Japanese traditional weddings: where and when to see a Shinto wedding in Japan
- japansophy
- 21 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Shinto weddings are among the most beautiful and culturally significant ceremonies in Japan. While modern couples often choose hotel or chapel-style weddings, the traditional Shinto ceremony continues to be deeply valued for its symbolism, atmosphere, and connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage. Many couples also opt for a traditional Japanese wedding to avoid the exorbitant costs that a Western-style wedding entails.
If you have seen the movie "Lost in Japan", you might remember the scene where Scarlett Johansson's character comes across a Shinto wedding procession in a shrine in Kyoto. Maybe you'd like to see one yourself on your Japan trip? Well, it's all a matter of a chance encounter, of course, but we tell you here how to increase your chances of seeing a Japanese traditional wedding.
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What is a traditional Japanese Shinto wedding?
A Shinto wedding is a formal ceremony held at a Shinto shrine, where the couple is blessed by a priest in a ritual surrounded by symbolism and tradition. This form of wedding became widespread during the early 20th century and remains a deeply respected option today.
A typical Shinto wedding includes:
San-san-kudo – the exchange of sake cups in a sequence of symbolic sips
Oath reading – where the couple promises mutual support before the kami (Shinto deities)
Offerings to the shrine
A ritual blessing by the priest
Traditional clothing, including the bride’s white shiromuku kimono or the colourful iro-uchikake, and the groom’s formal montsuki and hakama
While many Japanese girls dream of getting married someday in a beautiful Western-style ceremony, many couples still choose Shinto weddings because they value the cultural connection and because it tends to be the cheaper option.
Where can you see a Japanese traditional Shinto wedding?
Although the ceremony itself is private, the procession before or after the wedding usually takes place in publicly accessible areas of the shrine. Visitors can often see:
The couple walking to the shrine hall
Attendants holding a ceremonial parasol
Family members dressed formally in black kimono
Photographers capturing the couple in gardens or courtyards
This means that certain shrines—especially those with large grounds—give visitors a high chance of seeing a wedding on weekends or on particularly lucky days.
Lucky days in Japan: what are "Taian" days?
Japan uses a traditional fortune-telling calendar known as the rokuyō, which labels each day with an auspicious or less-fortunate designation. The most important for weddings is Taian (大安), meaning “great peace” or “very auspicious.”
Taian is considered the luckiest day for beginning anything important, including:
Weddings
Opening a business
Signing contracts
Moving house
This means that Taian days are extremely popular for Shinto weddings. Shrines often have multiple ceremonies booked in a single day, particularly on weekends or during spring and autumn.
If you are hoping to witness a wedding during your trip, checking the Taian dates for 2026 (or whichever year you’re visiting) can dramatically increase your chances. The rokuyō calendar is usually published in November/December of the previous year. Here are the Taian days for 2026:
January 1, 7, 13, 24, 30
February 5, 11, 21, 27
March 5, 11, 17, 22, 28
April 3, 9, 15, 19, 25
May 1, 7, 13, 18, 24, 30
June 5, 11, 15, 21, 27
July 3, 9, 19, 25, 31
August 6, 12, 17, 23, 29
Sept. 4, 10, 14, 20, 26
Oct. 2, 8, 13, 19, 25, 31
Nov. 6, 10, 16, 22, 28
Dec. 4, 9, 15, 21, 27
Best shrines in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo to see a Shinto wedding
You can technically see weddings at shrines across Japan, but some locations are especially well-known for their frequent ceremonies and scenic grounds.
1. Meiji Jingu (Tokyo)
Perhaps the most famous place in Japan to witness a Shinto wedding procession.
Weddings occur throughout the year
Very high visibility due to large walkways and open courtyards
2. Tokyo Daijingu (Tokyo)
Known as one of Japan’s “Five Great Shrines for Love,” Tokyo Daijingu is extremely popular for weddings.
The shrine is smaller, but ceremonies happen frequently
Great spot on weekends and Taian days
3. Shimogamo Shrine (Kyoto)
A UNESCO World Heritage site with deep ties to traditional weddings.
Broad gravel paths and spacious courtyards give good visibility
Especially atmospheric in spring and autumn
4. Kamigamo Shrine (Kyoto)
Another historic shrine with a high number of ceremonies.
Its long approach and riverside area create beautiful photo opportunities
5. Yasaka Shrine (Kyoto)
Closely connected to local cultural traditions and one of Kyoto’s busiest shrines.
Wedding processions are less frequent than Meiji Jingu but still common on auspicious days
6. Sumiyoshi Taisha (Osaka)
One of Japan's most renowned shrines with striking red architecture and iconic bridges
Japansophy has rarely been to this shrine when there hasn't been a wedding taking place!
A few etiquette tips for watching a Shinto wedding
Weddings are sacred ceremonies - and let's not forget that it's someone's special day - visitors should be mindful of the couple and their families. Keep in mind:
Do not block pathways—give the procession plenty of space
Do not take photos without permission
Stay quiet and respectful
Never follow the wedding party into restricted areas
If you behave courteously, most shrines are perfectly happy for tourists to observe from a distance.
If you're in Japan on a Taian day, see if your itinerary allows you a visit to a shrine and maybe you'll witness one of the country’s most elegant and meaningful cultural traditions.
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