Timeless Beauty in the Heart of Tokyo – A Wedding Shoot at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
- boztsutomu
- May 4
- 2 min read
Hello! We’re bozphoto & styles, a Tokyo-based photography team specializing in weddings and engagement sessions all across Japan.
I’d like to share a photo session we had with a lovely couple visiting from Norway, celebrating their first wedding anniversary.
Their request was simple yet meaningful — to have a photo shoot that captures both the vibrant energy of Tokyo and the natural beauty the city quietly holds.
For that, we recommended Koishikawa Korakuen, a historic Japanese garden located in Bunkyo Ward.
Originally built in the early Edo period by the Mito branch of the Tokugawa family, this garden features a traditional “stroll-style” layout centered around a large pond, along with several Chinese-style elements that reflect its rich cultural heritage.
Koishikawa Korakuen changes beautifully with the seasons.
In early summer, fresh greenery fills the air with a sense of calm, creating a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city.
Despite being in central Tokyo, the garden feels completely removed from the city's hustle and bustle.
Winding paths dappled with sunlight, small streams, and stone bridges around the pond make it a perfect setting for photography.
On the day of the shoot, we were blessed with soft, early summer light as the couple shared quiet, intimate moments.
It was a beautiful way to reflect on their journey over the past year and to mark the beginning of their next chapter together.
Photo permission at the garden
To photograph at Koishikawa Korakuen, advance application and official permission are required.
This applies especially to sessions involving special attire such as wedding dresses, kimono, Seijin Shiki (Coming-of-Age), graduation, or Shichi-Go-San (children’s ceremonies).
Once permission is granted, there is a permit fee of ¥800 per hour for photography.
Additionally:
Admission to the garden costs ¥300 per person.
Parking fees between ¥3,000 - ¥4,000
When can we photograph at the garden?
Koishikawa Korakuen is a very popular garden, so it's important to apply for a photography permit at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, as preferred dates often fill up quickly.
While photography is allowed on weekends, please note that certain high-traffic seasons—such as the cherry blossom period and the autumn foliage season—are restricted, and photography is not permitted at all during those times.
As a result, photo sessions are generally limited to the lush greenery season, typically from parts of May and from the second week of June through mid-November.
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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