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Wedding guides for Japan

Resources

A couple alone at the shrine gate, framed by summer greenery

Can You Have a Shinto Wedding with Just the Two of You? A Guide to Eloping in Japan

WAKON STYLE publishes no minimum guest count, but whether a shrine accepts a ceremony for only two people must be confirmed for that shrine. The current brochure's Type 2 plan is a ceremony-and-pho...

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Golden Buddhist altar inside the main hall of Hasedera temple

Shrine or Temple: Which Should You Choose for Your Japanese Wedding?

Most couples searching for a Japanese wedding are picturing a Shinto ceremony at a shrine, and that remains the focus of WAKON STYLE's service. But a temple wedding is also available, and the two a...

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Fresh green maple leaves over the stone steps of a shrine approach

Best Time of Year for a Shinto Wedding in Japan: Seasons, Weather, and What It Feels Like in Kimono

There is no single best month for a Shinto wedding in Japan. The right season depends on which of four things matters most to you: the scenery you want in your photos, how comfortable you will be i...

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Bride in a red irouchikake standing among brilliant autumn maples

Will a Japanese Wedding Kimono Fit Me? Sizes, Fittings, and What's Included

WAKON STYLE asks you to consult in advance if your height is above about 195cm (6'5") or your bust, waist, or hip measurement is above about 120cm (47") — these are consultation thresholds, not pub...

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Bride walking a temple corridor overlooking autumn foliage after the ceremony

What Happens After a Shinto Wedding Ceremony? Meals, Photos, and the Rest of the Day

A reception is not part of the ceremony itself. If you want a meal with your guests afterward, WAKON STYLE can introduce you to Japanese or Western-style restaurants and banquet halls near the shri...

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Wedding procession along a red carpet with family and guests at the shrine

Bringing Family and Guests to Your Shinto Wedding in Japan: What to Arrange in Advance

Yes, you can bring parents, family, and friends to a Shinto wedding in Japan. How many depends on the shrine, and WAKON STYLE asks for your groom's-side, bride's-side, and total guest numbers when ...

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Vermilion worship hall of Kashiigu Shrine on a clear day

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Shinto Wedding in Japan? A Month-by-Month Timeline

Standard preparation for a Shinto wedding with WAKON STYLE takes about 2 to 6 months. Shrine reservations themselves can often be made up to a year in advance, though this varies by shrine, and pop...

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Bride and groom seated during a Shinto wedding ceremony at Kashiigu Shrine

How Many Days Do You Need in Japan for a Shinto Wedding? A Realistic Trip Plan

There is no single fixed number of days, but two points are fixed. WAKON STYLE recommends arriving in Japan at least two days before your ceremony, and specifically advises against arriving the day...

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Shrine main hall framed by fresh green trees

Do You Need to Visit Japan Before Your Shinto Wedding? How Planning from Abroad Actually Works

Generally, visits to Japan for wedding preparations are not necessary. The process, from choosing a date to selecting attire, is handled by email, and email support is available in English only. An...

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Bride in a richly embroidered red iro-uchikake, one of the traditional kimono options for a Shinto wedding

What to Wear to a Shinto Wedding in Japan: A Guide for Couples and Wedding Guests

Couples may wear traditional wedding kimono provided through their package, while guests can attend in modest formal Western clothing. Guests should wear socks or stockings, avoid revealing outfits...

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Bride and groom purifying their hands at the temizuya water basin before a Shinto wedding ceremony

What Actually Happens at a Shinto Wedding? A Real Step-by-Step Guide

A typical Shinto wedding takes about 30 minutes and follows eight main steps: Sanshin, Shubatsu, Norito-sojo, San-san-kudo, Seishi-sodomoku, Ring Exchange, Tamagushi-hoten, and Shinzoku-hai. The ex...

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Bride and groom in traditional kimono standing together in a tranquil forest setting

Do You Have to Be Religious to Have a Shinto Wedding? What International Couples and Their Families Should Know

You do not generally need to convert to Shinto or make a declaration of faith in order to have a Shinto wedding. The ceremony should still be approached as a sincere religious rite, and couples wit...

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New to Shinto weddings? Start with the full overview.