I'm Tsutomu, a photographer at bozphoto & styles, a photography studio based in Tokyo that shoots wedding photos and family photos all over Japan.
This blog introduces the shooting spots where we have taken photos.
Why is Kawaguchiko is the place to take a wedding photos?
Japan in cherry blossom season attracts tourists from all over the world.
We receive many photography requests from overseas.
For these overseas customers, the scenery they long for when taking photos in Japan is, first and foremost, cherry blossoms, and second, Mt. Fuji.
The couple from Malaysia, whom we introduced in the top photo, came to Japan specifically wanting cherry blossom photos. But, to be honest, you can take cherry blossom photos in various places. Apparently, there are many spots in South Korea with cherry blossoms as beautiful as those in Japan (I didn't know!).
But, Mt. Fuji can only be found in Japan.
And when it comes to this combination, Lake Kawaguchiko is the best, so they chose this location.
Lake Kawaguchiko in cherry blossom season is exceptional. The contrast between the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms blooming all over the lakeside and Mt. Fuji covered in snow is breathtakingly beautiful. You can capture photos in a landscape that looks like a painting.
Kawaguchiko is not too far from Tokyo
Lake Kawaguchiko is easily accessible from central Tokyo.
By train, there is a direct train called the "Fuji Excursion" from Shinjuku Station, which takes about 2 hours without any transfers.
By car, it's even faster. From Kichijoji, where we live, it can take less than an hour and a half to arrive (when the roads are clear in the morning).
In addition, there are plenty of accommodations in the surrounding area, so you can enjoy a leisurely trip and wedding photo shoot.
For customers who request shooting with Bozphto & styles, we recommend staying overnight the day before, and we will visit the hotel around 6 or 7 in the morning to start preparations.
A lot of places to offer for wedding photo in Kawaguchiko
While Mt. Fuji is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of Lake Kawaguchiko, there are actually many other variations of photo spots besides it.
Cherry Blossom Spots
There is a tree-lined path called the "Sakura Tunnel" mainly on the north side of the lakefront, where you can take photos with cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji in the background.
Lakeside
You can take open and airy photos with the calm lake surface as a background. Taking photos with moored boats or piers in the background is also a little romantic.
Parks
The most famous one is Oishi Park. Recently, a fashionable outdoor shopping area has been created in a part of the park, making for fun photos of strolling scenery there.
In the forest
The area around Lake Kawaguchiko is full of lush green forests, so you can take photos with a mysterious atmosphere in the sunlight filtering through the trees.
At shrines and facilities that make you feel history
Although a separate photography permit is required, you can take solemn photos in the precincts of the shrine, and our recommendation is a traditional inn. There are some old inns, so it might be a good idea to stay there and take photos with a Japanese atmosphere.
When is the best time to experience cherry blossoms in Kawaguchiko?
Around Lake Kawaguchiko, the cherry blossoms typically bloom in mid-April. Due to the high altitude, the blooming is about 10 to 14 days later than in Tokyo.
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the Fuji Five Lakes, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji on the Yamanashi Prefecture side. Since each lake has a different altitude, don't give up even if the cherry blossoms have passed their peak in Lake Kawaguchiko.
If you move to Oshino Hakkai or Lake Yamanaka, you may be able to see the cherry blossoms a little longer.
On this day as well, the cherry blossoms in Lake Kawaguchiko were beginning to fall, and the trees were starting to have leaves, but it took about 30 minutes by car. In Oshino Hakkai, we were able to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The blooming situation varies by about 5-7 days depending on the location, so we try to check the situation every year and suggest various spots.
The best time to view Mt Fuji
Lake Kawaguchiko, while located very close to Mt. Fuji, doesn't guarantee a view of the beautiful mountain scenery at all times. If you want to take wedding photos with Mt. Fuji during the cherry blossom season, there are points to consider for both the time of day and the time of year.
Morning:
In general, the atmosphere is stable in the morning, and clouds are less likely to appear, so there is a high possibility that you will be able to see Mt. Fuji clearly. Especially early morning offers a chance to capture a spectacular view of the sunrise, cherry blossoms, and Mt. Fuji.
From our many years of experience, the best time is until around 10:00 am.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, the temperature rises, and the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere increases, making it easier for clouds to appear. Also, the wind can become stronger, so caution is required for photography. It is often the case that Mt. Fuji looked beautiful in the morning, but from around 11:30, more than half of it is hidden by clouds.
Evening:
You can take fantastic photos of the sunset, cherry blossoms, and Mt. Fuji, but only when it is clear and sunny. Clouds are relatively likely to appear in the evening as well.
What if we can't see Mt. Fuji, where can we photograph our wedding photos?
Don't be disappointed if you can't see Mt. Fuji.
Lake Kawaguchiko and its surroundings have many other attractions to offer.
Yagisaki Park, located on the south side of the lakefront, is one such example. Because of its angle, you can't see Mt. Fuji at all, so it tends to be avoided by tourists. However, when Mt. Fuji is hidden by clouds, we deliberately choose to shoot there.
On a clear day, the contrast between the blue sky, the lake, and the cherry blossoms is beautiful, and you can take impressive photos. There is also a hill, so if you want a spacious area or relaxed photos on the grass in Lake Kawaguchiko, this is the place to go!
In addition, there are various other shooting spots such as a lawn open space, the lakefront, a promenade, and a bridge. You can capture natural-looking photos, such as relaxing on a bench by the lake or walking hand-in-hand.
Taking pictures at the Chureito Pagoda with a wedding dress on
The most famous cherry blossom spot for viewing Mt. Fuji is Arakurayama Sengen Park.
The photos of the red five-storied pagoda, Mt. Fuji, and cherry blossoms combined here are the most famous as a "typically Japanese landscape" worldwide, and are popular with visitors outside of Japan.
Therefore, we receive many requests from Japanese couples, as well as overseas customers, who want to take pictures here.
However, there are some quite challenging aspects to it.
Almost 400 steps of steep stairs to walk up
You have to climb 398 steps to reach the five-storied pagoda (Chureito Pagoda) at Arakurayama Sengen Park. This staircase is called "Sakuya Hime Kaidan" (Sakuya Princess Stairs).
It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to reach the five-storied pagoda from the start of the stairs. However, this is just a guideline, and it depends on individual physical strength and pace. Especially during busy times such as the cherry blossom season, it may take even longer.
It's still okay if you're wearing casual clothes, but climbing in a wedding dress or kimono...it's hard to even imagine. We only recommend it for those who are confident in their physical strength.
Arakurayama Sengen Park has a parking lot. However, the parking lot gets very crowded during busy seasons such as the cherry blossom season. If it's close to noon, the parking lot around the start of the stairs will be full, so you may have to walk an additional 10 minutes or so before reaching the stairs.
The observation deck overlooking the five-storied pagoda (Chureito Pagoda) is a particularly popular spot for tourists. Taking photos without including crowds of people is quite a difficult feat.
Whether you make the effort to climb up, or choose a slightly easier spot to take relaxed photos, that depends on each person. We will of course consult with you in detail by the day of the shoot.
Our photography plans in Kawaguchiko area
We have three different plans for pre-wedding photography.
- Engagement session (with casual clothing)
- pre-wedding session with a wedding dress
- kimono photo session (with Japanese traditional outfits)
Plans start at 60,000 yen with 20,000 yen transportation fee.
If you are interested, please contact us, and will give you detailed invoice.
Summary: The Best Wedding Photos in Lake Kawaguchiko
A wedding photo shoot in Lake Kawaguchiko will be a wonderful and unforgettable experience for you both.
The photos taken against the backdrop of majestic Mt. Fuji, amidst the beautiful scenery of each season, such as cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves, are truly one-of-a-kind treasures.
There is a wide variety of shooting locations, from classic spots to hidden gems. You can choose the best location to match your image and preferences.
You may have many concerns, such as preparations, the process, and the cost, but please use the information introduced in this article as a reference and proceed with your preparations with peace of mind.
Hoto Noddles, a local dish in Kawaguchiko area
A Postscript:
Hoto is a local dish originating in Yamanashi Prefecture, made by simmering thick, flat noodles in a miso-based broth. Generally, various vegetables such as pumpkin, Chinese cabbage, burdock root, mushrooms, as well as meat and fried tofu are added.
When we visit Lake Kawaguchiko for location shooting, we invite all our clients to go eat hoto.
It's packed with vegetables and is highly nutritious. Since it's simmered in a piping hot miso soup, it warms you to the core. And the noodles, which resemble udon, have a chewier texture.
It's the perfect meal for a tired body after shooting in the unexpectedly cold cherry blossom season. If you have time, let's go eat some after the shoot!
By the way, the locally famous Kosaku Kawaguchiko branch has hoto with bear meat and venison.
When asked, "Bear, like Winnie the Pooh's bear?", I was about to try it, but then I couldn't bring myself to eat it (laughs).
We are Tokyo based wedding & family photography studio
bozphoto & Styles is a Tokyo-based photography studio specializing in wedding, engagement, and elopement photography. With a focus on documentary-style photography, we aim to preserve the emotions and stories behind each image, allowing you to relive those memories for years to come.
Whether it’s a romantic wedding in a traditional Japanese shrine, an intimate elopement in the heart of Tokyo, or a stunning pre-wedding shoot amidst Japan’s breathtaking landscapes, we strive to deliver photographs that are both meaningful and unforgettable.
we believe that every picture tells a story. Let us help you tell yours.
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