Concept Wedding Photos in a Japanese Gardenwith 400 Years of History
Happo-en is a renowned wedding venue with a Japanese garden of approximately 30,000 square meters in the heart of Tokyo.
Couples are photographed in the garden, which has 400 years of history, as well as in quaint, traditional buildings, and they are embraced by the natural, seasonal beauty and the location’s deep heritage.
Multiple plans are available to suit specific needs, including photo shoots and restaurant dining.
Highlights of the
Happo-en Photo Wedding Plans
History
Happo-en, which has celebrated its 80th anniversary, still welcomes couples with the same warm hospitality it has offered for so many years.
Japanese Garden
An expansive garden with 400 years of history. Enjoy the seasonal splendor that is uniquely Japanese.
Kochuan Japanese Ryotei Restaurant
Ryotei Kochuan has the prestige of being the preferred choice of distinguished guests from around the world, and all of its rooms have excellent views of the Japanese garden.
Expressing Authentic Japanese Culture
Experience traditional Japanese culture at Happo-en, steeped in the long history of the nation.
Convenient Access
Thirty minutes from Haneda Airport and 5 minutes from Shinagawa Station. The location is easy to visit from overseas, with ready access to other parts of Japan.
About Happo-en
History of Happo-en
In the early Edo period, this was the residence of Hikozaemon Okubo, a close associate of Ieyasu Tokugawa. As time went by, ownership of the land changed, ultimately coming into the possession of Fusanosuke Kuhara, an international financial figure. His extraordinary passion for maintaining the garden’s natural splendor led him to prohibit gardeners from cutting even a single branch. Feeling it would be out of keeping with the times to restrict this vast garden to private use, in 1950 Fusanosuke offered a part of it and his mansion to Toshitsuka Hase, who was then running Japanese kappo restaurants, and also opened a restaurant. Fusanosuke himself came up with the name Happo-en for the setting.
History of Kochuan
Kochuan, a Ryotei restaurant overlooking the garden, was once the private residence of Fusanosuke Kuhara. When it first opened as a restaurant, it was called Nihonkan (Japan Pavilion). Kochuan was developed as a series of three buildings, each offering a dramatically different view of the landscape. The writer Shusaku Endo was deeply impressed by the magnificent view, which he said resembled a fairyland, and he named it Kochuan after a Chinese legend. The Ryotei restaurant is a well-known venue for important occasions, and in 2022 it was chosen to host American President Joe Biden during his visit to Japan.
On Location
Japanese Garden Location 01
The Japanese garden, with walking paths surrounding a pond, is an expansive circuit-style design. With an area of approximately 30,000 square meters, the tranquility and elegance of the landscape makes it hard to believe that it is in the center of Tokyo, and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of each season, including springtime cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.
The garden is also home to many historical buildings and relics, including a bonsai tree that is over 500 years old, a teahouse that stands as it did over 100 years ago, and a stone pagoda built two centuries ago.
The special moment of your visit will be preserved amid the Japanese garden and immersed in the profound experience of the four seasons and Japanese history.
Buildings
Hakuho-kan and Kochuan
Location 02
Photos can be taken with the background highlighting the building at Kochuan, built on a hill overlooking the garden, or the garden itself.
At the far end of the garden is Hakuho-kan, a residence featuring a collection of the finest Japanese architecture, and can be reserved for the exclusive use of the couple. This private and luxurious setting is ideal for taking photos in a natural and relaxed manner.
Enjoy nature and traditional Japanese architecture.
Photo Shooting Plans
Full Plan
- Formal wedding attire (for each member of the couple)
- Hair and makeup
- Photoshoot (100 photos)
- Japanese cuisine course for two
- Cultural Experiences (Tea ceremony)
This plan includes photo shoots in Happo-en’s Japanese garden and historic buildings, a Japanese cuisine at the Ryotei Kochuan, and a cultural experiences (Tea ceremony), for fully enjoying Japanese culture in a single day.
Estimated time: 7hours
Standard Plan
- Formal wedding attire (for each member of the couple)
- Hair and makeup
- Photoshoot (100 photos)
- Japanese cuisine course for two
This plan provides the experience of Japanese culture and the four seasons through photo sessions in the Japanese garden and historic buildings of Happo-en and a Japanese cuisine at the Ryotei Kochuan.
Estimated time: 6hours
Quick Plan
- Formal wedding attire (for each member of the couple)
- Hair and makeup
- Photoshoot (100 photos)
This plan includes photo sessions in the Japanese garden of Happo-en as a traditional Japanese bridal setting. This simple plan is brief enough to readily fit into your itinerary that could include traveling to other sightseeing spots.
Estimated time: 4hours
Plan Comparison
Full Plan
500,000yen (tax included)
Standard Plan
450,000yen (tax included)
Quick Plan
350,000yen (tax included)
Wedding attire
For each member of the couple
Under garments
Putting on a kimono, hair and makeup
Photo sessions
100 photos (delivered as data)
Dining
Japanese cuisine course for two at the Ryotei Kochuan
Cultural Experiences (Tea ceremony)
Plan Details
Wedding Attire
The kimono is a traditional Japanese type of clothing. The bride’s kimono comes in two types: the pure white “shiromuku,” which has been used as wedding attire for about a thousand years, and the “irouchikake,” a gorgeous kimono with a variety of colorful patterns. The groom’s “montsuki hakama” also comes in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing the couple to enjoy a coordinated look uniquely their own. Try on authentic traditional attire at Happo-en’s Clothing Room.
Cuisine
Kochuan combines the sensibilities of its chefs with traditions passed down since its founding in 1950 to express the Japan of today in each dish. Enjoy the charm of Japanese cuisine, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, at quaint Kochuan. We accommodate dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and food allergies—just let us know what you need.
Images are for illustrative purposes.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Happo-en’s Japanese garden, which has been around since the Edo period. Japan’s rich cultural traditions have been passed from generation to generation, and now you can directly experience Japanese hospitality and consideration for others, as well as traditional beauty as expressed through the culture.
Additional Options
Customized Proposal Plan
110,000yen (tax included)
Video shooting
180,000yen (tax included)
Tea ceremony (at reserved tea room)
94,000yen (tax included)
Procedures
Registration and Contact Form
Please use this form to contact us.
Arranging Details
The settings for the photoshoots and attire will be discussed during a teleconference or by email.
On the Day of the Photoshoot
We will ensure that everything necessary for the photoshoot will be ready when you arrive.
Delivery of Photo Data
Photo data will be delivered in approximately 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q
Which languages are supported for emails and meetings?
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A
Japanese and English.
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Q
Is there a cancellation fee?
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A
A cancellation fee will be charged as follows, depending on when the cancellation or change is requested.
From 7 to 3 days prior to the shooting date: 50% of the photoshoot fee.
From 2 days prior to the shooting date: 100% of the photoshoot fee.
Note: These fees will apply in the case of cancellation due to weather.
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Q
What payment methods are accepted?
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A
We request payment by bank transfer in advance or by credit card after the photoshoot.
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Q
Are there any accommodation facilities?
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A
There are no accommodation facilities in Happo-en. Information on nearby accommodations can be provided upon request.
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Q
What is included in the plan prices?
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A
Each plan includes the following.
・Full Plan
Wedding attire rental/under garments (for each member of the couple), putting on a kimono, hair and makeup, photoshoot (100 photos to be delivered as data), meals for 2 persons, and Cultural Experiences (Tea ceremony)
・Standard Plan
Wedding attire rental/under garments (for each member of the couple), putting on a kimono, hair and makeup, photoshoot (100 photos to be delivered as data), and meals for 2 persons
・Quick Plan
Wedding attire rental/under garments (for each member of the couple), putting on a kimono, hair and makeup, and photoshoot (100 photos to be delivered as data)
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Q
Can I wear more than one outfit for the photoshoot?
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A
Yes. Please provide a detailed request so that we can prepare the pricing and schedule.
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Q
Do I need to bring anything for the photoshoot?
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A
Basically, you do not need to bring anything because we provide even the necessary undergarments for wearing a kimono. If you want to include any special items in your photographs, please bring them with you.
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Q
Where will the photoshoot take place if it rains?
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A
If it rains, photos will be shot in popular indoor settings.
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Can food restrictions be accommodated?
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A
Yes. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or food preparation needs at least one week before the photoshoot.
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Q
How far in advance should reservations be made?
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A
Please make your reservation at least six weeks before your desired photoshoot. Contact us if you want to arrange a photoshoot within that period.
Aceess
Happo-en is a 30-minute taxi ride from Haneda Airport, the gateway to Tokyo, and a 5-minute taxi ride from Shinagawa Station, making it easily accessible for overseas guests, with convenient connections for travel to other parts of Japan.
