From Australia to Tokyo: A Honeymoon Wedding Photo Session in Traditional Kimono
- boztsutomu
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
When you travel halfway across the world for your honeymoon, you want more than just snapshots—you want memories that tell your story.
That's exactly what brought this amazing couple from Australia to us at bozphoto & styles.
A Honeymoon Turned Photo Adventure
Fresh from their wedding celebration back home just last month, this newlywed couple chose Japan as their honeymoon destination.
But they didn't just want to visit—they wanted to create something truly special. They reached out to us with a request: capture their love story against the backdrop of Tokyo, dressed in traditional Japanese wedding attire.
When Heritage Meets Tradition
What made this session even more meaningful was the couple's Ethiopian heritage.
Both deeply interested in exploring cultures different from their own, they saw their Japan trip as the perfect opportunity to experience something authentically Japanese.
And not just any tourist experience—they wanted the real deal.
"We don't want those cheap touristy kimonos you see in Asakusa,"
they told me.
"We want to wear what Japanese couples actually wear at weddings and special ceremonies."
That level of thoughtfulness and respect for tradition? It's what makes our job so rewarding.
The Real Thing: Authentic Kimono Experience
We've been photographing international couples in kimono for years, but lately, more and more clients are specifically asking for authentic, traditional pieces.
While you can rent a kimono in tourist areas for anywhere from ¥2,000 to ¥4,000, this couple chose something entirely different: a stunning ¥40,000 ensemble.
They visited the kimono shop I recommended ahead of time, and both fell in love at first sight with their chosen outfits.
The quality difference? Night and day.
More Than Just Photography
At bozphoto & styles, we don't just show up and click the shutter.
We want to support your entire day's experience from start to finish. That's why we offer complete kimono sessions that include:
Kimono rental shop recommendations
Professional dressing (kitsuke)
Hair and makeup
Behind-the-scenes photography of the preparation process
Full-day photoshoot coverage
Because creating memories isn't just about the final photos—it's about the whole journey.
Our First Stop: Nezu Shrine's Mystical Torii Tunnel
We kicked off the day at Nezu Shrine, a sacred spot with over 1,000 years of history right here in Tokyo.
The shrine's main attraction? The "Senbon Torii"—literally "thousand torii gates"—a tunnel of vermillion gates that creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Sure, Kyoto's Fushimi Inari might be more famous for its torii tunnel, but Nezu Shrine offers something different: a more intimate, compact version with slightly smaller gates.
The red torii trail here may be smaller, but it exudes a quiet, mysterious atmosphere—perfect for elegant and emotionally rich portraits.
The couple booked our one-day plan, which meant we weren't stopping there.
City Contrast: Traditional to Ultra-Modern
After capturing those serene, traditional moments at Nezu Shrine, we switched gears completely.
Next stop?
Shibuya—Tokyo's beating heart of modern urban energy.
Imagine the contrast: ancient kimono meeting neon lights, traditional elegance against the world's busiest crossing.
The juxtaposition tells its own story about Japan—a country where centuries-old tradition and cutting-edge modernity exist in perfect harmony.
Sunset at Sensoji Temple
From Shibuya, we hopped in a taxi and headed to Asakusa, home to Tokyo's most iconic tourist destination: Sensoji Temple.
This gave us classic, must-have Tokyo shots with the couple still in their gorgeous kimono.
As the sun began to set, we wrapped up the kimono portion of the shoot. But our day was far from over.
When Night Falls: Asakusa After Dark
Here's a little secret about Tokyo's most crowded tourist spot: Nakamise-dori, the famous shopping street usually packed shoulder-to-shoulder with visitors during the day, transforms into something magical at night.
The shops close, the crowds vanish, and suddenly it feels like the couple has the entire street to themselves.
Just the two of them, the lantern-lit path, and our camera.
Finishing on Hoppy Street
For our final location, we ventured into Hoppy Street—a narrow alley lined with traditional outdoor drinking spots where locals gather for after-work drinks.
The energy, the lights, the authenticity of everyday Tokyo life made for the perfect ending to our photo journey.
And when we wrapped? We celebrated the traditional way—grabbing teppanyaki together and toasting to their new marriage and their incredible Japan adventure.
Why Choose Authentic?
This couple's story reminds us why we love what we do.
They could have gone the easy route—tourist kimono, standard photo spots, quick and simple. Instead, they invested in quality, authenticity, and a full day of creating real memories.
The photos?
They're not just beautiful images.
They're proof that they didn't just visit Japan—they experienced it, respected it, and made it part of their love story.
If you're planning your trip to Tokyo and dreaming of capturing memories that go beyond the ordinary, we'd love to hear from you.
Whether it's a honeymoon session, anniversary photos, or family portraits in kimono, let's create something authentically you—with an authentically Japanese touch.
👉 Learn more about our Pre-Wedding Photo Plans.
About bozphoto & styles
We’re a photo team based in Japan, here to capture your adventures—whether you’re proposing, celebrating, or just exploring together.
From the streets of Tokyo to the views of Mt. Fuji, we love traveling across Japan to create natural, meaningful images of your time here.
If you’re ready to turn your trip into something truly unforgettable, we’d love to be part of it.
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