Why It’s Not About Spending Less … It’s About Spending Wisely
Here’s the truth: Japan is not a budget destination.
It’s a country that thrives on craftsmanship, quality, and quiet perfection … from the sushi knife that’s been sharpened for 30 years to the hotel staff who (almost) iron your napkin between courses.
So when it comes to weddings, the same philosophy applies.
You can absolutely have the wedding of your dreams in Japan … but you need to invest with intention.
At 37 Frames, we plan and capture luxury weddings and elopements across Japan … from cherry blossom gardens in Kyoto to rooftop celebrations in Tokyo, to intimate bamboo forest ceremonies in Tochigi. And what we’ve learned, after hundreds of extraordinary celebrations, is that budgeting here isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about curating priorities.
1. Choose Experience Over Excess
You don’t need more. You need meaning.
When couples come to us wanting a “luxury wedding,” we always start by redefining what luxury means.
It’s not the number of guests, the size of the cake, or how many florals you can squeeze into a table setting.
What luxury can be:
- A private garden in Kyoto where no tourists can enter.
- A sake ceremony (san-san-kudo) performed by a master in an ancient teahouse.
- A Michelin-level omakase dinner with your closest people, rather than a banquet for 100.
Tip: Allocate more of your budget to the experiences that make your story one-of-a-kind … and less to things guests won’t remember (we promise, no one recalls the napkin color).
2. Think Seasonally (Because Japan Is a Different Movie Every Month)
Your budget goes further when you work with Japan’s seasons, not against them.
Cherry blossom season in Kyoto and Tokyo is stunning… and also the busiest, most expensive time of year.
If you’re flexible, consider:
- Late spring (May) for perfect weather and quieter gardens.
- Early autumn (November) for fiery maples and golden light.
- Winter (January–February) for snow-dusted magic in Hakuba, Hokkaido, or Nikko.
You’ll get breathtaking landscapes, more venue options, and often lower rates … without losing an ounce of beauty.
Tip: Ask your planner (hi, us again) about micro-seasons. Japan has 72 of them, each with its own light, color, and rhythm. Timing your day to one can make it unforgettable.
3. Invest in the Right Team (They’ll Save You More Than They Cost)
We say this gently, but truthfully: planning a wedding in Japan without a local expert can actually cost you more.
Why? Because cultural systems, venue contracts, and vendor etiquette here are beautifully complex. Most luxury venues in Japan work exclusively in Japanese, with traditional booking procedures that don’t allow for negotiation or external vendors.
With the right planner, you gain:
- Access to venues not available to the public.
- Transparent pricing and English communication.
- No commission fees (Many planners and venues put and additional 30% on top of each vendor fee as a commission/payment to themselves.!!)
- A curated network of Japan’s best florists, chefs, musicians, artisans, and content creators.
Tip: See your planner not as an expense … but as your insurance policy for sanity.
4. Go Intimate. Go Meaningful.
When couples ask, “How can we make the most of our budget?” we often answer: “Invite fewer people.”
A smaller guest list doesn’t mean a smaller experience.
It means more space to breathe. To be present. To elevate every detail for the people who matter most.
With fewer guests, you can afford:
- A private ryokan stay for your entire party.
- A fully bespoke menu designed by a Japanese chef.
- Extra days to explore Kyoto’s alleys, Tokyo’s rooftops, or Okinawa’s beaches together.
Tip: Intimacy is the new luxury. If the thought of hosting 200 guests in a ballroom feels overwhelming, Japan was made for you.
5. Let Go of the “Shoulds” and Focus on the “Wants”
You don’t need a live band and a DJ. You don’t need ten floral installations. You don’t need five outfit changes (unless you really, truly want to).
Ask yourself: What will make this feel unforgettable?
Maybe it’s a kimono experience.
Maybe it’s a cinematic film that captures your day.
Maybe it’s hiring a private calligrapher to create keepsakes for your guests.
Whatever it is … prioritize it unapologetically.
Tip: Every decision should pass the “in 10 years, will we care?” test. If the answer is no, it doesn’t deserve your budget.
6. Hidden Costs That Are Actually Worth It
Certain expenses in Japan might surprise you … but they’re worth every yen.
- Translation and coordination fees: Ensures nothing gets lost in translation. Literally.
- Transport logistics: Trains and taxis can add up, but getting guests smoothly from Tokyo to Hakone or Nara is essential.
- Cultural licensing or ceremonies: Some shrines and gardens require permissions. These preserve sacred traditions and guarantee authenticity.
Tip: Think of these not as add-ons, but as part of the artistry that makes your Japan wedding real.
7. The Ultimate Luxury: Time
If you remember one thing, let it be this … the most valuable currency in Japan isn’t yen. It’s time.
Give yourself time to plan. Time to savor. Time to absorb the wonder of this place.
Weddings planned in haste lose the essence of omotenashi … the art of thoughtful hospitality.
When you slow down, you allow your story to unfold with care.
That’s when the magic happens.
Final Thought: Spend on What You’ll Remember
At the end of it all, no one ever regrets investing in photography, film, or planning that felt like them.
You’re not just buying a service … you’re commissioning memories.
And when the night is over and the blossoms have fallen, those memories will be worth everything.
