Imagine a bride in an elegant white kimono, her face serene beneath a delicate headdress, walking through Meiji Shrine’s courtyard. The crowd hushes as her procession passes. It’s Taian, the luckiest day in Japan—especially for weddings.
I first photographed this beautiful ceremony in 2018 and returned most recently in March 2025. Each time, the magic is the same. Nothing truly changes about this timeless tradition at Meiji Jingu.
Have you been there? It’s a shrine of enormous cultural significance in Tokyo. Millions of people visit it each year, but when a wedding procession appears, that changes. Visitors drop what they are doing. People scramble to get a good position for a photo. A hush comes over the courtyard.
The wedding processions themselves are a study in grace. The brides, wrapped in exquisite silk kimonos, move gracefully, their white hoods symbolizing purity. Their grooms, wearing a hakama and a kimono-montsuki, stand tall beside them. Priests and shrine maidens lead the couple, followed by attendants, family, and friends, as they proceed slowly across the courtyard to the wedding altar.
The concept of Taian originated in China and is ingrained in Japanese culture. It represents luck, especially for new beginnings. That is why wedding halls have many reservations on these days. As one of Japan’s most important shrines, Meiji Jingu is a premier venue.
But it’s not just for weddings. Are you building a new house, moving, or buying a car? Choose this day. Businesses often choose Taian to establish a company, open a new store, or launch a new product.
Taian means “great peace.” Isn’t that a wonderful sentiment to start a married life?
If you hope to witness a traditional wedding at Meiji Shrine, your best chance is to visit on a Taian day. These colorful, elegant processions bring countless smiles to the shrine’s courtyard and are an unforgettable cultural experience.
Have you ever been to a Japanese wedding? Share your experience in the comments below.
Date of photos: 9 March, 2025
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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