How to Propose in Kyoto: Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

Simon & Rebecca's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

We met at a concert over twenty years ago!

What is your love story?

Initially we were childhood sweethearts, however after a few years apart we got back together and have been for the last ten years. Rebecca is my soul mate, my best friend and the love of my life.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Having both been interested in going to Japan together for many years, when we finally decided to book it I just knew that it would be the right place. Especially Kyoto, somewhere so naturally beautiful and filled with amazing history. It’s a city that reminds me of Rebecca and now it will forever.

What is your proposal story?

On the day I had to act calm and casual, which having known someone as long as I have Rebecca was easy. We’d had a good few days before in Tokyo and Osaka and were already on the holiday of our lives. I just tried to continue that on the day and told Rebecca that we had to visit this shrine. When we booked to go to Japan she had shared a picture of the bridge there, so she was excited for a picture on her phone!

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

Embrace it! Kyoto is packed filled with fantastic places. Enjoy the city and the culture on every corner and find the right spot. Whilst it can be busy in parts, there are so many wonderful places like this that aren’t as busy. Be clever with your timing and do some research first into how busy the area you are planning is.

Proposed in Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Yoshi in Kyoto for Flytographer

Serkut's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

School

Proposed in Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Gareth & -'s Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

OKCupid

What is your love story?

-

What made you choose this proposal destination?

She had previously mentioned of her ideal proposal as overseas. Kyoto, Japan seemed like a great location.

What is your proposal story?

We went early at 6am to take photos. There were already a handful of people around the Gion streets but most were very accommodating to allow us to take the shots. Recommend Coo and Yurika - they can fill you in with more details.

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

(1) Time - 6am is good. Any later and the crowd streams in pretty fast at Gion / Kiyomizu Dera (2) Maruyama park is great for nature shots and just nearby (3) Autumn foliage cuts into late November nowadays, probably cant get much in Oct/ early Nov (4) Check the weather, we had typhoon the next two days post-proposal, so it was a lucky thing for us

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Kyle & Grace's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

Sports

What is your love story?

I knew my partner was the one because I can open up to her and I feel so comfortable around her. She honestly understands me better than I do. However, there was no specific day or event that caused me to know. We would spend all of our time together and over time we got to know each other more and more. Now I can't imagine a day without her being in my life.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Japan felt like a great proposal destination, since it had a lot of beautiful scenery and we were going to spend a few weeks in Japan. My partner also had hinted that she would like the proposal to happen somewhere scenic, and since my partner grew up in Asia, Japan seemed like a good choice.

What is your proposal story?

We spent the morning at Himeji castle, and then sauntered our way over to Osaka, where Coo was waiting for us at Osaka castle. I was super nervous, and was stressed about trying to get everyone over to Osaka at the agreed upon time, to the point that I forgot most of the speech I had prepared. Luckily, Coo was there to capture the photos and to guide us through an engagement photoshoot, despite my nervousness.

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

Stores open late at 11 am and close around 6-8pm, though some stores are willing to deliver products (e.g. flowers). There's a lot of tourists, so finding locations can be tricky, especially if you want it to be a bit more private.

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Andy & Michelle's Proposal Story in Kyoto

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Adem & Quynh's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

We met 10 years ago. I knew she was the one as soon as I met her in person through a friend. She was the most kind, caring, sweetest beautiful person I’ve ever met. And the longer I get to know her the more I grew to love her and know what an amazing person she is. As years gone by, we both grew up, went through challenges, and grow together. She’s pushes me to become a better man. She became an even more wonderful women! I’ve always known she was the one for me, and I have chosen her from day one.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Our first date was at a Japanese barbecue, we both love sushi, and we both love, Japan!

What is your proposal story?

Since she’s planned our whole Japan trip. I asked if I was allowed to just plan one day to show her something special about Japan that she does not have on her list. We came to the proposal location, and Coo (photographer) pretended to be a local photographer that offer to shoot some free photos and if we like it, then we can pay him and that’s when the magic happens.

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

Go early in the morning. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a nice heel for your significant other in a backpack or bag.

Proposed in Kyoto in October

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

David & Jee Hong's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

Friends/Family

What is your love story?

Our love story is a testament to the power of time, resilience, and deep connection. After being together for almost four years, the longest relationship I've ever had, it became evident that my partner was "the one" for me. We have weathered tough times together, demonstrating our unwavering commitment and support for one another. The bond we share is incredibly strong, and we feel completely comfortable in each other's presence. These factors combined made it clear that we were meant to be together and solidified my belief that my partner is "the one" for me.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

When selecting the destination for my proposal, I was drawn to this particular place due to its sheer beauty and captivating historical architecture. It was a city that held an allure for both of us, as we had never been there before. What truly sealed the decision was the fact that it offered a balance between nature and urban charm, with a greater emphasis on natural landscapes. The combination of stunning aesthetics, untouched natural beauty, and the allure of exploring a new city made it the perfect choice for such a special occasion.

What is your proposal story?

On the big day, I faced a few challenges as I had to carefully conceal the ring for about a week leading up to the proposal. I didn't want anyone to catch wind of my plans, so I went to great lengths to be discreet. When the much-awaited day arrived, nerves consumed me. I had written a heartfelt letter for her and chose to propose in a public setting. Seeing her touched by the gesture brought immense joy to my heart, and I am overjoyed that she said yes. It was a truly memorable and special moment that I will cherish forever.

Best tip for proposing in Kyoto

If you're planning to propose in Kyoto, it's a good idea to meet early. Getting to the location as early as possible will allow you to avoid the crowds and capture those special moments in a more intimate setting. Kyoto attracts a larger number of tourists than you might expect, so planning ahead and arriving early can ensure a more secluded and magical atmosphere for your proposal.

Proposed in Kyoto in May

Photo Shoot Location: Higashiyama District

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Anna & Jeff's Proposal Story in Kyoto

How did you meet?

Bumble

What made you choose this proposal destination?

We both wanted to visit Japan during the Sakura season.

Proposed in Kyoto in April

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

charles's Proposal Story in Kyoto

What is your love story?

Our cat, Greco, was diagnosed with cancer last year. It was a tough time for us and the vets didn't give him much time to live. However, Fiorella was willing to go into debt and do anything possible to ensure that he get the best treatment possible. She truly went above and beyond with her care of him, and he was able to survive a year longer than what the Vets thought. Seeing how much she cared for her cat made me realize this is the person that I want to be the mother of my future children. If something were to ever happen to me, I'd be at peace knowing they'd be well taken care of and loved by her.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I always knew I wanted it to be in Japan due to our mutual love for Japanese culture. I am of Chinese heritage and the Bamboos represent the values of strength, integrity, and loyalty. Fiorella is obsessed with plants so I knew I wanted the proposal spot to involve nature somehow.

What is your proposal story?

We woke up super early at 5am to get ready for the photoshoot. We knew that we needed to get to the forest early before the crowds came. We were getting close to the proposal site and that's when the photographer signaled that it was time to propose. The problem is that people were already at the forest so I had to wait a bit. I got down on one knee and started to propose. My girlfriend thought I was playing a prank on her and wouldn't believe that the proposal was real! I didn't expect that a truck would come and that a crowd would start to gather. Fortunately the crowd and truck were patient when they saw I was proposing. I had an epic speech ready but I honestly forgot everything in the moment. At least I was able to remember to ask if she'd marry me!

Proposed in Kyoto in December

Photo Shoot Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Marcus's Proposal Story in Kyoto

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Kyoto is a beautiful city with amazing backdrops.

What is your proposal story?

Under the guise of family photos, we walked to a secret bamboo grove that our photographer knew about. He gave us the cues to get ready and to propose. She said "yes!" and our pictures are amazing.

Proposed in Kyoto in November

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Dean's Proposal Story in Kyoto

What is your love story?

We met on a plane to church camp ( corny I know ! ) I knew she was the one because I didn’t need to ask myself , simple as that .

What made you choose this proposal destination?

Japan is a completely different culture and looks straight out of a fairytale , and I my queen deserves a fairytale proposal.

What is your proposal story?

I was shaking ( apparently I hadn’t noticed ), she wanted to move passed the proposal location and I had to

Proposed in Kyoto in April

Photo Shoot Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Lucas in Kyoto for Flytographer

Robin's Proposal Story in Kyoto

What is your proposal story?

We rented a set of kimonos and did the photoshoot by Coo, which was meant as a total surprise (it was disguised as a photoshoot package around Kyoto in the kimonos). Coo gave recommendations on where to shoot, and he even updated me along the way of my trip of the weather plans for Kyoto. Fortunately, he had forecasted well and change the venue of the proposal shoot, as the salura season came early to Kyoto. The revised proposal location was equally beautiful and I’m Glad Coo was so meticulous and attentive in his planning. He placed importance on this photoshoot and ensured that it went really smoothly. Lots of personal attention.

Proposed in Kyoto in April

Photo Shoot Location: Custom Route

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer

Samuel's Proposal Story in Kyoto

What is your love story?

Jazelle and I met on Instagram. I created a "blasian" instagram account to connect all blasians around the world. I would follow all blasians and shout them out on that page for people to follow them. Jazelle being blasian as well found my personal page from that blasian instagram page. She ended up commenting on one of my photos and the rest is history.

What made you choose this proposal destination?

I knew she liked cherry blossoms a lot. I started planning ahead for our future vacation so that it would line up with cherry blossom season in Japan. After that I started researching where are good cherry blossom spots in Japan. I ended up liking the concept of proposing then taking a romantic walk through Philosopher's Path.

What is your proposal story?

The proposal went excellent. I expected it to go very well and it did better than that. I did have a plan with taking the taxi there but that morning of the proposal, I couldn't find one at first and I did panic a little lol When I did find one, we ended up getting to the proposal spot a little too early. I took my time walking around the river area where Coo was going to be until I found him. Thanks to him taking photos of us from far away, I was able to find him lol Once spotting him, I pointed at the cherry blossom pedals built up in the river by Coo to show Jazelle how awesome that looked. We walked closer till I was close enough for Coo to approach us once we started taking selfies. His approach to us was flawless, no suspicion whatsoever. Jazelle had no idea this was going to be a proposal from the being all the way until Coo said , "ok now give me a romantic one" and I got on one knee. lol She was very surprised and even cried. I told her we have more pictures to take after this and she stopped crying asap to keep her makeup in place lol We then took more engagement photos along philosphers path and honen temple. The entire session was beautifully done, well executed and we had blast. Can't thank Coo enough.

Proposed in Kyoto in April

Photo Shoot Location: Philosopher's Path

Coo and Yurika in Kyoto for Flytographer