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Why do you want to Elope in Japan? This is a great question and many couples will give lots of different reasons for doing so. We can’t possibly begin to start covering them all, but we can highlight the most common seven reasons people give for Eloping in Japan. For those who want to skip the preamble, and get straight to the relevant points, the 7 reasons to elope in Japan, as given by our couples, are: Stress management It’s cost effective Some people are shy It’s an adventure It’s eco friendly There are no guest list concerns Japanese culture For more detailed ideas, read on! #1 Stress Management This is perhaps the most common reason couples give for choosing to elope over having a traditional wedding day. Wedding planning can be very stressful; there is a lot going on. A lot of people are involved and naturally, there are many things happening all at once and more often than not, there are so many people to please. Now, don’t get us wrong: we love weddings.! We have had a lot of fun planning weddings and have worked with some awesome couples and have enjoyed many wonderful and memorable events. All wedding planning comes from a place of excitement and love. However, after a few planning meetings, we often hear things like: “My mother wants…;” “My aunt thinks…;” “My sister says…,” or even “My father insists on…” These may be well and good IF, and it is a big “if”, the ideas, desires and opinions of the others align with those of the couple. However, rarely they do… And each time we hear this, we notice a small spark of joy in the process extinguish in the eyes of our couples. And this is very sad. Too many people feel they should have a voice and couples often find themselves carrying out a very delicate balancing act of having the day they want and pleasing the people in their lives. On top of this, there are all the other little elements that go in to putting on a traditional wedding: sending out invitations; planning the color scheme, decor and stationary; deciding who to include in the wedding party; what menu to choose; what to do with the kids and elderly; seating charts; entertainment and a whole host of other things I can’t think of right now. In an elopement there are fewer people and things to worry about, making the whole process so much more fun. You can make decisions and change your mind, include the elements that matter to you and design a day that truly reflects who you are as a couple. Then, at the end of it all, you will have a day that you can look back on without any regrets; a day filled with love, lots of wonderful moments and many wonderful memories. And isn’t that what it is all about? Creating those lifelong memories that feed your soul forever?! In an elopement less is more. With fewer things to stress about, you can just enjoy the day, take your time and live in the moment. Where better to do that than in Japan? #2 It’s Cost effective! In short: dollars spent on a holiday and elopement in Japan will go further than dollars spent on a big wedding at home. Really, it’s a no-brainer! The average cost of weddings is on the rise. These days, this is around £30,000 ($40,000), or about a year’s wages (again, an average). And when you add the cost of the honeymoon on top of this, it can well mean that some couples find themselves starting their married life in debt! When you consider that one of the main reasons couples fight is about money, this is a stress you could well do without! An Elopement, however, is only a fraction of the costs of a traditional wedding. And it can combine the honeymoon with the ceremony. Since there are only the two of you, and maybe one or two guests, the total costs for the trip and the wedding may well be as little as a quarter of the average wedding! The folks over at moneywehave.com have calculated the average cost of a trip to Japan for one person, summarized below: Airfare: $800 (Assuming you are coming from the US) JR Rail Pass: $435 (depending on your itinerary, this may not be necessary) Accommodation: $1750 ($125/day, many hotels less than half this) Local Transport: $140 Attractions: $120 (Museum, shrine, temple entry) Food: $560 ($40/day, assuming you don’t go anywhere swanky) Day-to-day Spending: $200 (Convenience stores, cafes, street vendors) TOTAL: $4005 Be sure to check out the full post here: https://www.moneywehave.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-go-to-japan/ When you also consider that the average cost of an elopement falls between $4500 & ¥8500, the total cost of your trip to Japan and elopement might be less than 40% the cost of a full wedding at home. It really is that cost effective. #3 Some people are just shy! Standing up in front of hundreds of friends and family can fill even the most seasoned public speaker with dread... Standing alone with the person you love in a beautiful Japanese setting does not! This is actually quite a common reason people give for choosing an elopement over a traditional wedding. Speaking from personal experience, the idea of sitting down to plan a speech and then deliver it was something of a blot on an otherwise great day. I am not the kind of person who gets nervous standing up in front of people, much less my friends and family. However, the memory of the speech I had to give is something I would rather forget. I know I am not alone. If you are shy, you don’t need to put yourself through this. Why do something that you will look back on with regret?! An Elopement in Japan will be filled with love, awe and excitement: isn’t that how you want to remember your day? #4 It’s an adventure! Traditionally, the very idea of an elopement was seen as an act of rebellion. These days it is viewed more kindly, as an act of adventure. It is a chance for couples to travel to far flung destinations for their “I dos” and to create wonderful, unique memories as they start their new lives together. Eloping in Japan is all about creating unique experiences, and few places are more unique! Japan has everything. For those seeking thrill, there are world class ski resorts, some great hiking trails, white water rafting courses, horseback archery, and even bungee jumping! And of course, the more traditional pursuits such as shrine and temple visits, exotic food and general sightseeing. Since Japan is like no other country, whatever you do, where ever you go it will feel like the adventure of a lifetime! #5 It’s eco-friendly! Truth be told, this is not a reason that people actually give for choosing to elope in Japan. However, it is one that we think heavily favors elopements over traditional weddings. In this day and age when the need to reduce our environmental impact is paramount, elopements are the way to go. They produce much smaller carbon footprints than weddings, which require lots of single use items for florals, decor, dining and general stationary. As the Green Bride (https://www.amazon.com/Green-Bride-Guide-Earth-Friendly-Wedding/dp/140221345X) puts it: “…the average wedding produces 400 lbs (181kgs) of garbage and 63 tons of CO2. With an estimated 2.5 million weddings per year, that is about 1 billion lbs of trash and as many emissions as approximately 4 people would produce in a year, in just one single day. And those numbers are most likely on the rise when you look at what today’s weddings look like. It’s more important than ever for couples getting married to really think about the footprint of their special day. Especially when there are so many green alternatives out there.” No single use items means a clearer conscience and cleaner environment: a win-win for everybody! #6 No guest list concerns. Some wise old sage once said something along the lines of “when you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.” This is certainly true when deciding who deserves an invite and who doesn’t. The guest list can often be a bone of contention. And there is always a bit of a balancing act between budget concerns and keeping everyone happy. However, the only two people who really matter are you, the bride and the groom. An elopement is a chance to have the day you want and to create the moments that matter to you. If you really want to please everyone, you can still have a party on your return. A lot of couples find that when they tell their friends and family about their plans to elope in Japan, the people who truly matter will often find a way to be there for them to help them celebrate in a way that is important to the bride and groom. Furthermore, a wedding ceremony and celebration in Japan will be a unique bonding experience for those that attend and create warm lifelong memories. An elopement surrounded by closest friends and family tops a wedding surrounded by fair weather folks anytime! #7 Japanese culture One of the words that people use to describe Japanese culture is Omotenashi. It basically translates into hospitality. But it is much more than that. Many visitors to Japan come away talking about the unexpected kindness of the people. This is omotenashi. In the west, hospitality is often given with the expectation of reward. It is a transactional activity: the more you pay, the higher level of hospitality you can expect. However, in Japan, people are brought up with the idea that they need to be kind without expectation of reward. This idea has of course found its way into the Japanese hospitality industry, where people will go above and beyond what is expected or paid for. It’ll make your experience in Japan all the more special and it is one reason why people fall in love with this exotic, mysterious unique country. And we are sure you will too! What about you? What ideas do you think we have left off this list. Are you planning to elope in Japan or have you already done so? What reasons were important for you in making your decisions to come out here. Let us know in the comments below and perhaps we can expand this list in another blog post.

To have an elopement in Nara is to experience something special, as this couple found out. Being the ancient capital of Japan, it is filled with gorgeous historical sites, and exudes an air of rustic elegance throughout the city. While Kyoto often gets all the plaudits as the cultural center of Japan, Nara tends to go under the radar. However, it is no less beautiful. In fact, the locals will argue that it is far more authentically Japanese than any other place in the country. Of course, they may well be biased, but who are we to disagree?! This beautiful couple knew they wanted to elope in Japan, but they just didn’t quite know where. However, as soon as we introduced them to Nara, they were hooked! Nara park is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer (around 1,300 to be more precise) and is surrounded by a number of world heritage sites, and dotted with all manner of uniquely Japanese scenes. This elopement in Nara was held in the stunningly beautiful Yoshikien Garden, which, in our opinion, is one of the most beautiful anywhere in Japan. And, despite being right inside Nara Park, it is slightly off the beaten tourist path and never crowded. Thus, it is a perfect setting for eloping couples. The Garden In one word, it is simply stunning. Climbing the steps into the garden takes you in to another world; it will take your breath away. The gasps of people stepping over the top step are audible from well inside the garden and are testament to its beauty. Don’t take our word for just how beautiful it is; check out these visitor reviews on Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d3864400-Reviews-Yoshikien-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html The garden has three parts: a pond garden with beautiful villa; tea ceremony garden and a moss garden. Beautifully and lovingly manicured throughout the year, it is the perfect venue for an elopement in Nara. It also boasts picturesque autumn foliage in October/November and an artful use of moss in the spring. We fell in love with it at first sight and so did the couple. The plan called for a ceremony in the Garden followed by a photo-shoot in Nara Park, courtesy of our Nara-based photographer: Kiki Photoworks. (It’s always handy to have a local show you the ropes!) The couple wanted to have a simple garden ceremony, and came to Japan with two of their friends, who wouldn’t have missed this for the world. The tea house offers some seclusion from both the elements and prying eyes: perfect for this couple’s vision, and just what they wanted! The Wedding The weather was unseasonably warm, with clear blue skies and bright sunshine – always a good omen. And, after the cold start to spring, it was a blessing! On the day Ayako and the hair and makeup artist met the couple at their hotel to help prepare for the ceremony. Rather than donning kimonos they opted instead for traditional western attire, looking incredibly chic and beautiful. The friends waited in the tea house for the couple’s arrival who, contrary to western weddings, walked "the aisle" together. It was a beautiful moment; two best friends and lovers, walking each other down the aisle to declare their love and commitment in front of their two closest friends. This is what eloping is all about! The ceremony space was tastefully, yet minimally decorated so as to not distract from the already picturesque environment of the teahouse and garden. Being early spring, the flowers were in bloom and there was a gorgeous green canopy overhead and surrounding the garden. Together with the quietness of the space it was the perfect location; one that we hope to use time and again, in all seasons. The Photos Following a simple, yet beautiful, ceremony the photographer took over, taking them to various vantage points around the garden for some stunning shots. Then, once they had had their fill of the garden, a rickshaw awaited the couple to transport them the traditional way around Nara Park, where they posed for even more beautiful photos. We’ll let the photos speak for themselves: What did the couple say? Their review on TripAdvisor: “We wanted a simple elopement ceremony in Japan, and Serendipity helped us achieved exactly what we dreamed. We had a small ceremony with just 2 guests at a tea house in a garden in Nara. the set up was beautiful and so delicate. The officiant’s words so meaningful and the entire experience delightful. Ross and Ayako took care of everything! and made it extremely easy to communicate despite being in different sides of the planet. They listened to our wants and ideas and gladly accommodated our requests. We met Ayako in person on the day if the ceremony, but were able to reach her or Ross if we needed anything prior to that day. Ayako was even more lovely in person and super helpful to work with. Our only regret was not having more time to spend with Ross and Ayako, they are such great, down to earth people. I would highly recommend this company for elopement wedding needs.” Want something similar for yourselves? Contact us today and let's start planning!

Tokyo is an amazing city. It is hard to believe that it was once a collection of small fishing villages sitting upon a vast marshland. Yet, it has grown into one of the worlds great mega-cities. It's four times larger than London and has a population of nearly 14,000,000. The metropolitan area, which encompasses the commuter belt around the city, is home to over 37,000,000 people! However, despite these dizzying numbers, Tokyo is still the perfect place to elope! More and more couples are discovering this, and so we recently we find ourselves planning Tokyo City Elopements. Why Elope in Tokyo? Tokyo is a place steeped in history yet with both sophisticated AND quirky nods to the future. Regardless of your key words, intimate; romantic; discreet; modern; traditional; chic; quirky etc, Tokyo has everything. It has shrines, temples, skyscrapers, crossings, views, towers, neon lights and of course gardens. It seamlessly links the past with the present and the traditional with the modern. All these reasons, and more, mean that a Tokyo city elopement is the perfect choice for eloping couples. Whether viewed from above or at eye level, Tokyo offers some pretty stunning views! All following photos by Ross Harrison: Your Day; Your Way! Here at Serendipity Flower & Wedding, our guiding philosophy is “Your Day; Your Way”! Sure, there are always some cultural and bureaucratic hurdles to navigate, but it is our job to help you over and around these. In other words, we are here to remove the stress of planning the perfect Tokyo city elopement for you. You might want a ceremony with a nod to the traditional or something much more modern-chic. Or a combination of both! You might want to make a day of it, or simply keep it short, freeing up more time to get the most out of your trip to Tokyo and Japan. Perhaps you want to incorporate a city tour, taking in the sights and and getting to know the city. Or perhaps you'll want a city tour on a completely separate day to the ceremony, like the couple below. How does it work? There are a number of ways to do this, each as different as each couple. You tell us what you want to include and we will recommend places we know, and scout the town for new spots and check the permit requirements. We can plan in intricate detail or - permit permitting (pun intended!) - be spontaneous. Or both. We can hire a private car to ferry you around to each location, or we can use public transport. Or both! We can hire a hair and make up artist to meet us and join us for the day or take you to one of the many local salons at the start of the day. We can incorporate a garden ceremony then do the city tour. We can do the city tour and then a garden ceremony We can go to a kimono studio to include the traditional, or not! At the end of the the day, we can: drop you off at a recommended restaurant to celebrate in style; take you back to your hotel or anything that you want. The choice is yours! Due to COVID, we have not done this yet, but next year we have a few couples who will hire a driver and a photographer for the day, and see the sights of this great city. One couple is even selecting photo-spots that were featured in their favourite anime! We can't wait! Here’s the real kicker - it doesn’t have to be mind bogglingly expensive. As an elopement, it will cost a fraction of a full wedding, and because you don’t need to think about other people, you can focus your budget on the things that really matter to you. Whatever your vision, we want to help. We love this city and everything it has to offer, and we love sharing it with our couples. Get in touch today and let’s start planning!

This fun-loving couple always knew they wanted to have a ceremony in spring. And why not?! It is a stunning time of year, and Japanese views of pink and white cherry blossom are famous worldwide. They wouldn't be the first couple to seek out such settings for their elopement, and certainly won't be the last. However, after initially inquiring about Garden ceremonies, they opted for a Shinto Shrine Elopement. This way they could experience more of Japan on their trip. They would still see the cherry blossom, but it wouldn't be the thing that makes or breaks the big day. They were coming to Japan for a two week trip, taking in the sights of Tokyo and Kyoto, and decided to schedule a ceremony on the Tokyo leg of the trip. Knowing that cherry blossom would be the icing the cake, we offered an additional photo-shoot beneath the pink and white stuff. For this, they wore western attire, and we ventured out into a city park at 7:30am one cold Saturday morning. However, it was so much fun that we soon warmed up! It is rare that we get to spend anytime with our elopement couples before the wedding day, and so it was all the more special to actually meet them for drinks the night before. This enabled us to get know each other and build a rapport that is sometimes difficult through online video conferencing. We had a lot of fun drinking, talking and eating with them on two occasions while they were here, and feel that we have built a genuine friendship. The Wedding Day The weather this spring was cold! However, on the wedding day itself it was, thankfully, warm and sunny! This couple, with a sunny disposition, certainly brought the sunshine with them! Ayako met them at their hotel in Shinjuku at 07:30am ready to get a taxi to the Kimono studio where they selected and changed into them. Unusually for most brides, she picked out her kimono in a matter minutes! For them, the idea of getting married in Spring was heavily influenced by the opportunity to coincide with the cherry blossom. Therefore, once the bride saw the pink cherry blossom motifs on one of the kimonos, the choice was made. She looked stunning! The groom looked no less handsome too! All in all it took just 90 minutes for the bride and groom to get ready, after which the only thing left to do was get to the shrine. They went separately, with the groom arriving first. At the Shrine We started the shinto shrine elopement with "first-meet photos". Unlike western weddings, where the bride walks down the aisle to meet the groom at the altar, there is no such custom here at traditional weddings in Japan. However, this is an essential part of the day, so we asked the shrine to accommodate us with this. And, they were more than happy to do so. The groom arrived first, to await his bride in front of the shrine. The big moment didn't disappoint! Upon seeing each other in full kimonos, the nerves, if there were any, dissipated quickly and they, nay - we all - broke out into huge smiles. Following on from the first meet, there was a 30 minute photo-shoot in the grounds of the shrine. The place is impressive. Although ostensibly a local shrine in a residential area, well away from the tourist hordes in Tokyo, it is as beautiful as any you will find anywhere in Japan. Especially unique, for a local shrine, is the fact that it houses an impressive Noh Theatre stage. This is incredible photogenic and became a focal point for the photographer. After the pre-wedding shoot, we went inside for the rehearsal, which can always be a little daunting. As with all religions there are certain protocols and rituals that couples need to observe. And when coupled with an exotic language it has the potential to be quite intimidating. However, the staff at the shrine are so welcoming, kind and friendly; they put everyone at ease. Ayako was also on hand to translate and explain the order of the ceremony. Needless to say, the rehearsal went smoothly and they were soon set for the real thing. Shinto Shrine Elopement Ceremony Just before the commencement of the ceremony, they were ushered in to a side room to relax with a cup of warm sakura tea. Sometimes things can get a bit hectic on wedding day, and so it is good for everyone, not least the couple, to sit and take in their surroundings. It is a way to savor the moment; to be mindful. The worst thing that can happen on anyone's wedding day is for it to go by in a blur! We are mindful of this, and like to give our couples some time to just take things at their own pace! After some rest-time, the shrine presented them with a certificate, in Japanese, which the couple signed and dated. It is a nice touch and makes things more formal, even if the couple receive their wedding license in their home country. There is no administrative link between wedding ceremonies and marriage applications in Japan. These are done separately and on different days, unlike in western marriage traditions. So, to have a commemorative certificate from the shrine is a classy move - greatly appreciated by the couple. The ceremony always starts with a ritual washing of hands, before proceeding in procession to the shrine itself. After this the priest reports the marriage to the Kami - god - then rings a bell, which brings blessings from God. A central part of the ceremony is the ritual drinking of sake from the same cup - great for sake lovers. Shinto followers believe that drinking sake from the same cup strengthens the bond between the couple. Following the sake drink, it is the couple’s turn to speak. In shinto there is a set oath that the couple must read, in Japanese. This couple had been practicing this for months ahead of time, and it showed. They did great! Next was the ring exchange. This is the same as western weddings, and always brings about great pictures - see for yourself, below! Related Articles: Shinto Shrine Elopement Ceremony After the ceremony Because they were here during the spring, they really wanted to get some cherry blossom! There was a little blossom at the shrine, but not much. So, on a cold Saturday morning, I (Ross) met them at their hotel in Shinjuku. From their, we went to a nearby park for a wedding dress photo-shoot. This rounded off their experience here - they had had a traditional Japanese shrine wedding, and completed it with a dress shoot in a modern city park. Yes, it was early, but the light at that time of morning was beautiful and the pics came out great! We'll let the pictures do the talking!

Shinjuku is one of the main business and entertainment hubs in Tokyo. Because of this, there are a ton of hotels situated here, providing travelers with easy with access to the rest of the city. Naturally, there are no shortage of things to do here. However, with so many things to do in Shinjuku, it can be hard to decide on what to do. That said, with my (almost) local knowledge from 18 years here, here are our top seven things to do in Shinjuku. We hope this short guide will give you an idea of where to start. We'll start at the station! If you don't want to read a long article, all the main points are covered in this short video. Shinjuku Station Shinjuku is the busiest station in the world! Standing still for any length of time in any part of the station, you will witness hordes of people passing by. At rush hour particularly, it will be like a sea of people - no exaggeration! It serves about 3.5 million passengers daily. Putting that into perspective the entire London Underground serves 3.9 million passengers daily. Thinking differently, it is as if the entire population of Uruguay passes through Shinjuku every day! That is a lot of people! And to accommodate that many people, the station has to be huge! It has 200 entrances leading to 20 tracks and 12 train links; the Yamanote Line, Chuo Main Line, Chuo Rapid Line, Chuo-Sobu Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Saikyo Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, Keio Line, Keio New line, Marunouchi Line, Toei Shinjuku and Toei Oedo lines. Now, we could spend the whole video talking about this modern man-made-marvel, but I think that’s best left for an entirely different video. Right now, we want to talk about Shinjuku itself. What can you do or see when you are here? Here are the rest of our top seven things to do in Shinjuku! Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Arriving in a new city is always a bit bewildering. And it can be very hard to get your bearings, especially a city such as Tokyo. To help get over this, we recommend you head over to the west side of Shinjuku to get an overview of the area from the Metropolitan Government Building. This relatively new building in Sky Scraper district will give a great first impression of the city and help you find your bearings as you prepare for he day(s) ahead. Built in 1995, it is part of a complex consisting of three buildings which house the Tokyo Metropolitan Government . The building we are interested in is a 48 floor skyscraper that splits into two towers from the 33rd floor. On the 45 floor of each tower, imaginatively named North Tower and South Tower, there is a panoramic observation deck. And, unlike most observation points in this city, entrance is free! From these vantage points you will get a sense for how dense the city is, and even pick out some of the other famous locations, such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, Roppongi Hills, Meiji Shrine, and of course, weather permitting, Mt. Fuji. The observation decks are open from 09:30 until 23:00. However please note, the North and South towers are open on alternating days. It gets pretty crowded with long lines for the elevator, so we recommend you head out early, maybe skip breakfast. Don’t worry, their is a coffee shop up there so you can grab your morning fix while viewing the city. That said, when I made the above video, I went on a Wednesday afternoon, and there was no waiting around! Naturally, going in the evening will give you some pretty cool views of the city lights, stretching as far as the eye can see. Further Reading: Top Five Things to do in Tokyo Shopping in Shinjuku The east and south east side of the station takes you to the main shopping areas. Here the main attractions will likely be Isetan and Takashimaya, both large luxury department stores with high end brands. They also boast some very nice restaurants and awesome food halls - selling ready packed meals, all manor of drinks, chocolates, patisserie items and general groceries. In addition to Isetan and Takashimaya, you will also find plenty of high-end brand boutiques, electronic stores, specialist shops, beauty parlors, furniture purveyors and of course, cafes and restaurants. So knock yourself out and peruse to your heart’s content! There are several blocks worth of shops and boutiques to get lost down and spend your hard earned cash. For those who like electronic items, there is a recently opened Apple Store across from Isetan and Japanese heavyweight electronics retailers Bic Camera, Soft Map and Yodobashi Camera, the latter is actually near the west exit. Of course, once you have had your fill of shopping, you might want to grab a hearty bite to eat. At this point we recommend you head on over to Piss Alley! Piss Alley Yes, you heard that right, I’m not going got say it again... It used to be an illegal drinking area back in the 1940s that soon became a popular spot for cheap drinks and yakitori during the hard economic times that followed the end of the second world war. Due to the area’s lack of toilet facilities people would go to the nearby train tracks to take a… I mean, to er… relieve themselves, thus earning the place that less than stellar moniker. Don’t worry, it has all changed now! There are perfectly good toilet facilities in the middle of the alley, and the place no longer smells of, er, you know…! Now it is a rather trendy spot for drinking, yakitori and photography. It is a very “instagrammable" spot and you will no doubt have seen a few images floating around on social media at some point. A lot of the bars and restaurants down the alley are very foreign friendly and the food is rather good. So don’t be put off by the name, and be sure give it a visit if/when you are in town to try some of the local fare! By the way, now it is officially called Omoide Yoko-cho, which translates to Memory Lane! A much better name than the alternative! Kabukicho Kabukicho, a stones throw from skyscraper/business district, and a perfect stop after completing your Yakitori in Omoide Yokocho, is an area that has everything: bright lights, noise, pubs, restaurants, love hotels, regular hotels, cafés, pool clubs, entertainment centres, convenience stores, hostess bars, "adult entertainment," cinemas, public baths, pachinko parlours and even a museum! Naturally, like any red-light district, it really comes alive at night! However, there is still plenty to do during the daytime. As well as the aforementioned museum, the Hotel Grocery - with Gozilla peering from above - has a pretty good cafe that serves some rather nice afternoon tea and is open to the general public. The cinemas and game centers are pretty much open around the clock. Take a stroll through the neon lit streets, expose your ears to the cacophony and get your cameras ready; there is plenty to see, do and record even on a “quiet” night in Kabukicho. Unlike red light districts in other parts of the world Kabukicho is surprisingly safe; just be careful of street touts who will try to pull you into a hostess bar or strip club. Needless to say, the costs of which can be pretty extortionate! Golden Gai If the noise and bright lights of Kabukicho get a bit much for you, you can always head over a couple of blocks to Golden Gai. Another Piss All... er… Omoide Yokocho type area, this time covering an entire city block. Here you will find small, nay, tiny drinking holes seating five to eight people at a time. Get a feel for how the Japanese like to drink, up close and personal, albeit likely with a whole bunch of other tourists! The thing about this place is that it gives you a view into the recent past, when huge swathes of Tokyo resembled Golden Gai. The buildings are a mere few feet wide, and built so close to each other they practically touch. Most bars are on street level, though some have a second floor. These floors are accessible only by climbing a very steep flight of steps. Don’t let the ramshackle nature of the place fool you though, Golden Gai is not a cheap place to drink, and the regular clientele can afford to spend a pretty penny or two! After partying hard all night in Kabukicho or Golden Gai, you might want a low energy daytime activity to relax the mind body and spirit. For this, look no further than Shinjuku Gyoen. Shinjuku Gyoen This is a veritable oasis in the heart of the bustling metropolis, and it is a national park with three distinct areas: a traditional Japanese garden, a formal French garden and an English landscape. The latter, with its wide open fields and plentiful cherry blossom trees is a popular picnic area, especially during late March early April when the blossom is in bloom. Most people will stop by Isetan or Takashimaya on their way here, pick up something to eat, and sit on the grass and tuck in. Just remember, no alcohol! No doubt however, as tourists, the main draw will be the Japanese Garden, which is simply stunning! I’ll let the pictures do the talking. Close Hopefully, after reading this post/watching the viefully you won’t feel so overwhelmed when you make your first trip to Shinjuku. If you have already been here, let us know your favorite spots, and perhaps we’ll include them in another video/blog post. Happy Traveling!

This Tokyo City Vow Renewal ceremony was special. Of course, all our vow renewals are special, but this one marked a new chapter in our business. Up until now, we have held all our vow renewals in beautiful Japanese gardens, and couples had opted to wear kimonos for that unique Japanese experience. We love doing those, and will continue to do so, but it was fun to try something new this time. Following hot on the heals of our recent Tokyo City Elopement ceremony, this event also had a unique story. People renew their vows for a whole host of reasons including: celebrating a special anniversary; reconnecting after a rocky patch or honoring a tradition. For this couple it was a birthday and anniversary surprise rolled into one! We love surprises vow renewals, they are the best kind. After having had a small intimate civil ceremony in New York city, three years before, the groom wanted to do something special for his special bride. A trip to Japan and a vow renewal cermeony: it doesn't get more special than that! Evening Ceremony Unlike the garden elopements, which we typically do in the morning, this vow renewal ceremony was held in the evening. The groom decided on an evening ceremony in the hopes of getting the lights of the city across the bay. This is always nerve wracking, because we simply can’t control the weather! But we couldn’t have been luckier. After a lot of cloudy days, it finally cleared up to present this lucky couple with clear blue skies. This made conditions perfect for a “golden hour” ceremony. As the daylight turned to night the lights of Tokyo city and Rainbow Bridge came on. This transformed an already awesome view into one of romance and magic! It was like a fairy tale! This Tokyo city vow renewal was truly magical: neither the couple the photographer nor I could keep our eyes off the skyline for very long, but long enough for some cool pics, courtesy of Simon Bonny. Following the photoshoot, the couple wrapped up their magical evening with a special tempura meal in the Odaiba Hilton overlooking Tokyo Bay. Wishing the happy couple continued happiness and hope to see them again on their next trip out to Tokyo – the dogs and we miss you! Pictures What did the couple say? Quote taken from TripAdvisor: “My husband surprised me with a trip to Japan for my birthday (which is the day after my anniversary). On our anniversary, he had a second surprise – a vow renewal by Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge with Serendipity! Ross and Ayako are two very special people, and they made our day truly unforgettable. They took care of every detail – even making our dinner reservations for us – and put us at ease from the moment we met them. Ross and Ayako did an amazing job communicating and coordinating with my husband before our trip so that the surprise was pulled off effortlessly. The best part of all is that we now have two friends in Tokyo :)” Feeling inspired? Contact us today and let's start talking!

Visiting a city like Tokyo for the first time can be daunting. There is so much to do, see and experience. And these days with people planning their trips around what they see on instagram, it can be hard to reconcile all those ideas into a cohesive travel experience. So, as a resident of Tokyo for the past 18 years, here are my five things to do in Tokyo on your very first day. This is a mini-tour I personally went on when I was in Japan for a week back in 2001. It gave me a great overview of the city, one that I have never forgotten. And, when I moved here permanently in 2003 I did it again to help get me oriented and settled. From personal experience, I can highly recommend this to anyone who is over here on a flying visit or even anything longer. In fact, I still take visitors on a similar tour whenever I am lucky enough to host friends and family from home. Purpose of this mini-tour Get an overview of the city, literally, by bookending the day with aerial views from high vantage points. Experience both the modern and the traditional in equal measure, and with a bit of luck, see Mount Fuji! NB: Feel free to access and save our Google My Maps of this tour for your visit to Japan: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1l05U8Zl-L9OlEySHEVhbTaLSxyXBiLTl&ll=35.71600228456001%2C139.81030365544336&z=12 First - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku This relatively new building in Sky Scraper district will give a great first impression the city and help you find your bearings as you prepare for he day(s) ahead. Built in 1995, the whole complex consists of three buildings which house the Tokyo Metropolitan Government which is responsible for all 23 wards (districts) of Tokyo. The building we are interested in is the tallest of the three, a 48 floor skyscraper that splits into two towers from the 33rd floor. On the 45 floor of each tower, named North Tower and South Tower, there is a panoramic observation deck that is free of charge to the public with gift shops and cafes. From the observation deck you will get a sense for how dense the city is, and even pick out some of the other famous locations, such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, Roppongi Hills, Meiji Shrine, and of course, weather permitting, Mt. Fuji. They are open from 09:30 until 23:00, however please note, North and South towers of the Metropolitan Government Building are open on alternating days. Second - Meiji Shrine, Harajuku If this is your first day in Japan, this will be your first truly Japanese experience. Get in touch with old Japan by visiting the emperor's shrine, Meiji Jingu. It is located just three stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. After walking through the gigantic tori gate you will soon forget that you are in the heart of one of the biggest metropolises in the world. The walk along the path through the man-made forest is supposed to cleanse and prepare the mind to be in inner sanctum of the shrine. Despite its appearances, it is merely 100 years old. Next to Harajuku station, it is an incredibly beautiful example of Shinto Architecture and was dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Shouken. Following the emperor's death in 1912 the government of the time wanted to do something to honor his role in the Meiji restoration, which saw the end of the shogunate and a full restoration of political power to the emperor of Japan. The shrine sits in the heart of a large evergreen forest complex that covers an area of 70 hectares. The trees of the forest, some 120,000, were donated by people from all over Japan when the shrine was constructed. This perhaps indicates the high regard that the people of the time held for Emperor Meiji and his wife. Once you enter Torii gates and make your way through the forest you will start to see why even today, many Japanese like to come here for a bit of respite from the modern world. Third - Omotesando, Oriental Bazaar After you come out of Meiji Shrine (the same way you went in), you will be almost rudely awakened by the throngs of people going about their daily business. Walk through the crowds, an experience in itself, along Omotesando Avenue towards the oriental Bazaar. The mission of Oriental Bazaar is to "introduce Japanese culture to the world,” and they do a great job. It is very popular with tourists, and a few locals, for good reason: the goods are of high quality, yet at a very reasonable (some might even say cheap) price, making Japanese culture more accessible than it otherwise might be. The shop sits on three floors, two above ground and one below, and they sell, among other things, the following: Basement - Kimonos, Yukitas, T-shirts, Fancy Goods, chinaware, books 1st Floor - Japanese porcelain, washi paper, fabric bags and teddy bears, Japanese prints of the ukiyo-e style 2nd Floor - antiques, furniture, antique kimonos, screens, ornaments, vases, lamps Get your souvenirs on the first day otherwise you may never get a chance! Alternatively, if you are organized, take stock of where it is for a later visit. Just note, it is closed on Thursdays - you have been warned! When you come out of the Oriental Bazaar, continue up Omotesando in the same direction. You are looking for the Ginza subway line, to take you across town to the next stop of this tour. Editor's note: the operation of the shop has been scaled back somewhat in response to COVID. Please check the website before venturing out. Fourth - Sensou-ji, Asakusa This beautiful temple shows yet another side to Japan, quite different from anything else you will have seen this day. While the Mieji Shrine pays homage to shinto, this temple pays homage to buddhism; the religion of Asia in general. Sensou-ji is the oldest temple in Japan, making it one of the most significant. Legend has it that a statue of the Kannon was found in the Sumida River by two fishermen. They then took the statue to the village chief who, upon recognizing its significance, converted his house to a temple, so the villagers could worship the Kannon. The first true temple was built on these grounds soon after, in 645; making this the oldest temple in Japan. Perhaps the most iconic part for he temple is the huge paper lantern that hangs from Kaminarimon - "thunder gate". This also represents a great photo-opportunity and is pretty much crowded all day! Once you get through the gates you enter Nakamise-dori, a 250m long shop lined street, with 89 separate boutiques leading up to the temple. Here you will find all manner of goods, from the sublime to the ridiculous. Fifth - Tokyo Sky Tree This was not part of the original tour I went on in 2001. (Simply because it wasn’t built until 2012!) However, given its location in relation to Sensou-ji, it would make a great ending to the day. Plus, if the whether and timing is right, you might just see a stunning sunset over this great city. The sun sets behind the mountain range that includes Mt. Fuji, perfectly silhouetting the conical marvel against the bright setting sun. Then, after sunset, stay just a little longer to witness the twinkling lights of the city, which is equally mesmerizing. This is the only sight today that requires an entrance fee. However, you can get your tickets in advance, and skip to the front of the line on arrival. To purchase your Skytree tickets with an 18% discount, click here!

Since March 2020, many of our followers, clients and past clients will be forgiven for thinking we have gone into hiding. And let’s face it, since March 2020 it seems like a lot of people have! We have not uploaded much on social media nor made many fresh blog updates. We have not been very active online, in general... We felt guilty that we were not providing updates on the pandemic situation in Japan, as we originally set out to do. We had set ourselves the goal to give regular updates about the development of the pandemic and its affect on travel. But the fact is, the situation was so fluid - so fast changing - that no sooner would we have given an update than it would have been out of date. We would have been adding to the confusion rather than clearing things up. Each day brought worse news. And, just like many people around the world, we were in danger of becoming depressed. Honestly, it was a battle to stay upbeat in zoom calls with clients, as they either cancelled or postponed. It seemed there was simply nothing to look forward to. But we knew then, and we know now that this pandemic will end at some point. And we need to be ready. At that point, we were determined to come out of the COVID experience better than when we went in. We felt that while the world had thrown us all a curve ball, and it was no doubt going to be difficult on all of us, it was also an opportunity. In short: Ayako Continued to add to her travel certifications, this time learning more about the domestic travel industry. With this we hope to be able to offer clients an arrival-to-departure “concierge” service and help them maximize their time and experience while here. Many of you know that Ayako loves wine. She is currently halfway to becoming a sommelier and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of wine, especially Japanese wine, with you all. Check our her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayako.harrison/ Ross Has taken and passed the first of hopefully three Japanese exams. No longer will Ayako be the sole multi-lingual of this partnership. He still has a long way to go, but it is a start! Has continued to travel Tokyo to photograph this great city and update his personal Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/rossharrison_tokyo/ Serendipity This brand-spanking new website, complete with Members’ Forum is probably the most notable change. We hope that we can use this to build stronger relationships with all our clients, before and after their trip out here. This is where we can provide personalized updates and communication with all. Signed clients will have a private category for private chats. This will aid in the planning for now, as we have maximized all available project boards on our planning software due to the backlog of events as a result of the pandemic. Clients can expect an email later in the week on how to set up their membership. Exclusive partnership with a stunning local shinto shrine for our couples who want to get married at a shrine in Tokyo - together with a specialized website (coming soon). Opened up a relationship with a world heritage temple in Kyoto, which can offer couples uniquely flexible options for their special day and inject a bit of history! These are just some of the positives we are making happen, in spite of the challenges. Don’t get us wrong: it has been and still is stressful. We have missed traveling and working with our amazing couples, terribly. But this was the hand we were dealt with and we were determined to see the positives. Even if it was through gritted teeth! We hope that COVID will be defeated sooner rather than later. When it does, we will be ready and raring to go! We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to Japan. And when you do get out here, it will be all the more special! Stay safe, with our love and affection, Ross and Ayako

Preparing to travel to a far flung destination for vacation or romance is about as exciting as it gets. The days before departure are like counting down to Christmas! However, uncertainty can sometimes take the edge off the excitement and unwanted surprises can be a bit of a downer. Especially if you thought you were prepared for everything. While we can’t possibly cover everything you will need to know about your trip, based on our client interactions, these are the top 5 things to know before your Japan trip: JR Pass might not be necessary The weather varies drastically from season to season Eating out is no way near as expensive as people are led to believe Wifi is not ubiquitous Smoking IS ubiquitous – but this is changing TRAVEL The first thing on our list of 5 things to know before your Japan trip is all about travel. This can be daunting. The high-speed shinkansen (bullet train) is an engineering marvel as is the very complex network of local trains and buses. But in order to enjoy your trip, you will need to work out the travel puzzle. Many tourists and travel agents will tout the wonderful convenience of the JR Pass. But the fact is, you might not even need it! JR Pass might NOT be necessary The JR issued train pass, that enables “free” travel for tourists once in Japan is a huge attraction for anyone considering a trip out here. The fact that you can just show this to any train conductor or ticket inspector lessens the need for awkward interaction in a language and culture you are not familiar with. However, JR passes, though great, are not always necessary. The cost of a JR pass for seven days is around ¥40,000. Assuming you only want to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto – for which the average return trip is ¥25,000 – you will not get your full money’s worth from the pass. Obviously, if you make multiple trips of that kind, you will get the full benefit from having a JR pass. However, you then run the risk of not taking the time to fully experience what each destination has to offer… Before forking out for a JR Pass, check the cost of each journey you anticipate taking against the value of the pass. The following website shows the cost of Bullet Train tickets between major cities in Japan: https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/fare/ Another thing you might consider is that the JR Pass can only be used on JR lines. It will be invalid on some local, private railways, such as Seibu, Tobu and the Tokyo Metro. This has been known to catch some travelers out in the past. “Suica” or “Passmo” may be a better option The best alternative to a JR Pass is a Suica card. This is a pay-as-you-go travel card, that can be topped up in any station or metro station around the country. If you are only staying in and around one or two cities, this card offers the most flexibility and convenience. You can also use them for payment in convenience stores, buses, taxis and in some shops and department stores. It can also be used on most private local lines, as well as on the Tokyo metro (subway). Where can you get them? You can get your Suica cards from any ticket machine at any JR Station. You will be required to leave a deposit of ¥500 which you can retrieve at the end of your trip when you relinquish the card. If you relinquish your card at a JR East station, you can exchange it for the value on the card. Just note, you will be charged a commission of ¥220 to do this. Your refundable amount is calculated as follows: Remaining Balance – Commission Fee (220 yen) + Deposit (500 yen) = Refundable Amount Alternatively you can keep the card for your next trip. It retains its monetary value for 10 years! For more information about the Suica Card, check out this page on JR East: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html Suitcases on the Shinkansen The first time I ever took the shinkansen, aka the Bullet Train, I was surprised that there was no dedicated space for oversized suitcases and luggage. I am sure many first-timers to Japan will have also been surprised and perhaps inconvenienced by this. It is possible to book the last row in a carriage which have room room behind the seats big enough for suitcases. The only caveat with this is that this hinders your ability to fully recline the chair. The good news with the Bullet Train is that there is ample leg room. Economy class seats have more legroom than premium economy class in air travel. So, no worries about banging your knees on the seat in front! In fact, there is even enough room to hold your suitcase without causing too much discomfort. But if you are like me, you want to protect your freedom to fully stretch you legs out in front of you. Oversized Luggage Surcharge In April 2020, JR introduced a surcharge of ¥1000 + tax for oversize luggage. This charge can be waived if you reserve seats with an oversized baggage area – that is the seats at the back of each carriage. (Just remember what I said about being able to recline your seat!) See the following website for more details: https://global.jr-central.co.jp/en/info/oversized-baggage/ If you are unable to reserve the area for oversized baggage, don’t worry. Overhead, there is a very sturdy rack (shelf) upon which to store your baggage. It can easily take a full size suitcase, assuming you can lift it off the ground! Taxis These are ubiquitous, and can be hailed at most train stations. That said, Sods law (Murphy’s Law) works just as well in Japan as it does anywhere else; when you need one – in the rain for example – they are few and far between! For the most part however, you will not have any trouble hailing one. But, when you do, remember the following: Don’t touch the door. As part of the service culture the taxi driver will always open the door. There is a lever next to the driver’s seat. Wait until he or she opens it before trying to get in or out of the cab. Most don’t speak English, but this is changing. If you have the address of where you want to go, just show it to the driver. Japanese taxi drivers don’t have “the knowledge”. They are often reliant on satellite navigation so don’t let this surprise you. I have been in taxis that have gotten lost before… luckily the drivers were kind enough to recognize the inconvenience and offered a decent discount. Generally, it is a good idea to pay in cash. However in the cities, Suica Cards, credit cards and even some pre-paid apps are admissible. For example Japan Taxi allows you to order and pay for your cab in one fell swoop: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/japantaxi/id481647073?l=en Outside the big cities, expect to pay by cash. ONE MORE THING Uber is not popular in Japan and is in fact more expensive than the ubiquitous Taxis – during the daytime at least. If you are a regular UBER user in your home country, while the app will work in Japan, it is useful to note that UBER’S coverage is not so wide. But, if it is your thing, go for it. Check out this post for more info: https://www.tokyonightowl.com/how-to-use-uber-in-tokyo-the-complete-guide/ WEATHER Before we get to the second item on our list of 5 things to know before your Japan trip, here is a quick question: did you know, Japan has four seasons?! I know, I know… this is not unique. I lost count the number of times I rolled my eyes whenever I was told this at the start of my time in Japan. Most countries have four seasons! Hell, even the UK has four seasons, even if you can’t tell the difference between them! And that is the point. The seasons in Japan, for the most part, run like clockwork. The changes are almost always on time and the differences between them are quite distinct. The weather is widely different in each. This makes it a perfect destination for outdoorsy people: skiing in winter; hiking in spring; beach in summer; camping in autumn, or whatever it is that you like to do. Climate of opposites In Tokyo and Kyoto it is bitterly cold and dry in winter, with average temperatures of 0 celsius, while in summer it is tortuously hot and humid! Don’t be surprised if the thermometer tops 40 degrees! Heat stroke in July/August until early/mid September is a real danger so it is vitally important to keep hydrated. Sports drinks such as Aquarius or Pocari Sweat will replace a lot of the lost bodily fluids, and are a staple of Japanese bags during this time. These drinks are available at all convenience stores and in the many vending machines up and down the country. In Tokyo & Kyoto, the weather starts to really cool down in late November/early December. Average daytime temperatures at this time will be around 10 – 15 degrees. In the countryside, especially in the mountains, this may be a whole month earlier, with temperatures from -7 to +7degrees celsius. If you want to see the changing leaves (momiji), the end of November/beginning of December is your best bet, in Tokyo. For earlier momiji, head north. Needless to say, Spring and Autumn are the best times for weddings and vacations. Extremes Did I say Japan has four seasons? Scratch that, there are in fact six!! The two extra “seasons” that people tend to overlook – that will and can impact your plans – are rainy season and typhoon season: Rainy season runs from mid-June to late-July. It doesn’t rain every day, but it is starting to get hot and humid at this time. Typhoon season tends to fall in mid-September until mid/late-October. Some typhoons are just heavy rain, but occasionally there will be strong winds flooding. If you are coming out during these seasons, not to worry, there are a lot of great indoor activities, which, come to think of it, is a great idea for another blog post! Watch this space! Anyway, on to the next item on our list of 5 things to know before your Japan trip… EATING OUT This is a great experience all round. The food, the service, restaurant design, decor and facilities all add up to what will surely be an amazing experience. AND as a bonus, it is not as expensive as many people are led to believe. Sure, as with all places, there are some prohibitively expensive restaurants in Japan, but for the most part, you can expect to get a great meal for two for around 50 bucks! Not only will it NOT break the bank, but you will also find a consistently high level of service, no matter the price point or type of restaurant. And, when you consider that wait staff are not competing for tips, this makes things all the more remarkable. Foodie Culture The Japanese love food! There are lots of TV shows and segments devoted to local delicacies. Celebrities make it a point to travel the country and document the type of restaurants that are out there. And they like nothing more than a small, family owned restaurant in a seemingly ramshackle building which has clearly seen better days. This is all part of the charm. AND, you can nearly always find friendly, unassuming service. So, if you see people ducking into and out of some nondescript building in some back alley, take a chance and check it out. You might just find a hidden gem! Things to consider when eating out: Shoes off – many, not all, may ask you to remove your shoes at the door, or section of the restaurant. It’s all part of the fun, and makes for a more homely feel. Your shoes will be safe – in fact, the staff will probably lay them out for you on your departure. They seem to have a knack of knowing whose shoes are whose! No tipping – One less thing to worry about! Even if the service blows you away and you want to express your gratitude, don’t even try to tip, they simply won’t accept it. Customer service – it can sometimes feel that they are going way above and beyond what you would typically expect. Some people may feel embarrassed by it, but it is nothing short of what the Japanese have come to expect, so enjoy it! ONE MORE THING Key words to learn: Nomihoudai – all you can drink Tabehoudai – all you can eat Nomitabehoudai – all you can eat and drink. A lot of places, izakayas (casual dining bars) especially, will have special all you can eat and drink menus. These are great ways to sample lots of different dishes without worrying about the bill. Most all-you-can eat/drink services last around two hours. So, once in the restaurant, be sure to ask if they have any nomi/tabe/nomitabehoudai menus! WIFI This is perhaps the most important item on our list of 5 things to know before your Japan trip! Many visitors to Japan envision a country of far advanced technological innovation in daily use. You only need to think of toilet technology; bicycle and car parking facilities and robotic greeters at the entrance to some stores to see how many people think Japan is at the cutting edge of technology. And while in many respects this is not false, Japan is still something of a novice in terms of internet connectivity. But this is slowly changing – hopefully! At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the government was practically mandating work from home, many people rushed to upgrade their home networks for better connectivity. Previously, telecommuting had not been actively encourage and so it had not been a high priority. Commuting on over-crowded trains for two hours each day is a common gripe, so this enforced change has been somewhat welcome. Some research shows an increase in productivity linked with working from home, so it is not inconceivable that more effort will be put into this in the future. Where to get FREE WIFI? Until now, the few places that provided free wifi access were bars, cafes and some hotel lounges. Now, hopefully, the next thing will be ubiquitous wifi across major cities. However, until that happens, you’ll need to hire a mobile wifi “dongle” for your trip out here. You can get these at Haneda and Narita airports. It may also be possible to get them from your point of departure. For more information check out the following link: https://en.wifi-rental-store.jp/?aid=79dbeab43d170389f21fbf0394c607ee The other alternative would be to by a pay-as-you-go sim card for your mobile device. See the following website for more information: https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card/?gclid=CjwKCAjwi_b3BRAGEiwAemPNU2U2p9f-_5hNMTnwA3tCj5b3nBXlX6yiIF390j4alYZrNTGb9nEs4xoC1GEQAvD_BwE ONE MORE THING Please note, that locals tend to frown upon the use of long selfie sticks, especially in crowded cities and tourists sites… so if you are thinking of taking a lot of selfies or live-streaming your trip, you might want to consider something not much longer than arm’s length. The locals will thank you, and it could avoid potentially embarrassing situations! SMOKING The final item on this list of 5 things to know before your Japan trip is all about smoking. There have been strict laws implemented throughout much of the world governing smoking but Japan was slow to catch up. However, since April 2020, partially with the Olympics in mind, smoking freedoms have changed. Now, there is a law banning indoor smoking across the nation, with penalties for offenders. Cigar bars and hotel rooms are exempt from the ban, as are a few existing restaurants run by individuals. Restaurants and cafes exempt from the ban must clearly display signs at the entrance showing that smoking is permitted. There may be designated rooms within restaurants where smoking is permitted. However, restaurant owners must fit these rooms with extractor fans that meet specific requirements and not allow eating and drinking in these rooms. Furthermore, these smoking areas will be off limits to individuals below the age of 20. Outdoor Smoking Smoking outdoors is strictly prohibited in many cities and they employ volunteers to deal with people found to be flouting the rules. There are however, designated – and often enclosed – smoking spots, designed to limit the risk of second hand smoke. You can see these areas outside most stations. Anyone found to be smoking in non-designated areas face fines of up to ¥300,000. One Last Thing Cigarettes are cheap – around 30% the price in the US. The average price (based on casual research) seems to be around ¥350 for a packet. Some places sell them for as little as ¥200 or as much as ¥400. So, if it is your thing, go ahead and stock up! What About You? These were our top 5 things to know before your Japan trip. We would love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree or disagree? Was there something we overlooked? What do you want to know before coming to Japan? Let us know and we will be sure to make a blog post just for you! 🙂 About Us We are primarily a destination elopement planning duo. However, for our couples, we also act as a kind of “concierge” service while in Japan. If you have questions about getting around Japan or what to do while you are here, please do get in touch. We will be glad to help in any way we can!

This Tokyo city view elopement was one of the coolest things we have ever done. The couple contacted us at the last minute to see about a casual elopement ceremony somewhere in Tokyo with a modern city view. This was exciting for us, for as much as we love gardens and kimonos, it was great to do something different. And it was an opportunity to try something new. Japan has a healthy mix of new and old, and up until now all of our elopements have paid homage to the old. So, it was great to reflect on the modern side of Japan for once. We had often talked about using Odaiba, in Tokyo Bay. To many, it is quintessential, modern Japan. Once we pitched this to the couple they were sold! And, after contacting the local authorities we found out how easy it was to get a permit for small events such as this, we were sold too! We will definitely be using this spot again! Casual Elopement The couple stressed that they didn’t want anything fancy. The bride is a personal chef for a Hollywood producer and is well aware of what it takes to plan big events. Because of this, she wanted to go to the opposite extreme – as casual and low key as possible. They were in Japan for the first time and only for a few days; they just wanted a small event to say their “I dos”. We were only too happy to oblige! We loved their approach to the whole thing. They focussed on the story behind the event, rather than the spectacle of it. “If it rains,” she said, “it rains; it becomes part of the story!” Indeed they do have a story to tell since her dress got lost in transit…! So, dress wise, it was the most casual elopement we had ever done, but no less romantic and special! The Big-Little Day We hired a car and picked them up from their hotel in Shinjuku and drove through the city. I made a wrong turn or two (which added to the story), but they got to see more of Tokyo than they otherwise would have; and we got to drive over Rainbow Bridge twice! Unfortunately the weather was very overcast, so we weren’t able to get the cool glow of the setting sun as we had hoped for, but the ceremony was nonetheless a special moment. We included a small Japanese custom/story into the event, the “Unmen no Akai Ito” – the red string of destiny. The ancient Japanese believed that each person is connected by an invisible red string to one other, with whom they will make their history. This event certainly became part of the couple’s and our collected history: we will all cherish this “story”. To the couple we wish the very best going ahead. And on your return to Japan, we hope to take you out for a drink or two!

As a surprise vow renewal in Tokyo goes, this one was up there among the best we have done. This wonderful couple from Canada have been married three years. And, because this was their first trip to Japan, the husband, Paul, wanted to do something special to give this trip greater meaning. He contacted us about 10 days in advance and luckily we were able to accommodate them. And boy, I am so glad we could! Paul chose to surprise his wife, Ana, with a vow renewal on their final day in Japan. As far as she was concerned, this was simply a kimono photo-shoot in a gorgeous Japanese garden. She had no idea what the true purpose of the morning was. On arrival at the park, we went straight to the gazebo over the pond to start the “photo-shoot”. She still had no idea. After setting up a few “test-shots” with the camera Ross pulled out the ceremony script to reveal the true purpose of the morning. Vow Renewal Day As always in late winter, the weather had been quite changeable, with a lot of showers and intermittent sunshine. However on the morning of the ceremony we woke to very heavy rain… We resigned ourselves to the fact that this would be the first ceremony in the rain. But, fortune was on our side. The rain stopped and the skies even started to clear just before the ceremony. Phew! We met them at their hotel and escorted them through the rush hour transit system to Shinjuku, where, as usual we introduced them to our favored kimono vendor for preparation. As soon as they arrived, they got stuck into the task of selecting their favorite patterns. As usual, the choice of kimonos for women was at first overwhelming. However, after a while Ana was able to select a pattern she liked. She chose a pattern with a cherry blossom motive, which was an appropriate nod to the forthcoming arrival of spring. Once all set, we were ready to move to the garden for "photo-shoot." The taxi ride to the venue took about 25 minutes, during which we were able to talk and get to know each other. This is always one of our favorite parts of this job – meeting new people and forging relationships with new friends from around the world. When we do full wedding planning we have months, and sometimes a year or more to get to know one another, but for vow renewals and some last minute elopements, we don’t have that luxury. As the officiant, it is good to use the taxi trip to get a little more information about the couple to slip into the ceremony; while in this case, not giving up the secret that was yet to come! At the Garden Upon arrival at the garden we discovered that the rain of the morning had actually been a blessing. It kept other visitors away! In other words, we had the park pretty much to ourselves! This was going to be as intimate as a surprise vow renewal in Tokyo could get in a public setting. The signs were good! We allowed the couple a few minutes to soak in the atmosphere of the beautiful surroundings, while we set up a few test shots, before springing the surprise. Paul confessed to slight nerves beforehand, and there were one or two knowing glances between us just before we did the deed. However, Ana's reaction was better than he or we could have hoped! Her shock and tears of joy were a lovely indication of the great relationship these two have. It was a truly special moment; one that we were honored to be a part of. Ceremony and Photo-Shoot The ceremony incorporated the Japanese idea of the “unmei no akai ito” which translates to the “red string of destiny”. Many Japanese believe that an invisible red string connects each person to another, with whom they will make a shared history. It is the belief that there is one perfect soulmate for everyone. In effect, a vow renewal serves as a reminder of this unique bond that a man and wife have. After being reminded, the relationship can only get stronger. After the ceremony, we then embarked on a photo-tour of the garden, and I’ll let the photographs speak for themselves! All that is left to say is we wish the couple all the very best wishes as they continue on their marriage journey, all the more so since they are now parents! Congratulations guys, and do come again, next time bring the little fella with you! 🙂 What did the couple say? From Trip Advisor “I wanted to do something different about our trip in Japan and to give my wife a surprise. Then I came across Serendipity Flower and contacted Ross right away. We did our vow renewal and our experience throughout the entire process was so wonderful and worry free. Ross was absolutely fantastic and so thoughtful, answered all my questions very timely and clearly, he was able to accommodate some of my last minute requests and overcame some challenges with brilliant alternatives. On the day Ross met us at our hotel and we went to the kimono rental place together. After my wife and I all dressed up, Ross called a taxi and we came to this hidden-gem like garden, peaceful, beautiful and quiet. We then met with his wife Ayako who was so lovely. My wife had thought this was a garden tour and Ross kept this surprise at the very last moment and my wife was so happy and burst in tears. Ross and Ayako then took tons of great photos of us around the garden and we received them just a few days after via dropbox. I 200% recommend their services! That was our most favorite and memorable moment of the entire trip! Absolutely lovely. Thank you Ross and Ayako!!” To spring your surprise vow renewal in Tokyo email us at info@serendipity-flower.com. Alternatively, you can leave a message on our contact page, and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

Where are the best places to elope in Japan? That's a tough question! Japan is a country rich in culture, art and natural beauty. Therefore, anyone thinking of eloping or getting married here is going to be spoilt for choice. There are simply so many places to choose from. It can be hard to know where to start, or even how! Not everyone who wants to get married here wants to do so in a shrine. So, based on our experience helping countless non-Japanese say "I do," we have put together a short list of our five best places to elope in Japan! In short, our top places to get married in Japan are: Fuji View, Yamanashi Kyo-Machiya, Kyoto "Secret Garden" Garden, Nara Various, Hakuba Private House and garden, Kawagoe Please note: We did not rank this list in order, from one to five. It would be impossible to put these in any kind of order. Each is different and well worth topping anyone's list of the best places to say "I do" in Japan. Fuji View, Yamanashi First up in our five best places to get married in Japan is none other than Mount Fuji. No, not on the mountain itself, but one of the lakes in Yamanashi prefecture with killer views of the conical mount: Lakes Kawaguchi and Yamanaka. UNESCO recently bestowed Mt. Fuji with the status of world heritage site. Whether you agree with this or not, there is no denying just how awe inspiringly beautiful the mountain is. (I have yet to meet anyone who was not enamored with this site.) It is therefore not surprising that this is one of our most requested backdrops for weddings and elopements. Where Do You Have the Ceremony? At the foot of the mountain with clear, unhindered Fuji views, lie the two lakes: Kawaguchi-ko and Yamanaka-ko. They both offer something slightly different. Kawaguchi-ko is quite a chic area, with a picturesque town around the lake. Yamanaka-ko, on the other hand, has more of a rustic feel. Furthermore, at Yamanaka-ko it is possible to have a ceremony anywhere on the lakeside, within inches of the water's edge. As well as at the many lakeside parks and beaches, there are several hotels and restaurants in both areas. These are able to host wedding and parties, ranging from very pricy down to very reasonable, and possibly cheap. It is quite easy to hold a wedding ceremony beside Yamanaka-ko, but a little more difficult to get the necessary permits for Kawaguchi-ko, making this the more expensive of the two. There are actually five lakes at the foot of the mountain. Yamanaka and Kawaguchi are the most famous and easiest to get to. However, at the expense of accessibility, the other three offer just as stunning views and perhaps even more intimacy. They are Motasu, Shoji and Saiko. Elopement or Wedding? Our recommendations: if you want to elope, choose a lakeside spot, either right at the water's edge or an adjacent park. if you want a full wedding, choose a hotel or restaurant, many of which will have killer mountain views Fuji View: Summary Cost: ¥ ~ ¥¥¥ Best time of year: Spring and Autumn Number of guests: Up to 15 Privacy: No, but this depends on the exact location of the ceremony Preparation room: No - this needs to be arranged separately Catering: Yes, this can be arranged Kyo-Machiya, Kyoto Kyoto is a small city of just 1.5 million residents. Yet, in spite of this relatively small population, it managed to attract well over 55 million tourist in 2018. This number is set to continue to rise as the government pushes ahead with its goals of achieving a yearly total of 60 million tourists by 2030. That so many tourists choose to come to Kyoto is little wonder; it is stunningly beautiful. And it offers unique, romantic backdrops for wedding photos and ceremonies. However, given that it attracts so many tourists, the crowds are getting unmanageable, and it is very hard for wedding couples to find that intimate, quiet spot to say “I do”. Difficult, but not impossible! For anyone who wants to get married in the ancient Japanese capital, but who doesn’t want to contend with bing crowded out of their own photographs, Kyo-Machiya has the answer! What is a Kyo-Machiya? A Kyo-machiya is a traditional townhouse, the style and layout of which has remained pretty much the same for over 1,000 years. They have a very distinctive style and make up the backbone of the architecture in the city centre of Kyoto. Walking into one is, in my opinion, akin to waking into a shrine: you are walking into history. The construction and style of the house is unchanged since the Heian Period (794 - 1185). And for a history nerd like me that is as exciting as it gets! As you walk into a Kyo-Machiya, away from the street, and towards the heart of the house, you leave the sights and sounds of the crowded city behind and find yourself in a quiet, romantic haven. Many Kyo-Machiya have views of the river or a central garden/courtyard. Both can be the perfect location for many couples, who want a small intimate, ceremony in a traditional setting, away from the gawking eyes of strangers and passersby. Eloping in a Kyo-Machiya Hold the ceremony and have photo-shoot both inside and out, and finish the day with private dining. Any couple that gets married here will start their married life in arguably one of the most romantic settings Kyoto can offer. And the best thing about these places? Once you have had your ceremony and photo-shoot, you can spend the next night or two (or three!) there, to maximize the experience and “live like a local”! Having experienced these places on several occasions, I can attest for the lasting impression they will leave on you. I can’t wait to go back and experience it again! These architectural masterpieces are unfortunately in decline, and so it is possible that within the next several generations they will cease to exist. Because of this, many companies have sprung up in Kyoto with the sole purpose of maintaining these masterpieces of design for future generations. Getting married in one will not only provide a unique link to Japanese history, but help to preserve them for generations to come. Kyo-Machiya: Summary Cost: ¥¥¥¥ Best time of year: Anytime, but especially Spring and Autumn Number of guests: Up to 5 Privacy: Yes Preparation room: Yes Catering: Yes, this can be arranged Secret Garden, Nara Up next in our list of five best places to elope in Japan, is this lovely "secret garden" in Nara. If you take the express train from Kyoto you can be there in 45 minutes. It is a beautiful little town whose significance lies in the fact that it was the capital of Japan long before Kyoto was. However, while Kyoto gets the lion’s share of tourists and is always crowded, Nara is comparatively quiet. Though this is changing. The City It is probably second only to Kyoto as the richest collection of historical sites in Japan, and is home to some of the country’s best temples, shrines and gardens. Read more: https://www.insidekyoto.com/things-to-do-in-nara At the centre of Nara sits the Park from where you can see and access many world heritage and national treasures. While many of these sites are off limits to wedding couples, there is one, slightly-off-the-beaten-tourist-path Japanese Garden that we like to call our "secret garden!" And it is, in our opinion, perhaps the most beautiful example of a Japanese Garden you are likely to see, anywhere in the world! The Garden Because it is hidden behind a high wall, and because you have to scale a mini staircase to enter, it is almost like a secret garden. And, judging by the number of visitors in the park compared with the rest of Nara, it must be the city's best kept secret; making it undoubtedly one of the best places to get married in Japan. So don't go telling anyone!! As with most Japanese gardens, it is well maintained throughout the year, but it really comes into its own in the spring and autumn months, which is when we highly recommend getting married here. You can say your "I dos" in a gorgeous Japanese Tea House in the heart of the garden. This ensures some privacy and intimacy for you and your guest. The tea house can hold up to 40 people, though for the best experience, we recommend no more than 10 . The best thing about this venue, besides the natural and manicured beauty of the garden and the fact that it is slightly off-the-beaten-tourist-path, is that it is very cheap to hire out - less than ¥20,000 (US$185.60 as of the time of writing). This makes it very affordable to all couples, regardless of budget. Extras Because of its location, next to Nara Park, it is possible to have a photo-shoot both in the garden AND in the park, along with the deer and with many of the historical sites in frame. Furthermore, couples can hire a rickshaw for an added element of culture and romance! Secret Garden, Nara: Summary Cost: ¥¥ Best time of year: Spring and Autumn Number of guests: Up to 40, but we recommend no more than 10 Privacy: Semi - private; while the tea room will be reserved solely for the wedding party, the garden will continue to be open to the public. Preparation room: No, but staying in a nearby hotel will solve this problem Catering: No, but it will be possible to reserve some tables at nearby restaurants Hakuba Of these five best places to elope in Japan, this one is perhaps a favorite! Hakuba is in the heart of the Nagano countryside, about 4 hours from Tokyo. It is a village in the Japanese App famous for its onsen and world class is resorts, which hosted some of the 1998 Winter Olympics events. In the spring, summer and autumn months it is on the hiking trail. However, in the winter pristine powder snow turns into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Where do you have the ceremony? For lovers of the outdoors, there are several locations for ceremonies, either on the mountains or in the valleys, and they will make for awesome wedding photos! There are wedding venues capable of holding up to 120 people and even a mountain top ski resort that can be rented out for ceremonies. Imagine the photos you can take from here! For elopements and vow renewals for the couple and a few guests, during the spring, summer and autumn months it will be possible to find a mountain-top spot. So get your hiking boots on! If you love the outdoors and/or powder snow, this is surely the place for you! Hakuba: Summary Cost: ¥¥ ~ ¥¥¥¥ Best time of year: Winter, but honorable mentions to Spring and Autumn Number of guests: Up to 5 ~ 120 Privacy: Yes Preparation room: Depends on the ceremony spot Catering: Yes, this can be arranged Private House & Garden, Kawagoe And finally, in our list of five best places to get married in Japan, we turn to Kawagoe. Kawagoe is a small town in Saitama Prefecture, just 40 minutes north of Tokyo by express train. It is often referred to as “Little Edo” due to the Edo era architecture that is prevalent in the town. Because of this, it is a very popular destination for tourists. However, as with all our venues, we strive to find those places off-the-beaten-tourist-path, and we think we have done that with a private house and garden in Kawagoe. Private House and Garden The house has been in the same family for five generation, covering 150 years, and has been well maintained and cared for. The tea room overlooks a beautiful example of a Zen Garden, and can be enjoyed from a single seated position inside the house, or by wandering among the carefully placed plants, shrubs and rock formations. As historical as the Kyo-Machiya of Kyoto but quite different. The house sits in a quiet residential area and offers complete intimacy and peace from the hustle and bustle of the town. And, being a self-contained little venue, there are rooms on the second floor which can be used by the bride and groom for preparation. Ceremony One of the best things about a venue like this is that there is rain back-up. The majority of people who get married in Japan seem to opt for an outdoor ceremony, which brings with it nerves and anxiety about the weather, especially during rainy season! Therefore, to have a venue with a gorgeous rain alternative makes things a whole lot less stressful for all involved. However, assuming the weather is good, the garden is the perfect location for a ceremony. It even has a little shrine making that the most likely place to say the “I dos”. Although the garden is not as big as public gardens can be, it is still large enough to provide a great variety of photos. On top of that, the venue staff are trained in that quintessential Japanese cultural experience - the tea ceremony. It will make a great addition to the proceedings and add variety to the photographs. Extras Following the ceremony, couples can either have dinner brought in from a caterer in the town, or we can take them to a restaurant nearby. This will also be good opportunity to see and photograph the town, and experience the many tourist delights. Private House and Garden, Kawagoe: Summary Cost: ¥ ~ ¥¥ Best time of year: Spring, Summer and Autumn Number of guests: Up to 8 Privacy: Yes Catering: Yes, this can be arranged If you are interested in planning your own unique wedding, elopement or vow renewal in any of these places, or others, contact us today and let's start talking! 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