans are all visually striking.

The surrounding garden offers seasonal outdoor shots, from cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring to autumn leaves. Walking along stone paths or by the pond captures natural expressions.

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥3,900, Tea room ¥2,600, Noh stage ¥12,600
Entrance fee: None

Shomyoji in Kanazawa, Yokohama, blends a Pure Land-style garden with historic buildings, creating a perfect spot for kimono pre-wedding photos.

The bright vermilion arched bridge over the large pond stands out as a symbolic feature. A bride in a white or colorful kimono will create a stunning contrast with the red bridge, reflected beautifully in the water.

The main gate and hall offer solemn temple settings, ideal with traditional formal menswear. Walking along the stone paths or glancing back provides natural, story-like photos.

Seasonal beauty enhances the garden year-round: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow. Moss-covered paths and pond edges are perfect for using accessories like umbrellas or fans.

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥10,000

Shiratori Garden’s tea room is one of the most popular spots for couples seeking kimono pre-wedding photography in Nagoya.

Surrounded by a large pond, the tea room offers a calm and tranquil atmosphere. Natural light fills the space, creating beautiful, intimate shots. Seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms in spring or vivid autumn leaves enhance kimono photos.

Reflections in the pond and natural walking shots along mossy paths or stone pavements combine elegance and vibrancy for stunning results. Shiratori Garden is a top-tier location, perfectly blending dignity and beauty for Nagoya pre-wedding photography.

Located in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, Higashiyama-so is normally used for Japanese dance and tea ceremonies. With few visitors, couples can shoot in private, peaceful surroundings.

The house has a traditional Japanese-style design, with a charming tea room blending into the garden. Soft light through shoji screens and tatami floors allows relaxed, natural expressions to be captured.

Summer brings fresh greenery, and autumn features vibrant red and green leaves. Walking along stone paths or looking back in the garden creates story-like photos.

Higashiyama-so is a quiet, versatile location ideal for couples seeking traditional kimono photography in Nagoya.

Nagoya Castle is a classic location for kimono pre-wedding photography.

The majestic main keep and stone walls provide a dramatic and historic backdrop. White and colorful kimono pair beautifully with the castle’s grandeur.

Spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage enhance the photos seasonally. Walking on stone paths or glancing back adds narrative to the images. This iconic location is a must for couples seeking a uniquely Nagoya experience.

Located in Sakai City, the Japanese Garden in Daisen Park is Osaka’s top pre-wedding location. Covering 2.6 hectares, the garden feels like a historical movie set, perfect for kimono photography.

The well-maintained stone paths and garden areas make walking in kimono easy. Seasonal scenery—from spring cherry blossoms and summer greenery to autumn leaves and winter landscapes—enhances the photos. The garden’s autumn colors, in particular, create breathtaking contrasts with kimono.

A spacious Japanese-style room with a round window offers natural-light shots. Combining garden and room provides versatile photo opportunities.

Usage information:
Application fee: Garden ¥7,700, Morning room ¥7,800, Afternoon room ¥10,400
Entrance fee: ¥200 per person

Tsurumi Ryokuchi’s International Garden area replicates world gardens, offering a unique and refreshing atmosphere.

The Japanese Garden within features the authentic tea house Murasaki-tei, used for tea ceremonies and cultural events. Tatami floors, shoji screens, and garden views create elegant pre-wedding shots.

Recommended points:
☑ Private, relaxed shooting with the sound of flowing water
☑ Two types of tea rooms: traditional tatami and table-style seating
☑ Indoor shots ensure rain doesn’t affect the shoot

Seasonal garden colors—from spring cherry blossoms to winter snow—add depth and vibrancy to photos.

Usage information:
Application fee: Tea room ¥28,000, Garden ¥10,560 (optional)

Gofuso, built on the former Kishiwada Castle site, is a grand estate with a Japanese garden.

The main house offers splendid architecture and views of the garden, serving as a restaurant and a historical backdrop for photography. The garden, estate, and castle provide dramatic, historically rich photos. Seasonal changes—from spring blossoms and fresh greenery to autumn leaves and winter calm—enhance the kimono shots.

Recommended points:
☑ Shoot in the historic main house, featured in TV dramas
☑ Dramatic backdrop with Kishiwada Castle
☑ Authentic garden changing with the seasons

Usage information:
Application fee: Free