How We Planned a Mount Aso Proposal from Afar
Japan is full of breathtaking landscapes, from forested mountains and rolling hills to historic shrines and quiet plains. Most visitors only see the busy cities between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, but there is so much more beyond the crowds.
For Joey and Jeng Wei, their road trip started in Fukuoka and ended in Aso. Before the trip even began, Jeng Wei was already planning his proposal. We had a few calls together to discuss ideas and locations, and he knew that Mount Aso, with its dramatic scenery and peaceful surroundings, would be the perfect place.
Because I could not be there in person, careful planning was essential. I researched locations and suggested three options:
Aso Nakadake Crater - One of the largest calderas in the world. Access depends on weather, so careful timing is needed.
Kusasenri Grassland - A wide open plain near the crater with gentle paths and grazing horses.
Mount Mimata - A scenic hiking trail that changes with the seasons and works well at any time of year.
Jeng Wei chose Daikanbo lookout as the main location, a famous viewpoint along the outer rim of the caldera, with Kusasenri as a backup. Since they would arrive at around 2 pm, we planned the shoot carefully, and even checked the sun’s position at that time to make the light fall naturally.
I coordinated closely with my associate, Tah Kitti, who scouted the site early that morning. On the day itself, Jeng Wei shared his live location and a selfie so Tah Kitti could find them quietly and capture the moment.
When everything came together, it felt effortless. The weather was clear, the light was soft, and the timing was perfect. The proposal unfolded naturally, and we even captured a short video to preserve the memory.
Even from afar, I was involved at every step. From planning the locations and timing to coordinating on the day and handling post production, every detail was taken care of.
It was a smooth and meaningful shoot, documenting another couple’s promise to each other just before 2025 ended.
Planning and executing a proposal or intimate shoot in Japan can be stressful. I can make it easier by handling every detail, from choosing the right location to timing the light perfectly. With careful planning, we can pull off your proposal smoothly and capture the perfect moment. Explore my packages to get started.
