Adventure Elopements in Japan’s beautiful natural landscapes

Hello, I’m Sam, a Wedding & Elopement photographer based in Japan (and the UK) and would love to hear from you if you’re planning an adventure elopement in the land of the rising sun! I have a long history with Japan starting way back in 2008 when I spent 1 year in Tokyo on a working holiday visa. Needless to say it was a fantastic year and I have been visiting ever since. It is only until recently that I was finally able to self sponsor an Artist visa in order to carry out my photography business here in Japan (bit of a dream)!

So after years of working my way towards an Artist visa I am finally here and looking to capture adventure elopements here in Japan. I have built up a lot of knowledge about Japan destinations over the years and have plenty of insider knowledge to get the best out of every location. I’m a keen hiker and rock climbing enthusiast so when I say I’m ready for adventure elopements, I mean it! I would absolutely love to meet people who dream of eloping on top of a mountain, by the side of a lake or at the bottom of a lush green waterfall jungle or tropical paradise beach (Japan has all of those)!

My vision as an adventure elopement photographer is to spend a couple of days together - arriving at the location a day or so before and get to know each other, take some more casual portraits before eloping and adventuring the following day. I want it to be a whole experience and not just a photoshoot.

Japan has got some pretty awesome coastline!

Why Elope?

Whilst I still enjoy a good traditional Wedding I can’t hide my excitement and passion for eloping in some far flung corner of the World. I think there’s something special about these very small & intimate occasions where you can just be together and focus upon one another. I know it can be quite a daunting idea at first especially in somewhere like Japan which is full of rules, regulations and has a very strong language barrier. I think it’s totally worth it though and it’s my job to make things flow as easily as possible whilst recommending some of the very best locations that Japan has to offer.

Adventure Elopements in Japan - Where?

Where to start? I’m based in Tokyo and the nature surrounding Tokyo alone provide plenty of beautiful spots for elopements. We have mountains, lakes, Mount Fuji, forests and coastline all but a train ride away. Now I’m based here I will be doing my best to find new locations and will update this article as I go.

Japan is an island…of islands! In fact, there are 6852 islands to be precise with 430 of them inhabited. Some are absolutely gorgeous with my favourites being down in Okinawa (Iriomote / Ishigaki). Okinawa has some stunning turquoise waters, lush jungle and beautiful coastline which is just begging to be photographed!

Yakushima is also one of my favourites and would be perfect for some kind of Elopement photoshoot and adventure. I did a little write up on my trip there a few years back which you can find by clicking here.

I’ll let some pictures do the talking for now…

Pretty spectacular right? And that’s just a preview. I’ll be working my hardest to find new locations over the coming months whilst I settle into Japan. If you have any ideas or are seeking an adventure elopement in Japan please do get in touch and I’ll be happy to arrange something unforgettable for you.

Sam Spicer is an adventure elopement photographer based in Tokyo providing elopement photography services across Japan

If you’re interested or have some awesome plans in Japan for your elopement please send me a message via the button below. I can’t wait to tell your story!

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