WEDDING: Shinto Ceremony Hokkaido Shrine Sapporo

This wedding is from a long time ago, 2007 to be exact! I keep it in my portfolio to show my history and because I just loved this event. It was three days of festivities in two locations in the north of Japan: welcome party, a Shinto Wedding with the cherry blossoms in bloom, a brunch, a Western-style Wedding at a Ryokan (thermal spa), a Chinese-themed after-party, and finally a Kaiseki Ryori (fancy spa banquet) to wrap up the weekend.  You can see part two HERE.
A group of people walk toward a traditional Japanese shrine. Colorful koi-shaped windsocks fly on a tall pole nearby, while trees and a blue sky are visible in the background.

DAY1: Hokkaido Shinto Shrine, Sapporo

Jinly & Kazuya were married in a traditional Shinto temple surrounded by 2000 flowering cherry trees at the Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo Japan.

This was the most logistically complicated wedding I’ve done yet and it all went off without a problem due to the AMAZING planning skills of Jinly the bride. She and her staff personally coordinated all the travel, transfer, hotel and meals for 120 guests including me and my 2nd photographer.

This Shinto wedding ceremony is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and involves many traditional rituals and customs. It is believed that the gods will bless the couple’s union if the wedding is performed according to traditional Shinto customs.

Shinto weddings are known for their elaborate and colorful ceremonies. The bride and groom wear traditional Japanese attire, with the bride donning a pure white kimono and a white hood, while the groom wears a black kimono with a white haori jacket. During the ceremony, the couple exchanges nuptial cups of sake, signifying their commitment to each other. The wedding is then followed by a series of rituals, including the sharing of sacred food and offerings to the gods.

The Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo is a popular location for Shinto weddings due to its beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring. The shrine’s beautiful grounds offer an idyllic setting for couples to exchange their vows. The cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a symbol of love and hope in Japanese culture and represent the transience of life.

The wedding festivities spanned three days, with the first day being a 20-person dinner for friends at a traditional Japanese restaurant, complete with tatami mats and cushions. The menu consisted of an amazing assortment of seafood, which Hokkaido is known for.

On the second day, the couple and their guests had a busy schedule that included picking up rental clothing, dropping off decor at the restaurant, and spending hours in hair and makeup. The western-style wedding ceremony the following day at an adorable woodland chapel, was followed by a reception at a garden surrounded restaurant. Guests enjoyed traditional Japanese food, Hokkaido hairy crab, plentiful Uni, and many, many drinks. Kanpai!

Overall, Jinly and Kazuya’s wedding was a beautiful representation of blending Japanese and Chinese culture and traditions. The couple’s attention to detail and their willingness to embrace the customs and rituals of Shintoism made their wedding a truly unforgettable experience for their guests. It was such an honor to be included and trusted with such an amazing event.

  • A traditional Japanese wig styled with ornate hairpieces, decorative combs, and floral accessories sits on a mannequin stand. The image is in black and white.
  • A modern building with large windows and a sign in Japanese characters on the rooftop against a clear blue sky.
  • A smiling person with short blue hair and glasses wears a traditional black kimono, standing indoors with a circular wall decoration and a paper in the background.
  • A woman helps a bride adjust her traditional Japanese wedding headpiece, known as a tsunokakushi, in a room. The bride wears white and has an elaborate hairstyle with decorative ornaments.
  • Two men stand indoors; one wears traditional Japanese attire with a kimono and hakama, while the other wears a black suit and tie. They are in a room with a sofa and framed artwork on the wall.
  • Two shrine maidens in white and red robes perform a ritual in front of a bride and groom dressed in traditional Japanese wedding attire, with guests seated in the background inside a wooden hall.
  • A bride in traditional white Japanese wedding attire walks with attendants and family members, all in formal dress, during a wedding ceremony at a shrine. A woman approaches them holding a small object.
  • A black and white photo of a traditional Japanese courtyard surrounded by wooden buildings with tiled roofs, set against a backdrop of tall trees under a lightly clouded sky.
  • Large traditional Korean calligraphy brushes hang on a wooden wall in a sunlit room with tall, grid-patterned windows and weaving looms lined up at the bottom right.
  • A woman in a black kimono smiles warmly at a bride in a traditional white Japanese wedding kimono and headpiece, inside a room with shoji screens and soft natural light.
  • People walk and sit along a wide path lined with blossoming cherry trees and tall evergreens on a sunny day. Some people are enjoying the view, while others are relaxing on benches.
  • A woman dressed in a traditional Japanese bridal kimono and headdress gently touches her lips with her fingertips, looking slightly to the side.
  • Two women in traditional white and red attire serve a drink to a man in black robes inside a Japanese shrine, with wooden walls and soft natural lighting.
  • Two women dressed in traditional Japanese attire stand indoors beside wooden tables, with bottles arranged on shelves behind them. They appear to be participating in a cultural or religious ceremony. The image is in black and white.
  • A traditional Japanese wedding procession, with the bride in a white kimono and headdress, groom in black, and attendants in ceremonial attire, walking outside a Shinto shrine as onlookers watch.
  • A black-and-white photo shows a person kneeling on tatami mats, wearing traditional Japanese bridal attire, including patterned fabric and white split-toe tabi socks.
  • A group of people walk toward a traditional Japanese shrine. Colorful koi-shaped windsocks fly on a tall pole nearby, while trees and a blue sky are visible in the background.
  • A woman in traditional Japanese bridal attire stands with her arms outstretched as another woman kneels and adjusts her kimono from behind in a bright, minimalist room.
  • A woman in traditional Japanese bridal attire stands indoors, looking down with a serene expression. She wears a white kimono and a decorative hat called a tsunokakushi. The image is in black and white.
  • A patterned fabric with brown circular floral designs, green leafy motifs, and vertical pink and red stripes on a white background.
  • A bride and groom in traditional Japanese wedding attire walk outdoors, followed by family and friends. The bride wears a white kimono and headdress, and the groom wears a black kimono with striped hakama. Trees and buildings are in the background.
  • Five women stand in a tatami room with shoji screens, some in black attire and one in a white robe being assisted. Items and boxes are scattered around the floor, creating a sense of preparation or dressing.
  • A group of people in formal attire stand in a line, holding small cups to their mouths, participating in a traditional Japanese ceremony inside a wooden building.
  • A woman dressed in a traditional kimono stands in front of a shoji screen, smiling gently with her hands folded. The black and white photo highlights the elegant patterns of her attire.
  • A bride in traditional Japanese wedding attire ascends a wooden staircase, assisted by three attendants dressed in black, in a bright, wood-paneled interior with large windows and hanging square lanterns.
  • A close-up of the back of a person wearing a traditional Japanese kimono with a decorative obi bow. The fabric features a geometric pattern and the image is in black and white.
  • A large group of people, dressed formally, pose for a photo on the steps of a traditional Japanese shrine. The bride and groom sit in the front row, surrounded by family and friends. The shrine features wooden architecture and a white curtain.
  • A man stands under a wooden temple walkway, wearing traditional Japanese formal attire including a kimono and hakama. He smiles slightly and holds a folded fan in his hands.
  • Close-up side profile of a woman with red lipstick and neatly styled black hair, wearing a white hat. The background is softly blurred, and the mood is calm and contemplative.
  • A person in a patterned kimono is being assisted by another person to tie a wide sash around their waist, inside a room with shoji screens. The scene is in black and white.
  • Close-up of a person’s hands resting on a black textured purse, wearing a gold wristwatch and a traditional kimono with floral patterns and a white obi belt.
  • A Japanese bride in a traditional white kimono and headdress sits with her mother and another man in black formal attire while a woman in a red and white ceremonial outfit stands before them in a room with a sofa and table.
  • A woman in traditional Japanese attire sits with eyes closed as a makeup artist applies makeup to her face. The woman’s elaborate hairstyle is adorned with decorative hairpieces. The setting appears to be a dressing room.
  • A couple poses in a photo studio wearing traditional Japanese wedding attire; the groom is in a black kimono and the bride in a white kimono with a decorative headpiece, standing on a circular rug with a nature backdrop.
  • Two women help dress a bride in a traditional Japanese wedding kimono and headpiece in a bright room with shoji screens. The scene is calm and focused, with attention to detail in the attire.
  • A bride in a traditional white kimono and headdress sits beside an older woman in a black kimono with a patterned skirt, both looking to the side in a softly lit room.
  • A bride and groom in traditional Japanese wedding attire sit side by side during a ceremony, with guests dressed formally and wooden tables in front of them. The setting appears solemn and respectful.
  • A group of people sits outside on wooden chairs. A bride in a traditional white Japanese wedding kimono and headdress gestures to a groom in black kimono. Others nearby are dressed in formal attire, smiling and chatting.
  • A modern Japanese entrance features a wooden slatted door, stone walls, brick pathway, two lanterns, and a large planter with flowering branches and greenery. The building exterior is black with wood and stone accents.
  • A woman wearing a traditional kimono stands in front of an ornate mirror, looking at her reflection in a room with shoji doors. The photo is in black and white.
  • A couple in traditional Japanese wedding attire stands outside a wooden building. The groom wears a black kimono and striped hakama, while the bride wears a white kimono and a tall, rounded headpiece, smiling as they hold hands.
  • A black and white photo of two people wearing traditional clothing. One person smiles joyfully at the other, who looks back with a gentle expression. The background is slightly blurred, showing outdoor greenery.
  • A bride and groom in traditional Japanese wedding attire stand before an officiant in a wooden hall, with seated guests in formal black suits observing the ceremony.
  • A group of well-dressed people, including a man in a suit and a woman in a kimono, stand and raise glasses at a formal event or celebration in a decorated dining room.
  • A bride in a traditional white Japanese wedding kimono steps into a black car, assisted by two people dressed in black suits, surrounded by tall trees in an outdoor setting.
  • Two people in traditional Japanese attire perform a ritual dance with fans inside a wooden shrine. Ornate decorations and lanterns are visible in the background. The image is in black and white.
  • A woman wearing a traditional black kimono with a patterned obi smiles gently, standing indoors near a green potted plant and a wooden screen.
  • A woman in a black kimono stands as two attendants help adjust her outfit, while another woman looks on, smiling, in a traditional Japanese-style room with sliding shoji doors.
  • A woman in a black floral kimono faces a group of people dressed formally, posing for a photo outside a traditional wooden building surrounded by trees and plants.
  • A group of people prepares a person dressed in traditional Japanese attire in front of a wooden building, while another person stands nearby with camera equipment. The scene appears to be a photoshoot. The image is in black and white.
  • A man wearing traditional Japanese formal attire, including a black kimono, hakama with vertical stripes, and white tabi socks, stands outside a wooden building surrounded by rocks and trees, smiling and holding a fan.
  • A large traditional Japanese sake barrel sits in the background, with a stack of small wooden sake cups on a table in the foreground. The image is in black and white.
  • A woman wearing a black floral kimono with red accents stands in front of a shoji screen, smiling gently. Her hair is neatly styled with a flower accessory.
  • A woman stands in a traditional kimono with floral patterns, while two women help adjust her outfit. The scene takes place indoors in front of shoji screens. The image is in black and white.
  • A woman stands outdoors wearing a black kimono with colorful floral patterns and a gold and red obi belt. She has a pink flower in her hair and is smiling, with blooming trees and greenery in the background.
  • A couple in traditional Japanese wedding attire stands in front of a Shinto shrine. The groom wears a black kimono and hakama, while the bride wears a white kimono and a large headpiece. People are seen on the shrine steps behind them.
  • A beautifully set table with wine glasses, orange flowers, and a wooden Japanese sake box holding a rolled napkin, under soft, warm lighting and blurred, festive bokeh in the background.
  • A man and woman wearing traditional Japanese formal attire stand under blooming cherry blossoms, with green trees and a stone lantern in the background.
  • A bride and groom in traditional Japanese wedding attire stand together under cherry blossoms, while six women in colorful kimonos sit nearby, smiling and watching them. Tall trees line the path in the background.
  • A woman in a black kimono with floral patterns stands in the foreground, smiling. Behind her, a man in traditional Japanese attire stands near greenery and a tree. Both appear happy and outdoors.
  • A vibrant red and black Japanese kimono with floral patterns hangs on a hanger in a traditional room, next to a window with wooden lattice, draping elegantly onto a white surface.
  • A couple in traditional Japanese wedding attire stands outdoors under cherry blossom trees, smiling at each other. The groom wears a black kimono, and the bride wears a white kimono with a large headpiece.
  • A person stands with arms outstretched, wearing a black kimono with colorful floral and geometric patterns and a decorative obi sash, in front of a traditional Japanese shoji window.
  • A group of people in traditional Japanese attire descend a wooden staircase, with a woman in a floral kimono at the center. The image is in black and white and captures a formal, possibly ceremonial moment.
  • A tree branch covered in white blossoms extends against a pale blue sky with scattered clouds. The flowers are abundant and delicate, creating a soft, airy scene.
  • A couple in traditional Japanese attire smile and laugh together outdoors, surrounded by lush greenery and a small stream in the background.
  • A smiling couple in traditional Japanese attire laugh together. The man holds a white folding fan, while the woman, wearing a floral hair accessory, leans in close. Both appear joyful and engaged in a celebratory moment.
  • A Japanese bride in a traditional white wedding kimono and headpiece walks with a groom and attendants in ceremonial attire inside a wooden building.
  • Inside a traditional Japanese shrine, people in white robes participate in a ceremony. Decorative fabrics and wooden architecture surround the scene, with natural light coming through the windows.
  • Close-up of a traditional Japanese wedding kimono in white silk with embroidered crane designs, featuring ornate knot and tassel details.
  • A close-up of a stone lantern with a square window and weathered roof, illuminated by soft light, in a garden setting. The background is out of focus with greenery and dark structures.
  • Close-up of a blooming white magnolia flower with blurred buds and branches in the foreground, set against a soft, out-of-focus background.
  • A modern building with tall windows glows warmly at dusk, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone path. Trees and shrubs frame the scene, creating a peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
  • Five adults, three men in suits and two women in formal dresses, one in a kimono, stand together indoors, smiling and posing for the camera against a plain wall. The photo is in black and white.
  • A bride and groom in traditional Japanese attire sit at a decorated table, smiling and clapping. Guests and floral arrangements surround them, with a garden visible through large windows in the background.
  • Three men in suits and glasses smile and gesture cheerfully at the camera; one wears traditional Japanese attire. The atmosphere is lively and friendly in this black-and-white photo.
  • A close-up in black and white of a person wearing an embroidered garment with a textured lace accessory, possibly part of traditional attire, and holding fabric with delicate patterns.
  • A traditional Japanese wedding ceremony in a wooden hall, with the bride and groom in white attire seated at the front, guests seated on both sides, and a priestess performing rituals.
  • Two women wearing black floral kimonos stand close together outdoors, smiling warmly. One wears a red and gold obi and has a flower hair accessory; the other wears a silver obi. Green trees and purple flowers are in the background.
  • Two wooden ladles rest inside a round wooden basin filled with water. The basin has a smooth, polished finish, highlighting the natural wood grain.
  • A bride in traditional Japanese wedding attire stands beside a groom in a formal kimono, surrounded by guests indoors, engaged in conversation. The scene appears candid and ceremonial.
  • A man in a suit receives a small wooden box from another man in traditional Japanese attire during a lively indoor celebration. People in the background are smiling and observing the exchange.
  • A group of people in formal attire gather around a table, raising wooden cups in a toast, with a large sake barrel in the center, in a festive indoor setting.
  • A close-up of neatly folded white napkins placed on wooden trays, arranged in a soft-focus, warm-toned setting.
  • A man wearing traditional Japanese clothing smiles broadly while holding an open folding fan in front of him. The photo is in black and white.
  • A smiling couple in traditional Japanese attire joyfully break open a sake barrel with a wooden mallet during a celebration. The woman wears a floral kimono and the man supports her hand as they share the moment.
  • A wooden boardwalk winds through lush green marsh plants and leafless trees under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
  • A woman in a black floral kimono and red obi smiles as she walks outdoors, while a man in a traditional black kimono stands behind her in a garden setting.
  • A large group of people in formal attire pose for a photo in front of a traditional Japanese shrine, with a bride in a white kimono and a groom in black seated at the center of the front row.
  • A bride in traditional Japanese attire stands in a photography studio while three people assist with her dress and appearance. Studio equipment and shelves with items are visible in the background. The scene is in black and white.
  • A couple in traditional Japanese wedding attire walks together in a wooden corridor. The groom wears a black kimono, and the bride wears a white kimono with a large, round headpiece. The atmosphere is serene and joyful.
  • A pyramid stack of six traditional Japanese sake barrels wrapped in straw, displayed in front of a wooden wall, with a vertical wooden sign featuring Japanese characters on top.
  • A bride in a traditional white Japanese wedding kimono and headpiece stands while two people in black adjust her attire and hair outside a wooden building with columns.
  • A smiling couple in traditional Japanese wedding attire; the bride wears a white kimono and a large headpiece, while the groom wears a black kimono. The photo is in black and white and appears to be taken at a temple.
  • A round dining table set for a formal event with elegant tableware, glasses, and floral centerpieces, positioned by large windows overlooking a garden where several people are gathered.
  • A young child in formal clothing sits on an adult’s lap among a row of people in a wooden hall, looking directly at the camera as a ceremony takes place at the front.
  • A woman wearing a black floral kimono and an ornate red obi stands in front of a mirror, while another person adjusts her obi. Her reflection shows her holding a decorative handbag and her hair adorned with flowers.
  • A large group of people, many in traditional Japanese attire, pose for a photo on temple steps while others gather nearby outdoors, surrounded by tall trees and modern buildings in the background.
  • Branches of a blossoming tree with pink flowers are illuminated against a deep blue evening sky. The tree's twisting limbs create a dramatic silhouette, and faint lights and foliage are visible in the background.
  • A black-and-white photo shows people indoors seen through a glass window. Three people are sitting at a table, smiling and waving. Reflections of trees and other figures standing outside appear on the glass.
  • A person wearing a traditional black floral kimono walks along a lantern-lit stone path in a serene Japanese garden at dusk, surrounded by greenery and blooming trees.