For A Dreamy Pre-Wedding Photoshoot In Japan, Try Tottori

Summer (June to September): Pristine Waters and Lush Flowers

I clearly remember my first time visiting Uradome Beach in Iwami Town. Upon seeing the pristine waters splashing against the ragged cliffs, my jaw dropped. I was told that the waters are as clear as the ones in Okinawa (a more famous tourist attraction in Japan).  You could even paddle along the tranquil coast in a transparent canoe to properly take in the stunning coastline that stretches for 15 kilometres.

Another great option in the summer season is Jinpukaku, a European style building constructed at the end of the feudal age in 1907.  Set at the base of the castle ruins, it is at once regal and serene, a stately white wooden building featuring open verandas, brick fireplaces and a beautiful wooden spiral staircase that has become a key feature of its architecture.

Jinpukaku

Aside from having a magnificent dome bursting with vibrant blooms, the Tottori Flower Park also features a one-kilometre circular walkway flanked by countless varieties of flora.  A flower train also takes you around the park lasting 20 minutes at a leisurely pace.  If summer is too hot for the flower park, a great option is to visit between mid-November and mid-January for that extra sparkle in your photos. On the website of the Tottori Flower Park, you can easily find the illumination and fireworks schedule.

If you are looking for something a little more modern and edgy, the Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography is the one for you. The technicolour blue summer skies set off the stunning lines of the building vividly and even comes with a breathtaking view of Mount Daisen from the gallery.

Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography

Autumn (September to November): Sand Dunes and Hot Springs

Sand dunes

The sand dunes are Tottori's main attraction — it is also the largest sand dune attraction in Japan.  Formed by the sediment deposits carried from the Chugoku Mountains by the Sendai River into the Sea of Japan, the dunes are exceptional due to the proximity to the ocean.  When we were at the top of the highest dune, two eagles started to circle us for a good ten minutes. It was breathtaking.

Another lovely spot for autumn is the spa resort, Misasa Onsen. The name "Misasa" (meaning "three mornings") comes from the belief that one who stays for three mornings in the town's famous hot springs will find all of his or her ailments cured.  Its quaint alleys also make up a charming backdrop for strolling in traditional yukatas.

Misasa Onsen

Winter (December to February): Fresh Snow and Warm Hearts

Go au naturel

Perhaps the best season of all is winter.  Expect inches of thick snow around late January to early February.  As Tottori is the least populated prefecture in all of Japan, white-topped fields can be found everywhere.  To our disbelief, we even found an impeccably art-directed-like scene that was completely au naturel.

You can also find snow-capped roofs at  Ishitani Residence, a beautiful 40-room building which hails all the way from the Edo period (17th - 19th century).  A number of its buildings have been designated Important Cultural Properties and its gardens are a registered Place of Scenic Beauty.  In the event of heavy snowfall, you can even stay cosy indoors in your period costumes.

Instead of the usual shooting places where you need to fight for a good spot, Tottori is the perfect destination for your pre-wedding shoot with a fantastic range of photo gems.  No longer do you have to scramble for the best locations. In fact, the whole vista is for your taking.

Check out the video to see for yourself:

Ishitani Residence

396 Chizu, Yazu District, Tottori 689-1402, Japan

Tottori Flower Park

110 Tsuruda, Nambu, Saihaku District, Tottori, Japan 683-0217

Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography

353-3 Sumura, Hoki, Saihaku District, Tottori, Japan 689-4107