Making a Surprise Proposal Happen in Japan

Surprise is one of the seven universal human emotions. It creates meaningful memories, strengthens emotional bonds, and often becomes a powerful expression of affection. For Wei Chuan, surprise was especially important, as his girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancée, Carina, genuinely loved being surprised.

During their trip to Japan, Wei Chuan secretly booked a one-night stay at The Garden Hotel Tokyo, while Carina believed they were simply going on a short day trip. What she did not know was that this overnight stay was only the beginning of something much bigger.

The hotel stay was not the only surprise waiting for Carina. Wei Chuan had also been quietly planning a proposal. As with all surprise shoots, we coordinated closely in advance to plan the details and timing carefully.

Since it was both of their first times in Japan, Wei Chuan asked for my recommendations on a location that felt peaceful, scenic, and intimate. After discussing several options, he agreed on Lake Kawaguchiko.

Lake Kawaguchiko offered everything Wei Chuan was looking for. We chose a quieter stretch near the Music Forest Museum where nearby, Nagasaki Park extends into the lake, offering an open view of Mount Fuji when the weather is clear.

Another reason this location worked well is its seasonal beauty. Different flowers bloom throughout the year, making it a reliable and beautiful setting regardless of the month. Since we visited in early August, the greenery was full and vibrant, adding to the natural charm of the scene.

Once we arrived, I positioned myself discreetly to give the couple space while still being able to capture the moment. When Wei Chuan went down on one knee, and Mount Fuji revealed itself in the background. For someone who loved surprises, this was likely the hardest one to top. A proposal in Japan, surrounded by nature, with Mount Fuji standing quietly behind them.

After Carina said yes, I gave them a few moments to themselves before introducing myself so we could continue with photos around the area.

We continued walking through the area, taking photos as they explored together. Their outfits complemented each other effortlessly. Wei Chuan’s dark coat paired well with Carina’s darker bottoms, while her white top matched his inner layer beautifully on camera.

They enjoyed the experience just as much as the results. Later, Carina shared her appreciation on Instagram, saying, “We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for capturing our milestone moment. It was such a fun time taking those shots with you as well.”

Moments like this are why I love what I do. From pre-planning and coordination to the shoot itself and the final deliverables, this experience was rewarding from start to finish. Choosing photography as my career has allowed me to meet incredible people and tell their stories through meaningful moments like this one.

If you are planning a trip to Japan and looking for a reliable photographer to capture your proposal, engagement, or special milestone, feel free to reach out. I would love to help bring your story to life.