Where to meet, hour-by-hour schedules from both departure studios, what to bring, and what happens after the shoot.
A Mt. Fuji photoshoot is a location shoot a couple of hours from the city, so it is natural to wonder where you meet, how long it takes and what to bring. This guide walks through the day from arrival at the studio to your return, with sample schedules from both departure studios, Yokohama and Nagoya.
Meet at the Yokohama or Nagoya studio
On the day, you come to WEDDING AVENUE Yokohama or WEDDING AVENUE Nagoya, where hair, makeup and dressing are done before we set off together. Couples staying in Tokyo or Yokohama depart from Yokohama; couples staying in Nagoya, Kyoto or Osaka depart from Nagoya. We arrange all transport to and from the locations, so you can concentrate on the shoot. Addresses and routes are on the Access page. If you would like to meet at the location instead, ask us.
Sample schedule from Yokohama
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 12:00 | Arrive at the Yokohama studio. Hair, makeup and dressing. |
| 13:30 | Depart for the Mt. Fuji locations. |
| 15:30 | Spot 1 shooting starts. |
| 16:15 | Spot 1 finished. |
| 16:20 | Drive to Spot 2. |
| 16:30 | Spot 2 shooting starts. |
| 17:15 | Spot 2 finished. |
| 19:15 | Back at the studio. Change out of your outfit. |
Sample schedule from Nagoya
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Arrive at the Nagoya studio. Hair, makeup and dressing. |
| 10:30 | Depart. About 3 hours' drive to the locations. |
| 13:30 | Spot 1 (about 45 minutes). |
| 14:20 | Drive to Spot 2 (about 10 minutes). |
| 14:30 | Spot 2 (about 45 minutes). |
| around 18:15 | Back at the Nagoya studio. Change out of your outfit. |
About the timing: from Nagoya the drive is longer, so we start early and allow a margin for traffic. Winter follows the same timetable. If you would like an early-morning shoot for the clearest light, mention it when you enquire.
From Yokohama the day is about 7.5 hours from arrival to return; from Nagoya about 9 hours. We explain photo selection and delivery before you leave the studio.
After the shoot
Your edited photos arrive about 3 weeks after the shoot. If you are leaving Japan sooner, express delivery is available.
| Delivery | Timing | Price (per style) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | About 3 weeks after the shoot | Included |
| Express | About 2 weeks | ¥6,600 (tax incl.) |
| Express | About 1 week | ¥11,000 (tax incl.) |
What to bring
- A front-opening layer (cardigan or coat) that you can take on and off without disturbing your hair
- Comfortable shoes for walking at the locations, and warm socks in the cooler months
- Adhesive heat packs in winter; the best place is the waist or stomach, where they do not show through the outfit
- Sunscreen: at 1,000 m the sun feels strong on a clear day
- Something to drink
- Any reference photos for hair and makeup, on your phone is fine
Lake Yamanaka is about 5–6°C cooler than Tokyo. Spring and autumn evenings are chilly and winter mornings can be below freezing, so a warm layer for the drive and the breaks between shots makes the day far more comfortable. Kimono, with its many layers, is warmer than a dress; if you are wearing a dress in a cold month, tell our stylist at the fitting and they will suggest designs and layers that work.
What you photograph at the two locations
At Lake Yamanaka: the lakeshore and sandbar, the boardwalk over the water, and when the wind drops, the mountain reflected in the lake. At Hana no Miyako Park: the seasonal flower fields, the willow-lined path and the open lawn. All seven spots are shown with photos on the locations page.
If the weather worries you
If it rains on the day you can reschedule free of charge, as many times as needed, by contacting us before noon the day before. If it is dry but Mt. Fuji is behind cloud, the Mt. Fuji Special Retouch included in the tour restores the mountain to your favourite 10 photos. More in What if Mt. Fuji is hidden by clouds?
Questions about the day
How long is the whole day?
From Yokohama, about 7.5 hours. From Nagoya, about 9 hours from the 9:00 start to the return around 18:15.
What time does the Nagoya day start?
Hair and makeup start at 9:00 and you depart at 10:30. The early start allows for the drive and any traffic.
Is the winter schedule the same?
Yes. If you would like an early-morning shoot, tell us when you enquire.
Can we meet at the location?
Yes, ask us and we will arrange it.
Can we bring luggage?
Yes. Your bags stay safely at the studio while you are at the locations; bring only what you need on the day.
When will the photos arrive?
About 3 weeks after the shoot, or in 1–2 weeks with express delivery.
Ask us about your Mt. Fuji photoshoot
Send your travel dates and the look you have in mind. We reply in English by email, with no obligation.
