So, you’re planning to get married in Japan? おめでとう! (Omedetou! – Congratulations!) Whether it’s a cherry blossom elopement in Kyoto, a Shinto shrine ceremony in Tokyo, or a beachside vow exchange in Okinawa, Japan offers a stunning backdrop for your love story.
But before you can walk down the aisle (or under a torii gate), there’s one little detail you can’t ignore: paperwork. And not just any paperwork—properly translated paperwork.
Yes, Japan takes its bureaucracy as seriously as its sushi-making traditions. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the translation requirements for marriage documents in Japan, so you can focus on the fun part—saying “I do” in one of the most beautiful countries on earth!
Step 1: What Documents Do You Need to Get Married in Japan?
Before diving into translations, let’s check what documents you actually need. This depends on your nationality, but in most cases, you’ll need:
✅ A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – This document proves that you’re legally free to marry. Your home country’s embassy in Japan can provide it.
✅ Your Passport – Because the city hall won’t just take your word for it.
✅ A Completed Kon-in Todoke (Marriage Registration Form) – This is the official Japanese marriage application form, available at any city hall.
✅ Your Residence Card (if applicable) – If you live in Japan, bring this along. If you’re just visiting, it’s not necessary.
✅ Official Japanese Translations of Any Non-Japanese Documents – This is where things get interesting!
Step 2: Which Documents Need to Be Translated (and Who Can Do It)?
Japan has a simple rule: if it’s not in Japanese, it needs an official translation. This usually includes:
- Your Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
- Your Passport (at least the main page with your details)
Who Can Translate Your Documents?
Surprisingly, Japan doesn’t require translations to be done by certified professionals! This means you have options:
| Translator Option |
Cost |
Turnaround Time |
Where to Get It |
| Do It Yourself |
Free |
1-3 days (if fluent in Japanese) |
– |
| Professional Translator |
$30-$100 |
1-2 days |
Japan Association of Translators |
| Embassy Services |
Varies ($50+) |
Up to 1 week |
Your home country’s embassy in Japan |
| Japanese-speaking Friend |
Free or small gift |
As fast as they can do it |
– |
If you’re confident in your Japanese skills, you can translate the documents yourself. Just make sure they’re accurate and correctly formatted!
Step 3: Formatting Your Translation Properly
Japan loves structure, so your translation needs to be clear and official-looking. Here’s what to include:
📌 Attach the translation to the original document – Clip or staple them together.
📌 Translate everything word-for-word – No creative liberties here!
📌 Include a Translator’s Statement – At the bottom of your translation, write something like this:
“I, [Your Name], certify that I have accurately translated this document from [Original Language] to Japanese to the best of my ability.”
📌 Sign it! – Japan takes signatures seriously, so don’t forget this part.
Step 4: Where to Submit Your Documents
Once you have all your documents translated, take them to your local city hall (役所, Yakusho). If neither of you is a Japanese resident, you can usually file at any city hall in Japan, but check with your embassy first.
Foreign-Friendly City Halls in Japan:
📍 Shibuya City Hall (Tokyo) – Known for being foreigner-friendly.
📍 Minato City Hall (Tokyo) – Another good option in Tokyo.
📍 Osaka City Hall – Ideal for couples in the Kansai region.
Pro Tip: Submit your paperwork early in the day—many city halls stop accepting marriage applications in the afternoon!
Step 5: What Happens Next?
If all goes smoothly, congratulations—you’re legally married in Japan! 🎉 You’ll receive a Japanese Marriage Certificate (婚姻届受理証明書, Kon-in Todoke Juri Shomeisho).
If you need to register your marriage in your home country, check with your embassy, as some countries require additional steps.
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)
🚨 Forgetting to Translate Your Passport – Even though it’s just one page, some city halls insist on having it in Japanese.
🚨 Submitting Incomplete Translations – Ensure every part of your CNI is translated, including official stamps.
🚨 Waiting Until Friday Afternoon – Japanese government offices work like clockwork. Submit your documents early to avoid delays!
Bonus: Celebrate Your Marriage Like a Local!
Now that the paperwork is done, it’s time to celebrate! Some ideas:
💍 Take wedding photos in Kyoto’s bamboo forest – I know a great photographer (wink wink). 😉
🎎 Book a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony at Meiji Shrine.
🍣 Toast your new life with sake and sushi in Ginza!
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
❓ Can I submit documents in English?
No, all documents must be translated into Japanese.
❓ Can I use Google Translate?
Technically, yes—but officials might not accept a machine-generated translation.
❓ Do I need a notary for my translation?
Nope! Japan doesn’t require notarization—just an accurate translation with a signature.
Let’s Capture Your Japan Wedding Story!
Planning a destination wedding or elopement in Japan? I specialize in capturing love stories against Japan’s breathtaking scenery—from Kyoto’s ancient temples to Tokyo’s dazzling skyline.
✨ See my latest work here
💍 Explore wedding photography packages here
📩 Let’s create magic together—contact me today!
Your love story deserves to be captured in the most beautiful way—let’s make it unforgettable! 💕📸
