JP OMAKASE

Shinto Weddings

Traditional ceremonies for marriage in Japan are usually only attended by small groups of family members and close friends.  The bridal couple wear special silk wedding kimono – for the bride, the elegant  shiromuku  (white kimono) or the luxurious  iro-uchikake  (coloured kimono), and for the groom, formal black  montsuki  (family crested) kimono with  hakama  (wide-legged pants).

The Shinto religion is native to Japan and this style of wedding is most common amongst Japanese people. Shinto is based on respect for both nature and life, and Shinto shrines are often set amongst cherry blossom trees and other picturesque Japanese flora. The elaborate ceremony, conducted by a Shinto priest, involves the couple exchanging ritual cups of sake to symbolize their union, as well as offering small branches of the sacred sakaki tree to the Shinto deity. Ceremonies take 30 or so minutes and are usually followed by a meal, either at the shrine or a nearby restaurant.

Shrine Ceremony