The best wedding venues in Tokyo are Meiji Jingu for a traditional Shinto ceremony, followed by a reception at Meiji Kinenkan, Happo-en and its Japanese garden, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo with its camellia garden, the lavishly decorated Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, and Hie Shrine in Akasaka.
A Shinto ceremony at Tokyo's most famous shrine.
Meiji Jingu holds traditional Shinto weddings, with a procession of the bride and groom in kimono under a red parasol through the shrine's courtyard.
It's one of the most memorable wedding experiences in Japan.
Good to know: Weekends in spring and autumn book up a year ahead.
1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557
Meiji Jingu's historic wedding and reception hall.
Meiji Kinenkan, the wedding hall linked to Meiji Jingu, combines a Shinto ceremony with receptions in its historic hall and garden.
One of Tokyo's classic wedding venues.
Good to know: Ask about packages combining the shrine ceremony and reception.
2-2-23 Moto-Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-8507
A wedding venue set in a beautiful Japanese garden.
Happo-en's traditional garden, with ponds, bonsai and a teahouse, frames ceremonies and receptions in the heart of the city.
It has its own shrine for Shinto weddings.
Good to know: Autumn leaves and spring blossoms make the garden spectacular.
1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071
A luxury hotel with a historic garden and its own chapel.
Hotel Chinzanso's large garden, with a three-story pagoda and a famous sea-of-clouds mist effect, hosts chapel and Shinto weddings.
A green escape in the city.
Good to know: The garden's mist show is a lovely photo moment.
2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8680
An opulent hotel famous for its lavish decorative art.
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is known for its richly decorated halls and art-filled interiors, with chapel and Shinto ceremony spaces.
Dramatic and very Japanese.
Good to know: Ask to see the historic 'Hyakudan Kaidan' rooms.
1-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064
A Shinto wedding at a shrine in the city center.
Hie Shrine, known for its tunnel of red torii gates, holds Shinto wedding ceremonies in the heart of Akasaka.
Central and atmospheric.
Good to know: The torii gate path makes a striking photo backdrop.
2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014
Yes. Meiji Jingu, Hie Shrine and other shrines hold Shinto ceremonies for international couples, usually booked through the shrine's own wedding hall or an affiliated venue. Expect a traditional ceremony in Japanese, with kimono for the couple.
Japan recognises marriages registered at a Japanese ward office, which requires documents from your embassy. Many couples marry legally at home and hold the ceremony in Tokyo.
As a rough guide, a full wedding and reception in Tokyo for about 60 guests often costs ¥3 million to ¥5 million or more, while a small shrine ceremony with photos can cost much less.
Spring (cherry blossom season, late March to early April) and autumn (October and November) are the most popular. Book a year or more ahead for these dates.
The big hotels and venues like Happo-en and Hotel Chinzanso often have English-speaking coordinators. Ask when you enquire.