How To Propose in Japan - The Ultimate Proposal Guide

Proposing has never been as beautiful as it is when you do it in Japan. You’re surrounded by breathtaking views, as the clear blue skies perfectly blend with lush gardens and fresh air. Your girlfriend can undeniably feel like a princess as you go down on one knee and ask that one question that will change your life forever. 

So you might be planning to head to Japan to propose to the love of your life but don’t know how to get started. Luckily, we’re here to ease your stress! This guide teaches everything you must know when proposing in Japan. We’ll cover important details like the perfect spots, hiring a professional photographer, the best poses, and additional tips to help you out. 

The Best Proposal Locations in Japan

Proposals can be different, depending on your taste and preferences. You’ll be amazed to know that Japan offers a wide range of selection of proposal locations. Discover iconic spots that have always been a crowd favorite and more peaceful places to capture the perfect moment with a proposal photoshoot. 

1. Mount Fuji

Nothing beats Mount Fuji as the most iconic proposal location in Japan. The best time to propose this mountain as your backdrop is during spring when the sky is clear and Mount Fuji is not covered by gloomy clouds. 

Several spots around this mountain are ideal for proposing. Head to Lake Kawaguchiko and propose by this body of water or visit parks like Oishi Park, Nagasaki Park, and Koga Masao Memorial Park. Yamanakako Hana No Miyako Park at the base of Mount Fuji is also a beautiful proposal spot. It features bright and colorful seasonal flowers that blend well with the mountain for a breathtaking backdrop. 

For more details, check out our full guide: How to Propose In Mount Fuji.

2. Tokyo Tower

If Paris has the phenomenal Eiffel Tower, Japan also has its own Tokyo Tower. Today, it’s one of the most trendy spots for proposals. This skyscraper is perfect if you want to ask the big question while being surrounded by stunning city skyline views. At around 1000 feet high, imagine your girlfriend saying yes as other vibrant and historic buildings in Tokyo surround you. 

Sumida’s Tokyo Skytree is an alternative to Tokyo Tower, which also has an observation deck that boasts panoramic aerial views. 

3. Miyajima's Floating Torii Gate

How can you not consider the magical Torii gate at Miyajima for your proposal? As one of the favorite locations among travelers, prepare to be amazed by the Torii gate that looks like it’s rising out of the clear blue sea. Plus, during a specific tidal season, the gate might even look like it’s floating!

Miyajima, famously known as the Shrine Island, is the perfect day-trip destination if you’re planning a short proposal vacation in Japan. It’s packed with beautiful sightseeing spots and historic buildings which are also perfect backdrops for your proposal photo. 

4. Other locations

What’s excellent about Japan is you will be able to find several proposal locations, especially when you want to avoid huge crowds. Consider the following places:

For more recommendations, feel free to check out this article on: Where to Propose in Japan - The Best Spots.

How to Hire a Proposal Photographer in Japan

One of the best ways to capture and relieve this perfect moment is to take a beautiful photo as you get down on one knee and ask your girlfriend to say yes! That way, you have memorabilia to bring home and talk about with your future kids. 

Why experience all the hassle of setting up your own camera and tripod when you can hire a professional photographer? With a private photographer on standby, you only have to worry about not forgetting the ring – and of course, your partner saying yes!

To hire a photographer in Japan, you can use online services like Photo Trips. It’s a platform dedicated to travellers and they curated the best photographers in Japan. You can browse from different styles of photography that are specific to each photographer and choose your favourite.

The booking process is very simple as you have access to the availability of the photographer in Real-Time! Check if you favourite photographer is available and make your reservation. You will receive an instant booking confirmation!

For more information, check out their best proposal photographers in Japan here!

How To Pose During The Proposal

Besides securing the perfect location and hiring a professional photographer to capture the big moment, you also have to make sure you look good in the picture! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any experience posing for the camera because we can help you. 

Shoot your best angle and check out the most popular proposal photos for a memorable experience. 

Getting Down on One Knee – The Universal Pose

A proposal shoot will always include this pose – the guy getting down on one knee while the girl is standing and looking at her partner. You can ask the photographer to hide behind trees or bushes to capture the girl looking surprised as you ask the big question!

The Classic Hand Shot – Be Proud of the Ring!

Another classic yet cute pose is showing off your ring! Your hands are the only subjects of the photo as the photographer zooms in and focuses on the ring on your finger. You can make this shot look better if your and your partner’s hands intertwine while you’re wearing the ring.

Looking at Each Other – Show Off Your Love!

With your partner hugging your waist and you holding his face, look at each other and showcase the love you have! You can even wear the ring on the side where the photo will be taken. Additionally, ask the photographer to take candid shots while you and your partner laugh at each other to get the cutest photo

The Affectionate Hug – A Promise of Forever

The sweetest hug is one right after saying yes when your girl throws herself at you after crying! Let the photographer be ready on standby so he can capture this moment. Try to ask him to angle behind the girl so he can also take a photo of that deep hug as you lean down on your girlfriend’s shoulder.

A Dance Pose – Let The Fun Times Roll

A fun pose you can do is twirl your girlfriend and let her back arch down as you lean your body towards hers. This is a charming pose that showcases the good times you have as a couple. It would even look better if your partner’s hair waves as she goes down! 

Additional Tips For Your Proposal in Japan

We totally understand the stress of preparing for a grand proposal because your girlfriend deserves nothing but the best! That’s why we’re giving you helpful tips to make sure everything runs smoothly and your surprise proposal turns out to be a success. 

Research the perfect location in Japan that resonates with your love for one another. Yes, this country has several beautiful places where you can propose, but not all are excellent depending on the weather. Choose a location that best describes the love you have for your girlfriend. 

Be wary of the weather. What’s great about Japan is that it’s beautiful all year round, but each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. Understand each season’s strongest and weakest points so you don’t encounter any mishaps on the day of your proposal. 

Rehearse your proposal speech! It’s not always you get to go down on one knee and ask the big question. Make a draft of what you plan to say and practice saying it in front of the mirror. 

Reserve a romantic restaurant for your lunch and dinner after proposing. This is the perfect way to have an excuse to dress up and look dashing with your partner!

It’s always best to get a professional photographer who knows how to capture your best angle. That way, you don’t have to stress yourself on the equipment you need for taking pictures. Plus, the photographer can also recommend couple poses so you look cute together. 

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Proposing is definitely a big step in your life as a couple, and deciding to do it in Japan might just be your best decision yet! This country has everything you need for a magical experience – beautiful views, friendly local photographers, and the perfect season. 

We hope this guide has helped you plan for your proposal in Japan! Good luck, we all hope she says yes!