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Cherry Blossom Wedding Photos in Tokyo: Why Showa Kinen Park Is the Perfect Spot for Kimono Photography

  • boztsutomu
  • Sep 10
  • 3 min read
Couple in traditional kimono walking hand in hand through a path surrounded by cherry blossoms and yellow canola flowers at Showa Kinen Park.


When couples dream of cherry blossom wedding photos in Tokyo, famous spots like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, or Meguro River often come to mind. These locations are breathtaking, but in recent years, many of them have placed restrictions or even banned photo sessions in wedding attire during the peak sakura season. The crowds can be overwhelming, and it often becomes difficult to capture intimate portraits without dozens of people in the background.


That’s why we recommend heading just a little outside the city center—to Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa. Located about 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku, this park offers a very different experience: wide open landscapes, seasonal flower fields, and a calmer atmosphere compared to the packed central Tokyo parks.






Why Showa Kinen Park Works So Well for Cherry Blossom Wedding Photos

Bride and groom holding parasols as they walk together under rows of cherry blossom trees in Showa Kinen Park.


Showa Kinen Park is one of the few places in the Tokyo area where you can combine cherry blossoms with other seasonal flowers, such as bright yellow canola blossoms or tulips, depending on the timing of your visit. The park is carefully landscaped so that each year the scenery feels slightly different, making it a fresh and unique experience even for repeat visitors.


For couples wearing kimono or traditional Japanese wedding attire (shiromuku or iro-uchikake for brides, montsuki with hakama for grooms), the vibrant colors of the outfits match beautifully with the soft pink of cherry blossoms and the golden fields of spring flowers. The result is a collection of wedding photos that feel authentic to Japan, with plenty of space to walk, laugh, and enjoy the season without constant interruptions.





Things to Know Before Planning Your Session

Bride in red kimono holding a traditional red parasol, surrounded by cherry blossoms and canola flowers in Showa Kinen Park.

While Showa Kinen Park is more relaxed than central Tokyo, there are a few important things to keep in mind if you are considering a cherry blossom photo shoot here:


  • Distance from central Tokyo: It takes about 50 minutes from Shinjuku by train. Not too far, but far enough that it requires an early start on your wedding day.


  • Size of the park: The park is huge—walking from one beautiful spot to another can take time. Comfortable footwear (until the photos start!) is recommended.


  • Best time to start: Even though it’s less crowded than Shinjuku or Ueno, Showa Kinen Park is still very popular during sakura season. We strongly recommend starting right when the gates open at 9:30 AM. This allows for softer morning light and fewer people in the background.


  • Early morning preparation: To be ready by 9:30 AM, couples usually need to begin hair, makeup, and kimono dressing around 6:30 AM. It’s an early start, but the peaceful atmosphere in the park makes it worth the effort.





Why Couples Love It

Couple in wedding kimono standing together on a path framed by rows of blooming cherry blossoms during spring in Tokyo.

Many of our international couples say that shooting in Showa Kinen Park felt much calmer and more personal compared to central Tokyo. Instead of rushing through crowded paths, they could stroll through flower fields, pause under wide cherry blossom trees, and enjoy the moment as if they had the park to themselves.


For those who want to capture authentic sakura wedding photos in Japan—with space to move, time to relax, and stunning natural scenery—Showa Kinen Park is one of the very best choices.



Bride and groom in kimono turning back with smiles, holding hands under full-bloom cherry blossoms in Showa Kinen Park.
Groom embracing bride in colorful kimono with cherry blossom trees in the background during pre-wedding shoot in Showa Kinen Park.
Wide view of a couple in kimono walking through a field of canola flowers with blooming cherry blossom trees above.
Groom in traditional black kimono standing confidently under cherry blossom trees, petals scattered on the ground.
Bride and groom smiling while walking hand in hand along a path lined with cherry blossoms and spring flowers in Showa Kinen Park.
Romantic shot of a couple kissing behind purple wildflowers with cherry blossom trees in full bloom at Showa Kinen Park.

Pre-Wedding Photo Sessions in Japan with bozphoto & styles


At bozphoto & styles, we offer pre-wedding photo sessions for couples visiting Japan who wish to capture their love story with cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or iconic cityscapes. With over 15 years of experience, we create natural and timeless images, whether in kimono or modern wedding attire. From planning to the shoot itself, we’ll guide you through every step so you can simply enjoy your day.


👉 Learn more about our Pre-Wedding Photo Plans.





about bozphoto & styles

About bozphoto & styles


We’re a photo team based in Japan, here to capture your adventures—whether you’re proposing, celebrating, or just exploring together.


From the streets of Tokyo to the views of Mt. Fuji, we love traveling across Japan to create natural, meaningful images of your time here.


If you’re ready to turn your trip into something truly unforgettable, we’d love to be part of it.








 
 
 

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