Eighteen bridal kimono from the Moss Mode series, grouped by colour with the Mt. Fuji scenery each one suits: lake blues, flower-field pinks, snow whites and autumn golds.
For couples thinking of a kimono at Mt. Fuji, here are 18 iro-uchikake from WEDDING AVENUE's "Moss Mode" series. An iro-uchikake is the richly patterned over-kimono worn by Japanese brides; the Moss Mode series is a collection in pale, muted tones. Soft colours do not fight with the blue of the sky, the white of the snow or the seasonal flowers and greenery, which makes them ideal for wide outdoor landscapes. The 18 pieces are grouped into four colour families below, with the Mt. Fuji scenery each one suits best.
About the photos: these photos show the colour and pattern of each kimono. They were taken in our studios and at other locations, not at Mt. Fuji.
Colour families and the scenery they suit
| Colour family | Scenery it suits | Kimono in this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Pale blue and green | The shore of Lake Yamanaka, the fresh green willow path | Kisso Ryokumon, Sanryu Suishoku, Kasai Ryusui, Karaku Kohi, Suika Kenran, Soka Yuga |
| Pale pink and orange | The flower fields, spring scenery | Koharu Hinata, Hinone Kamon, Koten Manmon, Maika Mankai |
| White and cream | A snow-capped Fuji and clear winter skies | Hekirin Hakusetsu, Kaka Kinpaku, Kissho Kamon |
| Beige, gold and vermilion | Autumn leaves and golden foliage | Kotone Kobana, Kikka Karen, Kenran Goka, Kyoka Hakka, Juin Reikei |
Pale blue and green
Colours in the same family as the lake, the sky and young leaves melt into the Mt. Fuji scenery. Because the kimono and the background share a palette, the whole photo feels unified and clear.
Kisso Ryokumon
OMOS01A pale blue kimono. Blue is the bride's "something blue" in Japan too, and on a clear day at Lake Yamanaka it blends softly with the sky and the water.
Sanryu Suishoku
SMOS11Pale blue with a nostalgic spread of flowers. Paired with a paper parasol or the willow path, the gentleness of the colour comes to the fore.
Kasai Ryusui
TMOS06Light blue with white and pink blossoms. Made for the spring flower season, and lovely among the blue nemophila fields in May.
Karaku Kohi
NMOS05A crisp pale green with flowers of every colour. It shines in green surroundings: the fresh leaves of the park or the woods by the lake.
Suika Kenran
YMOS13Calm sage green with large flowers. A grown-up shade that stays elegant and composed even in bright scenery.
Soka Yuga
DMOS17White with fresh green and silver-grey blossoms. A pink-beige lining shows as you move, adding soft warmth to a pure look.
Pale pink and orange
Soft warm tones sit naturally among the flower fields. They suit spring light and the early-summer flower season.
Koharu Hinata
OMOS07Pale salmon pink embroidered with plum and wisteria. Sweet yet grown-up, it gives gentle photos in the spring flower fields.
Hinone Kamon
YMOS14Pale orange with a soft feel. The lining and hem are orange too, so the whole look is light and bright.
Koten Manmon
TMOS08Pale pink, light blue and orange with black and white accents. Classical motifs with a modern air, and the pattern stays crisp in a wide landscape.
Maika Mankai
TMOS09Orange and blue flowers in full bloom, painted in an ink-wash style that adds calm to the brightness.
White and cream
White and cream harmonise with the snow on Mt. Fuji. On a clear winter day the contrast of blue sky and white kimono is beautiful.
Hekirin Hakusetsu
YMOS15Lustrous white woven with soft warm colours. The name means "snow white", and in front of a winter Fuji it looks dignified and clean.
Kaka Kinpaku
DMOS16White flowers scattered across the whole kimono. A gold lining shows as you move, adding richness to the white.
Kissho Kamon
NMOS02Pale cream with painted flowers and a red hem. A slightly relaxed, fashionable feel that suits bright outdoor light.
Beige, gold and vermilion
Beige, gold and vermilion echo the colours of autumn leaves. Their depth gives photos a strong sense of season.
Kotone Kobana
NMOS03White with red maple leaves and temari balls. Retro and charming, and perfect for the autumn foliage season.
Kikka Karen
SMOS04Beige and orange geometric patterns. Warm tones that feel nostalgic among golden autumn leaves.
Kenran Goka
AMOS10Bold flowers across the whole kimono. It holds its own in a big landscape, so it suits compositions with a large Mt. Fuji.
Kyoka Hakka
AMOS12Brown and gold with an adult elegance. Its calm tones settle naturally into deepening autumn scenery.
Juin Reikei
AMOS18Beige layered with nuanced blue and gold for a cool impression. A blue lining gives it a quiet richness.
Wearing a kimono at Mt. Fuji
On the kimono plan of the Mt. Fuji tour you choose an iro-uchikake or a shiromuku (the all-white bridal kimono), and the groom wears a montsuki hakama. The accessories, including the obijime cord, kaiken dagger, sensu fan and zori sandals, are included. Kimono are wrapped and tied to the body, so they fit a wide range of sizes and keep you warmer than a dress in the cooler months. Fittings take place at the studio in Japan; on the kimono plan they can be done on the morning of the shoot if your schedule is tight.
Not every kimono is kept at every studio. If there is one you would like to wear, tell us when you enquire and we will arrange it. The full collection is on the Dress & Kimono page, and the combination plans that let you wear both a kimono and a dress in one day are on the Plans & Prices page.
Questions about iro-uchikake
Can we wear a kimono for the Mt. Fuji location shoot?
Yes. The kimono plan includes an iro-uchikake or shiromuku for the bride and a montsuki hakama for the groom.
Can we wear both an iro-uchikake and a shiromuku in one day?
On the Mt. Fuji + Location Photo plan you can choose two kimono, and on the other combination plans you can pair a kimono with a dress.
Will a kimono fit me?
Yes. Kimono are wrapped and tied, so one size fits most body shapes and heights. Our dressers adjust everything on the day.
Can we try the kimono on before the shoot?
Yes, at the studio where you have your consultation. If you cannot visit beforehand, we advise online and fit you on the morning of the shoot.
Does a kimono work for a non-Japanese bride?
Beautifully. Many of our overseas couples choose a kimono for Mt. Fuji precisely because it is the photo they cannot take anywhere else.
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.
