Imagine this: You wake up to the gentle rustling of trees, the scent of fresh tatami mats filling the air. You slide open the shoji doors, step out onto a wooden veranda, and feel the crisp morning air as steam rises from your private onsen. In the distance, Mount Fuji stands tall, a silent witness to your love story.
This isn’t just a fantasy—it’s what your wedding day could look like with a traditional ryokan wedding in Hakone, Japan. If you’re dreaming of an intimate, culturally immersive wedding in one of Japan’s most stunning locations, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about getting married in a Hakone ryokan—from the most breathtaking venues to costs, traditions, and planning tips!
🌿 Why Choose Hakone for Your Wedding?
Hakone is one of Japan’s most romantic destinations, famous for:
✅ Breathtaking nature – Mountains, rivers, and serene forests create an unmatched backdrop.
✅ Relaxing hot springs – Many ryokans offer private onsen baths to unwind before and after the big day.
✅ Traditional culture – Hakone is home to some of Japan’s most authentic ryokans, preserving centuries-old customs.
✅ Close to Tokyo – Just a 90-minute train ride from the city, making it convenient for guests traveling from abroad.
✅ Stunning views of Mount Fuji – Because what’s more iconic than saying “I do” with Fuji-san watching over you?
🏯 What Is a Ryokan Wedding?
A ryokan (旅館) is a traditional Japanese inn known for its warm hospitality (omotenashi), exquisite multi-course meals, and serene atmosphere. A ryokan wedding isn’t just an event—it’s a full cultural experience where history, nature, and romance intertwine.
🔸 Traditional setting: Wooden architecture, paper sliding doors, and peaceful gardens.
🔸 Intimate atmosphere: Most ryokans accommodate small weddings (10-30 guests), perfect for elopements and micro-weddings.
🔸 Unique ceremonies: Options for a Shinto-style wedding, a tea ceremony, or a private garden ceremony.
🔸 Culinary experience: Indulge in a kaiseki (multi-course) meal with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
If you love the idea of a wedding that’s both simple and deeply meaningful, a Hakone ryokan wedding is pure magic.
🌸 Top Traditional Ryokan Wedding Venues in Hakone
💮 Gora Kadan – A Royal Experience
🌍 Website
A former imperial retreat, Gora Kadan is one of Hakone’s most luxurious ryokans. With its secluded gardens, minimalist design, and Michelin-star-level dining, it’s the perfect venue for couples who want exclusivity and sophistication. The onsen baths are divine, and the service? Absolutely flawless.
Best for: Couples who want a luxury wedding with impeccable service and refined elegance.
🏯 Hakone Ginyu – Weddings With a View
🌍 Website
Set high on a mountainside, Hakone Ginyu offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. Every room has a private open-air bath, making it a dream location for couples who love nature and tranquility. Their wedding packages include a traditional tea ceremony, kimono dressing, and kaiseki dining.
Best for: Couples who want a picturesque setting and a full cultural experience.
🍵 Yamanochaya – A Hidden Gem by the River
🌍 Website
If you’re looking for something secluded and intimate, Yamanochaya is a five-level wooden ryokan tucked away by a flowing river. It’s the perfect spot for a small wedding with a traditional feel. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by bamboo and the soothing sound of water—it doesn’t get more romantic than that!
Best for: Couples who want a private, nature-infused wedding.
⛩ Fukuzumiro – A Step Back in Time
🌍 Website
Dating back to 1890, Fukuzumiro is one of the oldest ryokans in Hakone. With antique wooden architecture, vintage interiors, and an atmosphere straight out of a classic Japanese film, it’s perfect for couples who want a historic, intimate wedding that feels like stepping into the past.
Best for: History lovers and couples seeking a timeless, authentic experience.
💰 How Much Does a Ryokan Wedding in Hakone Cost?
A traditional ryokan wedding can be surprisingly affordable compared to Western-style venues. Here’s a rough estimate of costs:
💵 Ryokan rental for ceremony & stay: $3,000 – $10,000
💵 Shinto-style wedding ceremony: $1,500 – $3,000
💵 Kimono rental & styling: $500 – $1,500
💵 Accommodation per night (for guests): $200 – $500 per person
💵 Kaiseki wedding dinner: $150 – $300 per person
💡 Pro Tip: Many ryokans offer custom packages that include accommodations, meals, and the ceremony, making planning easier!
❓ FAQ: Planning Your Hakone Ryokan Wedding
🔹 Can foreigners get married in Japan?
Yes! You’ll need to check the legal marriage requirements, but most couples choose to legally marry in their home country first and have a symbolic ceremony in Japan.
🔹 What’s the best season for a Hakone wedding?
- 🌸 Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms create a fairy-tale setting.
- 🍁 Autumn (October–November): Vivid red and gold leaves make the scenery breathtaking.
- ❄️ Winter (December–February): Snowy landscapes + steaming onsen baths = cozy perfection.
🔹 Do I need a wedding planner?
If you don’t speak Japanese, a planner can help coordinate bookings, traditions, and paperwork. Many ryokans assist with wedding arrangements, too!
📸 Capture Every Moment in Timeless Photos
A ryokan wedding is unlike anything else—intimate, serene, and filled with meaning. And you’ll want to relive every moment of it through breathtaking photographs.
📸 Let’s make sure your love story is captured with stunning, heartfelt images that will transport you back to your special day every time you look at them.
💍 Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💎 Check out wedding photography packages: Investment Page
📩 Let’s plan your dream wedding together: Contact Me
A ryokan wedding isn’t just a ceremony—it’s an unforgettable journey. Let’s make it magical. 💕
