Planning an unforgettable autumn pre-wedding photoshoot? If you’re torn between Korea and Japan, you’re not alone. Both countries offer jaw-dropping fall scenery—think vibrant red maples, golden ginkgo trees, and charming cultural backdrops that feel straight out of a romance film. But when it comes to choosing the right destination, there are a few key differences that can shape your dream photoshoot.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 5 key differences between a pre-wedding photoshoot in Korea and a pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan. From the best time to capture peak foliage to the style of backdrops and overall convenience, here’s everything you need to make the right choice.
Contents
At a Glance: Overview Table
| Key Differences | Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Korea | Pre-Wedding Photoshoot in Japan |
| Foliage Timing | Seoul: October – November Jeju Island: September – November | Hokkaido: Early November Kyoto/Osaka/Nara: End November –Early December Tokyo: December |
| Cultural Aesthetic | Palaces, hanbok, and urban fusion | Zen temples, torii gates, and serene charm |
| Photo Locations Variety | Compact but iconic, mostly near Seoul | Broader variety across multiple regions |
| Crowd Levels | Crowded in Seoul, quieter in mountain spots | Popular spots busy, but more hidden gems |
| Transportation & Accommodation | Excellent public transport; most top locations within 30 mins from Seoul hotels | Efficient but more spread out — Japan’s top photo locations span multiple regions, but the bullet train system makes long-distance travel smooth and scenic |
1. Foliage Timing: When to Shoot for Peak Colours
A pre-wedding photoshoot in Korea offers a beautiful window from late September to November, with regional variations making it easy to plan around your travel dates. Jeju Island, known for its coastal cliffs and Hallasan mountain views, sees its autumn colours arrive as early as late September—making it a great early-season choice. Seoul typically peaks from mid-October through early November, turning its palaces, parks, and hanok villages into golden-red dreamscapes.
Fun Fact: Korea’s fall foliage peak often coincides with school festivals and local food events—perfect for couples who want a cultural trip too.
Tip: Try weekday morning shoots to avoid the weekend crowd in hotspots like Nami Island or Seoul Forest.
In contrast, the pre-wedding photoshoot season in Japan starts a bit later, offering more flexibility for couples with end-of-year travel plans. Hokkaido peaks in early November, while Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara reach their fiery-red best between late November to early December. Tokyo follows last, with its golden ginkgo trees glowing beautifully in early December. If you’re travelling in late November or December, Japan might be your perfect pick.
Fun Fact: Japan’s fall foliage season is so iconic that local news stations provide daily “Momiji Forecasts” during autumn.
Tip: Kyoto’s temples like Nanzen-ji and Shinnyodo are especially stunning in early December—go early in the morning for peaceful scenes and golden light filtering through the leaves.
2. Cultural Aesthetic & Visual Style
A pre-wedding photoshoot in Korea often blends tradition and modernity—think stunning palace backdrops, hanbok rentals, and city views. Places like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Namsan Tower, and Nami Island offer iconic yet accessible shooting spots that feel lively and vibrant.
Fun Fact: You can rent hanbok near every major palace, and wearing one often grants free palace entry!
Tip: Match your hanbok’s colour palette with the surrounding foliage for the most stunning contrast.
Meanwhile, a pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan captures a more peaceful and poetic atmosphere. From the Zen-inspired temples of Kyoto to torii gates, tea gardens, and ancient stone paths, Japan’s aesthetic is timeless and often more cinematic—ideal for couples wanting that dreamy, romantic vibe.
Fun Fact: Some of Kyoto’s temples have been filming locations for historical dramas and anime scenes.
Tip: Visit temples like Shinnyodo or Eikando for breathtaking red leaves without the crowds of Arashiyama or Fushimi Inari.
3. Location Variety and Scenic Options
Korea’s top pre-wedding spots are largely concentrated near Seoul, allowing you to capture palace architecture, river views, and forest trails in one trip. This convenience is perfect for couples who want multiple backdrops with minimal travel.
Fun Fact: You can shoot in a traditional hanok village in the morning and a skyscraper garden by sunset—all within 30 minutes’ travel.
Tip: Autumn in Korea can be chilly, especially in late October. Bring layers or stylish outerwear that still matches your shoot theme so you can stay warm without compromising your look.
Seoul Tower picture sourced from lenjourneys.com
On the other hand, a pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan offers a wider geographical range. From the snow-capped views of Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko, to the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, and coastal cliffs in Hokkaido, Japan provides a stunning diversity of landscapes, especially for those willing to explore more than one city.
Fun Fact: Lake Kawaguchiko hosts an annual “Momiji Matsuri” (Maple Festival), where you can enjoy light-ups and autumn markets in November.
Tip: Combine your shoot with a short day trip between Kyoto and Osaka for two styles in one go—traditional temples and urban shots.
4. Crowds & Privacy
Both countries see an influx of tourists during autumn, but Korea’s famous sites like Bukchon Hanok Village and Seoul’s palaces can become very crowded—especially on weekends. However, mountain parks or lesser-known spots still offer peaceful, secluded photo opportunities.
Fun Fact: Early autumn mornings in Seoul’s smaller parks often feel like private gardens—locals won’t arrive until later in the day.
Tip: For palaces, shoot during opening hours on weekdays—crowds are much lighter.
Picture sourced from Seoul Travel Walker
In Japan, popular pre-wedding locations such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Chureito Pagoda can also get busy during peak foliage. Fortunately, Japan offers a rich selection of hidden gardens and quiet temples where photographers can help you shoot in peace without heavy foot traffic.
Fun Fact: Japan’s rural temples often require a small entrance fee—but that also means fewer visitors and more privacy.
Tip: Ask your photographer to recommend lesser-known temples, like Manshuin or Otagi Nenbutsu-ji in Kyoto, for quiet shoots with rich autumn scenery.
Picture sourced from japan-guide.com
5. Transportation & Accommodation
A big part of planning your pre-wedding photoshoot is figuring out how easy it is to get around—and where to stay. Korea offers an incredibly efficient and compact transportation system. In cities like Seoul, most major photoshoot locations (like palaces, parks, and photo studios) are within a short subway ride or taxi trip. Hotels, hanok stays, and even indoor studios are often just a few minutes apart, which makes planning a smooth, time-efficient itinerary super easy.
Fun Fact: Seoul’s subway system is one of the most efficient in the world, with stations located near most top photoshoot spots—including palaces, hanok villages, and riverside parks.
Tip: Stay in central Seoul (like Myeongdong or Hongdae) to be within 30 minutes of most iconic shoot locations—perfect for squeezing multiple looks into one day without switching hotels.
Japan, on the other hand, has an expansive and reliable railway system, but key photo spots are more spread out across different regions. For example, you might shoot in Kyoto one day, then travel to Lake Kawaguchiko or Hokkaido the next. This adds some adventure, but also means you’ll need to plan for longer transit times and possibly multiple hotel stays. However, the trade-off is a much wider variety of scenic backdrops.
Fun Fact: Japan’s legendary bullet trains (Shinkansen) can reach speeds up to 320 km/h—so couples can travel between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in just a few hours while enjoying scenic views.
Tip: When planning a multi-city shoot, get a JR Pass to save money and time on intercity train travel—it’s a popular choice for couples exploring multiple foliage locations like Kyoto, Fuji, and Hokkaido.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Autumn Shoot?
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant palaces and hanok villages of Korea, or the serene temples and breathtaking landscapes of Japan, both countries offer incredible autumn settings for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Your final choice depends on your style, budget, and dream visuals—but either way, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories and gorgeous photos.
Why choose OneThreeOneFour?
We’re trusted by over 3,000 couples for a reason. Our pre-wedding packages are all-inclusive with no hidden costs—you don’t have to worry about covering the crew’s travel or accommodation. We work with top local photographers who know the best seasonal spots and lighting. You just show up and enjoy the magic—we’ll handle the rest.
Book your autumn pre-wedding photoshoot in Japan or Korea now with OneThreeOneFour!
Let your love story shine among red maple leaves and golden sunsets!
