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There’s something undeniably magical about spring in Japan, and for this couple, that magic unfolded in the quiet beauty of Wakayama. Arūnas Valinskas & Aira Ragauskaitė Cherry Blossom Elopement in Wakayama was a two-day celebration that blended heartfelt tradition with the calm elegance of coastal Japan.
Morning of the ceremony
On the morning of their ceremony, Arūnas Valinskas and Aira Ragauskaitė prepared at a peaceful ryokan nestled in a rustic fishing town by the ocean. With no beaches in sight, only the rhythm of fishing boats and the sound of waves accompanied their slow, thoughtful start to the day.
They made their way to Nachi Taisha Shrine, one of the most sacred places in Japan. Surrounded by ancient forest and perched high above the sea, Nachi Shrine offered a breathtaking backdrop for their Shinto wedding ceremony. The couple took part in the San-san-ku-do ritual, exchanged rings, and even read vows to each other in their native language. Yes, you can exchange rings and read personal vows during a Shinto shrine ceremony, making the experience both deeply traditional and uniquely your own.
Following the ceremony, they continued to explore the region’s iconic sites: the towering Nachi Waterfall, Japan’s tallest single-drop waterfall cascading beside the shrine; the majestic Kumano Hongu Taisha torii gate; and the rocky cliffs of Senjojiki, where they captured golden-hour portraits beneath a glowing sunset.
The second day
The next morning, they set off again for more photo adventures. They crossed a striking red bridge, paused by a quiet waterfall, and took in panoramic views at Oishi Kogen (Oishi Highlands). A slow break at a local coffee shop gave them time to reflect before returning hand-in-hand to the moment.
For couples drawn to Japan’s natural charm and cultural richness, a Cherry Blossom Elopement in Wakayama offers something extraordinary. It’s a less-traveled path, one where you can immerse yourselves in history, beauty, and each other.
Curious how to plan your own shrine wedding? Here’s a look at a shrine elopement in Tokyo, where tradition meets urban elegance.
If you’re dreaming of your own Cherry Blossom Elopement in Wakayama, explore our Japan Elopement packages or contact us to begin your journey.
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Hi, I'm Henry.
I LEAD Your Elopement Experience Design & Planning team integrating Photography & Cinematic videography.
For over a decade, we’ve travelled throughout Japan, planning and documenting over 300 elopements and intimate weddings for couples from around the world.
We want to know what draws you to Japan and what excites you about getting married here. We want to know what makes you feel seen and heard so that we can create an experience around the two of you that you’ll never forget.
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