A Proposal in One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Gardens
Shijie was looking to propose to his girlfriend, Priscillia, at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. Known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen is a must-visit destination for those who appreciate traditional Japanese landscapes. The name Kenrokuen means “Garden of the Six Sublimities,” representing spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. The six qualities that make it a perfect garden according to Chinese landscape theory. The garden also features tranquil ponds, arched bridges, teahouses, winding paths, and hidden corners, making it worth the visit.
Planning the Perfect Spot
Before the proposal, we discussed possible locations around Kanazawa. The list included Kenrokuen Garden for the main event, Castle Park, Higashi Chaya District for its traditional charm, and Mount Utatsu for sweeping city views. Finding a romantic location within Kenrokuen itself was not difficult, as the garden is full of enchanting spots perfect for an intimate proposal.
Autumn in Full Color
Since we visited during autumn, the garden was painted in warm tones of orange and red. Most of the maple trees in full color could be found near Yamazakiyama on the eastern side of the garden, close to the Kodatsuno Gate. Nearby, the Meiji Monument, a bronze statue dedicated to the soldiers who died in the Seinan War, added a quiet sense of history to the already meaningful scene.
The Day of the Proposal
Since the weather was unpredictable, I visited the site a day before to scout the area and arrived early on the day of the shoot to check the conditions. We decided to make the most out of it no matter what.
When the perfect moment finally came, Shijie got down on one knee and asked Priscillia the golden question. Surrounded by the calm garden and the warm autumn colors, their happiness shone in every photo. The weather was on that day was a mix of rain and clear moments, but we made the most of it and captured some beautiful shots. We even got a nice umbrella that went really well with the vibe we were capturing.
Strolling Through the Beauty of the Garden
After the proposal, we continued exploring the 11.4-hectare garden, capturing more photos as the couple shared quiet moments together. Every corner offered a new perspective: bridges, ponds, stone lanterns, and winding paths, making it the perfect backdrop to celebrate the beginning of their new journey together. Every area offered something unique, and the couple’s photos looked like they were shot in different locations because of it. We were hitting multiple birds with one stone during this shoot.
Let Me Help You Plan
If you are looking for photoshoot location ideas across Japan or searching for a photographer to help you plan your proposal, I would love to be part of your story. You can choose from my photography packages and freely share your ideas with me to make your proposal day as seamless and memorable as possible. Let’s create something timeless together and capture a moment you will treasure forever.
