A Mountain Wedding Adventure in Kamikochi

Hiking in a Wedding Dress through Japan’s Untouched Paradise

At the end of August last year, I had the pleasure of photographing a truly special pre-wedding session in one of Japan’s most breathtaking natural areas—Kamikochi, a pristine national park nestled deep in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture.

Why Kamikochi for a Wedding Photoshoot?

Kamikochi is unlike anywhere else in Japan. Protected as part of Chubu Sangaku National Park, this area is strictly preserved—no private vehicles are allowed, and the only way to reach many of the best scenic spots is on foot.

That means every wedding photo taken here becomes part of a hiking journey through forests, rivers, and stunning alpine landscapes. For this particular session, I ended up walking over 30,000 steps in one day (including location scouting)!

The couple who booked this session are avid hikers and campers.

For them, taking pre-wedding photos in nature felt most true to who they are.

Among all the places in Japan, Kamikochi held a special place in their hearts—a place where the beauty of nature is deeply respected and well preserved.

Hiking in a Wedding Dress

Walking through the woods in a wedding gown naturally attracted attention. Every time we passed hikers on the trail, we were met with warm congratulations and cheerful smiles. Some people called out:

“You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in the mountains!”

or

“Congratulations! This made my day!”

It was like hiking through nature surrounded by joy and celebration.

If you’re thinking of doing a wedding shoot in Kamikochi, choose a dress that’s easy to walk in.

We recommend staying at a local hotel where you can change into your outfit before heading out. The entire shoot took about three hours, with short breaks to enjoy the view—and a well-earned onigiri break with the Northern Alps as our backdrop. Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe it.

A One-of-a-Kind Wedding Photo Experience in Japan

Kamikochi is not just a stunning location—it offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with nature while capturing a meaningful chapter in your love story. If you’re the kind of couple who feels most alive on a trail or by a river, this might just be the perfect wedding photo destination for you.

About bozphoto & styles

At bozphoto & styles, we specialize in storytelling through photography—capturing genuine moments in stunning locations across Japan. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop shoot in Kamikochi, a quiet shrine elopement in Kyoto, or a seaside session in Okinawa, we’re available to travel nationwide.

Each couple is unique, and so is each session. We’ll work closely with you to build a custom schedule and plan that fits your style, pace, and preferences—from hiking elopements to traditional kimono portraits.

Let’s create something unforgettable together—wherever your story takes us in Japan.