Your presence is our present. There is no need to give us anything! REALLY. We mean it. That being said, we know some of you are stubborn. If you feel like you must get us something, wedding money in a special envelope (Goshuji-bukuro) is the Japanese tradition. If you would rather buy us something, please have it sent directly to our Tokyo apartment - there will be no gift table at the wedding! Here's a list with some ideas: https://www.amazon.co.jp/hz/wishlist/ls/1HQ9QZKP2RK4H/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_3
Black-tie optional. Dress to impress, but we don't expect to be the Met Gala. Want to wear a kimono or hakama? Feel free! We recommend making an appointment for a formal )not casual) rental - here is an option for a vendor: https://andotkyoto.jp/en/home/
The SODOH Higashiyama is a 15 minute taxi or a 20 minute bus ride from Kyoto station. To catch the bus, take the 206 or 86 Kyoto city bus towards Kiyomizu-dera temple. Get off at Kiyomizumichi station. Tickets are 230 yen.
Only people named on the invites may attend. It's a small venue, so we are very limited on numbers!
Unfortunately, while we love your little ones, they cannot attend the ceremony or reception. They are absolutely welcome at Karaoke though! If you are traveling with kids please get in contact with Stephanie and she will help arrange (English speaking) childcare for the day of the wedding and make sure she includes them in the post party head count.
We honestly recommend you come for at least two weeks - the long flight and jet lag aren't worth it otherwise! We have tried to make this easier by scheduling near Thanksgiving so you hopefully can take one or two fewer vacation days. There is so much to do besides our recommendations in the Things to Do tab! We've kept the list to Kyoto's highlights, but if you are flying in or out via Narita or Haneda, we have a list for Tokyo too! We hope you aren't coming just for us - we're just an excuse to finally visit the land of the rising sun. Let us know if you need help booking harder to get tickets (like Ghibli or Nintendo museums) or someone to explain the basics of navigating public transport (IC cards are a godsend, and there are apps to get them on your phone now!).