A Quiet Kyoto Vibe in Tokyo: Nezu Shrine Couple Session in Spring
- boztsutomu
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
At Bozphoto & styles, one of our most popular photo session styles among international couples is what we call a short-trip wedding shoot. Rather than posing in a fixed spot, we take a relaxed walk through Tokyo's historical neighborhoods—capturing genuine moments in picturesque locations that blend tradition with nature.
For this particular session, a couple asked us to incorporate flowers into their pre-wedding portraits. With azalea season just around the corner, we recommended one of Tokyo’s lesser-known gems: Nezu Shrine.
Discovering Nezu Shrine: A Local Secret with Timeless Charm
Located in Bunkyo Ward, Nezu Shrine (根津神社) is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, with a history dating back over 1,900 years. The current structure, built in 1706, is a rare example of Edo-period architecture that has survived intact.
While the shrine is beautiful year-round, it becomes especially magical in spring thanks to its famous azalea garden and a path lined with vermillion torii gates, often called the “mini Fushimi Inari”.
Though Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most well-known for its thousands of gates, Nezu Shrine offers a more intimate version. The red torii trail here may be smaller, but it exudes a quiet, mysterious atmosphere—perfect for elegant and emotionally rich portraits.
Azalea Season: When the Garden Comes Alive
As cherry blossoms fade in early April, the azaleas burst into full bloom, transforming the shrine’s hillside garden into a vivid sea of color. Shades of white, red, purple, orange, and soft pink create a dreamlike backdrop for photography.
During our session, we strolled through the flower-filled paths, letting the couple naturally enjoy their time while we captured their connection amidst the blossoms.
Best Timing for Photography at Nezu Shrine
If you're hoping to capture the azaleas in bloom at Nezu Shrine, timing is everything—both in terms of season and time of day:
Recommended Time of Year: Early to mid-April
Recommended Time of Day:
Weekday mornings from 9:30 AM, right when the gates open
Late afternoon from 3:30 PM, when the light turns soft and romantic
Avoid weekends, especially during the peak of the Bunkyo Azalea Festival. The paths can get extremely crowded—so much so that walking or setting up for photos becomes difficult.
Our couple chose the 3:30 PM slot. While early mornings usually offer fewer crowds, they wanted that warm, golden light that softens facial features and adds a dreamy touch to every shot—and they were absolutely right.
Planning Your Tokyo Pre-Wedding Session
Whether you’re dreaming of traditional Japanese shrines or a walk through Tokyo’s seasonal gardens, we’d love to help you craft a personalized experience.
Interested in an azalea-themed session at Nezu Shrine?Reach out to us early—this season is short, but unforgettable.
Contact Bozphoto & styles to learn more about our Tokyo couple photography sessions.
We are Tokyo based wedding & family photography studio
bozphoto & Styles is a Tokyo-based photography studio specializing in wedding, engagement, and elopement photography. With a focus on documentary-style photography, we aim to preserve the emotions and stories behind each image, allowing you to relive those memories for years to come.
Whether an intimate elopement in the heart of Tokyo, or a stunning pre-wedding shoot amidst Japan’s breathtaking landscapes, we strive to deliver photographs that are both meaningful and unforgettable.
we believe that every picture tells a story. Let us help you tell yours.
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