2026/10/27
INSPIRATION

Best Pre-Wedding Photo Locations in Japan: Top 10 Spots for Wedding Photography

This time, we’ve put together a ranking of the most popular pre-wedding photography locations chosen by Decollte Photography couples. The rankings are based on the number of photoshoots conducted by our company in 2025 and 2026. We hope this guide will help you find inspiration for your own wedding photoshoot in Japan!

Overall Ranking

 

1st Place: Mount Fuji (Fuji Area)

First up, the undisputed No. 1 in both 2025 and 2026 is Mount Fuji. As an iconic symbol of Japan, it is a classic choice for pre-wedding photography in the country. One look at your photos, and everyone will immediately recognize where they were taken and say, “You took these in Japan? That’s so cool!” It’s a truly unique location that captures the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes in a way that everyone can appreciate.

Another great thing about Mount Fuji is the variety of scenery and seasonal settings you can combine with it as your main backdrop, from lakes and cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn foliage.

On a personal note, I actually climbed Mount Fuji when I was a university student. Unfortunately, a typhoon was approaching at the time, and the winds at the summit were unbelievably strong. I still remember crawling around on all fours just to make my way around the summit! If you’re planning to climb Mount Fuji yourself, I highly recommend choosing a day with calm weather. Also, keep in mind that the official climbing season is generally limited to July through early September, so plan accordingly!

 

2nd Place: Sengen Shrine (Fuji Area)

Coming in at No. 2 is Sengen Taisha Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Fuji. One of the most popular combinations is a photoshoot in a wedding dress and tuxedo against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, followed by a kimono photoshoot at the shrine. This reflects just how many couples want to enjoy both Western-style and traditional Japanese wedding attire when they come to Japan for their pre-wedding photos.

According to local tradition, the shrine traces its origins to 27 BC, when Mount Fuji was enshrined as a deity to appease its volcanic eruptions. It is known as a spiritual place where people pray for protection from disasters, good relationships and marriage, and safe childbirth. With such a meaningful history, it’s a wonderful place for couples to capture their special memories together.

 

3rd Place: 1) Araha Beach (Okinawa)

At No. 3, for the second consecutive year, is Araha Beach in Okinawa. Located very close to Decollte’s Okinawa studio, this beach offers stunning white sand and a breathtaking coastline. It’s such a popular spot that almost every couple choosing to have their photoshoot in Okinawa includes it in their itinerary.

The brilliant blue sky and sparkling ocean during the day make for spectacular photos, but the beach is equally beautiful at sunset, when the setting sun creates a magical backdrop for romantic wedding portraits.

There are also plenty of marine activities to enjoy nearby, along with numerous bars and cafes. That makes Araha Beach not only a fantastic photoshoot location but also a great destination to enjoy after your session.

 

3rd Place: 2) Konkai Koymyoji Temple (Kyoto), Itoshima (Fukuoka)

Sharing the No. 3 spot, we also have two locations that made the rankings in different years: Konkai Komyoji Temple in Kyoto, which ranked No. 3 in 2025, and Itoshima in Fukuoka, which ranked No. 3 in 2026.

Kyoto offers an incredible variety of photoshoot locations, but when people think of Kyoto, they often picture traditional Japanese kimono. Konkai Komyoji Temple has become a popular choice for kimono photography, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. From cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn leaves, the temple’s changing seasonal landscapes provide a wonderful variety of backdrops.

Itoshima in Fukuoka, on the other hand, is an incredibly versatile photoshoot destination where you can enjoy an amazing range of natural scenery all in one area. Think beautiful beaches, forest paths, wildflowers swaying in grassy fields, photogenic swings made from palm trees, and a torii gate standing out in the sea. The variety is so impressive that you might even wonder whether you need to visit anywhere else!

Itoshima has been growing rapidly in popularity in recent years, yet it may still be less well-known internationally than some of Japan’s more famous destinations. That makes it particularly appealing for couples looking for something a little different. And while you’re in Fukuoka, be sure to enjoy the local food and drinks, too. The city is famous for both!

 

Other Top 10 Shooting Locations

These are our top-ranked locations, but Japan has so many other wonderful places for pre-wedding photography.

For example, Showa Memorial Park, which ranked No. 5 in 2025 and No. 10 in 2026, is a vast national park in the western suburbs of Tokyo. One of its greatest attractions is the incredible variety of flowers and seasonal scenery throughout the year.

In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, tulips, and nemophila flowers. Summer brings bright sunflowers, while autumn is the season for cosmos flowers and golden ginkgo trees. Even in winter, plum blossoms add a touch of color to the landscape. If you love flowers, this is definitely a location worth considering!

Daisen Park, which ranked No. 8 in 2025 and No. 5 in 2026, is home to a beautiful traditional Japanese garden in Osaka, one of Japan’s largest metropolitan areas. If you’re dreaming of wearing a kimono and taking photos surrounded by authentic Japanese scenery, we can confidently recommend this location.

And there’s another reason to visit Osaka: the food is fantastic, and the city has an energetic, lively atmosphere! Universal Studios Japan is also here. You could make Osaka your main travel destination and enjoy a photoshoot at Daisen Park as part of your trip, or plan your visit around the photoshoot itself. Either way, it’s a great choice.

Finally, let’s take a look at Tokyo Station, which ranked No. 10 in 2025 and No. 8 in 2026.

The station building, completed in 1914, is a photogenic landmark that symbolizes Japan’s modern history. It provides a striking architectural backdrop, especially in the late afternoon and at night, when the building looks absolutely breathtaking. Even rainy days can produce wonderfully atmospheric and almost dreamlike photographs.

Tokyo Station is an extremely popular location for pre-wedding photography, so if you take a stroll around the Marunouchi side of the station, chances are you’ll spot a couple having their wedding photos taken that very day!

 

We haven’t been able to introduce every location, but what did you think of our Top 10 most popular pre-wedding photography spots?

We hope this ranking gives you some inspiration for your own wedding photoshoot in Japan!

Of course, we know that some couples prefer something unique rather than following the crowd. If that sounds like you, we have plenty of hidden gems and special locations that didn’t make this ranking but might be just what you’re looking for.

Why not start with a free consultation? Our Team Decollte staff will be happy to speak with you in English or Chinese and help you create a pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan that reflects your own style and dreams. We look forward to helping you bring your vision to life!

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