FAQs

Question

What can I expect if I attend your wedding?

Answer

Our celebration will consist of a Ceremony ONLY. A reception will not be held following the event. We deeply appreciate your love and support as we share this special moment together in Japan.

Question

What should I wear to the wedding?

Answer

Dress to Impress: Conservative and Elegant. Men's Attire: Wear a black suit with a brighter necktie. Women's Attire: Wear a dress or an outfit with sleeves that cover your arms and knees. Accessories: If you decide to wear a sleeveless dress or outfit, it's customary to wear a shawl or scarf to cover shoulders, as exposed skin is not appropriate. Footwear: Please wear socks with dress shoes, or stockings with heels or flats. Open-toed shoes and sandals are generally not appropriate. (You will need to remove your shoes during the ceremony, so wearing socks or stockings is important — going barefoot inside the shrine is not allowed.) Color Restrictions: Avoid wearing white or overly bright colors, as they are considered inappropriate for Shinto ceremonies.

Question

Can I bring my friends and/or family to your wedding?

Answer

Unfortunately due to the unique nature of the shrine, there is very limited seating (36 guests max), which majority will be filled with immediate family members. Uninvited guests cannot be accommodated inside the shrine or reserved seating area. However, if you are traveling with friends and/or family, they are welcome to stand outside of the shrine and watch the ceremony, provided they are respectful of the shrine's rules. The Maiden Shrine's open design allows the ceremony to be visible from the sidewalk. Please understand that all seating has been carefully reserved, and uninvited guests may not occupy the reserved area. We greatly appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the ceremony smooth and special for everyone.

Question

Will you have time to travel or sightsee with guests while in Japan?

Answer

As our wedding destination will also serve as our Honeymoon, we'll be taking this time to enjoy the trip as newlyweds. Because of that, we may not be able to accompany guests for all sightseeing or travel activities. We will, however, share our general plans for those who may wish to join us on certain days. We’re truly grateful for your understanding; and will provide a list of cool spots to visit so you can enjoy your time and make the most of your trip! Reference the "Things To Do" tab!

Question

What are the cultural Do's and Don'ts when visiting Japan?

Answer

Japan has a beautiful cultural emphasis on respect — both for others and for oneself — and we hope you’ll enjoy experiencing that spirit during your visit. Some customs may feel new, but embracing them can be a wonderful and memorable part of your trip: • Be on time. In Japan, punctuality is a sign of respect. • Greet with a bow instead of a handshake. • Gesture with an open hand. Pointing with one finger is considered impolite. • Avoid eating while walking. Food is typically enjoyed seated or while standing in designated areas. • Stay quiet on public transportation. Keep conversations low, avoid phone calls, and generally refrain from eating (the shinkansen bullet train is the main exception). • Chopsticks are the norm. Forks are not always available, so get that practice in! • On that note, don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice and avoid passing food directly from chopstick to chopstick, as these are gestures associated with funeral rituals. • Ordering is usually done as-is. Substitutions are uncommon and can be seen as disrespectful to the chef. • Avoid splitting one entrée between two people. If someone in the party isn’t eating, it’s best for them to simply wait outside (we know — this one hits different!). • Slurp your noodles!! It’s considered a compliment to the chef and shows you’re enjoying the meal. • When toasting, raise your glass gently. No clinking glasses. • Do not tip. • Be prepared to remove your shoes. Many homes and some restaurants require it — so pack socks without holes! • Carry your trash. Public trash bins are rare. Dispose of trash at convenience stores or designated areas. • Queue respectfully. Line up neatly and avoid blocking walkways, especially when in a group. • A little language goes a long way. Fluency isn’t expected, but effort is warmly appreciated: Konnichiwa - Hello Sumimasen - Excuse me / I’m sorry Arigatou gozaimasu - Thank you very much Oishii - Delicious