Kimono Location Photos at Kanare-tei, Surrounded by the Forest from My Neighbor Totoro

Groom with a purple wagasa and bride with a red umbrella standing by sculpted pines in a Japanese garden, colorful kimono wedding photos

A garden tea house designed intentionally in a modest, everyday style—like Satsuki and Mei’s house.

Childhood dreams.

That longing we once had—to step inside a Studio Ghibli film.

In the forest lives a spirited, justice-filled girl and a slightly shy boy.
Even as adults, the dreams that once made our hearts race are still alive here.

“It was a dream… but not just a dream!”
Satsuki and Mei’s words bring back the pure, innocent feelings of childhood.

With the gentle murmur of streams at Kanare-tei, let’s capture your wedding photos as adults—preserving those memories.

Best 6 Photo Spots at Kanare-tei

Couple in black haori hakama and red uchikake standing side by side in the Kanare-tei entrance with soft foliage in front, classic Japan wedding photography

Groom lying with his head in the bride's lap in a bright tea room framed by red and purple wagasa umbrellas, a relaxed kimono pre-wedding photoshoot

Groom and bride touching foreheads in front of shoji screens with a red string spelling love above them, a romantic red thread idea for wedding photos

Bride in a red uchikake and groom holding a white umbrella standing apart on a curving path among budding trees, airy kimono wedding photos

Couple in kimono standing on a grassy slope under a row of cherry blossoms and a pale blue sky, a spring pre-wedding photoshoot near Kanare-tei

Groom in hakama and bride in a red uchikake with flower hair ornaments looking at each other in a warm wooden corridor, Japan wedding photography

Kanare-tei, where fragrance flows.

Notes from its original design reveal the vision:

The exterior should be simple and humble.
Avoid expressions of formality.
Do not impose authority through its design.

In other words, it was created deliberately for everyone to enjoy—
a tea house that embodies simplicity, while fully expressing the spirit of Japan.

Its humble appearance and interior stir childlike imagination.
You can almost picture children barefoot, running down hallways, cloth in hand for cleaning.
Loved by all, Kanare-tei sets aside formality while remaining deeply Japanese at heart.

Nearby, you’ll find Satsuki and Mei’s House (an exhibition facility), along with a vast lake, lush forests, and seasonal flowers.
Spring cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, autumn foliage—each season offers a unique backdrop for photos.

Welcome to Totoro’s Forest

Couple in black montsuki and red uchikake standing among tall cedar trees and fresh greenery, a forest setting for a kimono pre-wedding photoshoot

Beyond Kanare-tei lies expansive grounds—
forest, sky, and water.

To have all of this as your photoshoot stage is true luxury.

Summary

Located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, Kanare-tei offers:

Built for international exchange during the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Exhibition.
Adjacent to popular Moricoro Park—perfect for combining both kimono and Western-style photos.
Close to Satsuki and Mei’s House.
A place where you can step into a Studio Ghibli world.
Surrounded by forests and lakes, offering diverse outdoor backdrops.

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Kanare-tei Information

1533-1 Ibaragabasama Otsu, Nagakute-shi, Aichi 480-1342 (Inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park)
Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday)
Application fee: ¥4,820

Website: http://www.wa-design.jp/nippon-kenchiku/works2.html
MAP: See Kanare-tei on Google Maps

Nearby is the world-famous Satsuki and Mei’s House from My Neighbor Totoro.