37 FramesWhere Tradition Meets Celebration
Just a short train ride from Tokyo lies Kawagoe, a historic town known as Little Edo. A place where time seems to slow down, where the air hums with stories, and where modern Japan gives way to the charm of centuries past.
And for couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Japan, Kawagoe is a hidden gem. It’s close enough to Tokyo to keep the celebration effortless, yet far enough to feel like an escape … a living postcard of Japanese heritage, cobbled streets, and timeless wooden architecture.
It’s no wonder garden weddings in Japan are having their moment. The light. The stillness. The way nature becomes part of the story. And for this beautiful couple from the USA, Kawagoe offered everything. Intimacy, atmosphere, and an unforgettable sense of place.
A Private Garden Ceremony in a Historic Japanese House
The wedding took place in the gardens of a traditional Japanese house, lovingly preserved and surrounded by lush greenery, just on the verge of autumn. Every corner whispered of history … weathered wood, curved rooftops, the delicate balance between nature and architecture that defines Japanese design.
Guests arrived to the sound of soft music and the scent of cedar and sake in the air. The groom and his friends started the celebration in style. Whiskey and cigars in the courtyard… while the bride and her closest friends toasted with champagne beneath the shade of maple trees.
When it was time for the ceremony, everyone gathered in the garden under a traditional red Japanese umbrella, the symbol of protection and good fortune. Their friend officiated, creating a ceremony that was both deeply personal and beautifully cultural.
And as the couple performed San San Kudo, the ancient sake ritual that seals a bond in three shared sips, it felt like the entire garden paused to breathe it in. A moment of stillness. Connection. And joy.
Wagashi, Wedding Cake, and the Sweet Taste of Japan
After the ceremony, guests were treated to an artful blend of Japanese wagashi (seasonal sweets). Delicate, hand-crafted confections that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Then came the wedding cake, a modern touch of sweetness that paired perfectly with champagne and conversation.
This fusion of Japanese and Western traditions is what makes destination weddings in Japan so extraordinary. Every element feels intentional … grounded in culture but designed for joy.
A Celebration Through the Streets of Kawagoe
After the garden ceremony, it was time for adventure. The newlyweds stepped into the streets of Old Town Kawagoe, hand in hand, surrounded by the laughter and cheers of passersby.
Tourists and shopkeepers waved, delighted by the sight of love in full bloom.
The couple wandered through Kurazukuri Street, famous for its Edo-period warehouses and traditional wooden facades. They stopped for street food … taiyaki, dango, and yakitori … because what’s a Japanese wedding day without a little indulgence?
Meanwhile, their guests immersed themselves in Kawagoe’s charm …
making chopsticks, crafting rings, and relaxing at an onsen footpath before boarding the bus back to Tokyo.
From Edo-Era Streets to Tokyo Lights
As the sun set, the party wasn’t over — it was just getting started.
The couple arrived back in Tokyo just in time for the evening rush — and in true cinematic fashion, ran hand-in-hand across the iconic Shibuya Crossing. The city lights blurred into the kind of scene that could only belong in Japan — fast, alive, unstoppable.
Their night ended in the best possible way — private karaoke with friends, complete with their own drum kit (yes, really). The perfect finale to a day that began in quiet tradition and ended in full-blown Tokyo magic.
Here are some highlights from the outdoor garden wedding in Japan:
Why Kawagoe Is the Hidden Gem of Japanese Weddings
For couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding near Tokyo, Kawagoe offers something truly rare. Historic beauty, rich culture, and incredible convenience.
You can exchange vows in a private Japanese garden surrounded by bamboo and history … then celebrate under the neon lights of Shibuya that same night.
It’s the best of both worlds. Old Japan and new Japan, side by side.
If you’re searching for a destination that combines elegance, heritage, and atmosphere, a Kawagoe wedding is the perfect choice. Whether it’s San San Kudo under the umbrella, wagashi with champagne, or a dance party in Tokyo after midnight … this is what it means to celebrate Japan your way.
Plan Your Japan Wedding with 37 Frames
At 37 Frames, we design and document weddings across Japan … from the mountain retreats of Hakone to the coastal charm of Okinawa, and the timeless streets of Kawagoe.
We believe every wedding should feel like you.
Personal. Honest. Connected. And deeply meaningful in the place it happens.
From garden weddings in Kawagoe to luxury celebrations in Tokyo, our team handles everything… planning, design, photography, film … so you can be fully present in the moment.
Because your story deserves to be unforgettable.
📍 Featured Location: Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture (Near Tokyo)
Ceremony Venue: Private Japanese House & Garden
Style: Outdoor wedding, San San Kudo, garden ceremony
Reception: Traditional wagashi, modern cake, cultural immersion
Celebration: Street food, workshops, Shibuya Crossing finale
✨ For Couples Searching for:
- Destination wedding near Tokyo
- Outdoor garden weddings in Japan
- Kawagoe wedding ideas
- Japanese traditions for international weddings
- San San Kudo ceremony
- Historic Japanese houses as wedding venues
- Tokyo wedding planners for foreigners
- Intimate wedding in Japan
- Japan wedding photographer
- 37 Frames Celebrity weddings
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