"Do You Know About the 'Bride's Boat'? A Tradition Full of Edo Vibes on the Virgin Road of Water!"

What is the "Yomeiri-bune"?

Look at this scene! A bride in a pure white kimono riding a small boat on a brilliantly red carpet, floating down a river. Doesn't it seem like a beautiful and fresh scene overflowing with Japanese essence, one that you have never seen before?

This is called the "Yomeiri-bune," a unique way of getting married!

What is Yomeiri-bune?

The "Yomeiri-bune" is a wedding ritual that can be seen in water towns across the country. In these water towns, where traveling by boat along rivers was a common daily practice rather than using roads and vehicles like cars, horses, or palanquins, it became customary for brides to also ride boats when going to their future husband's home for their wedding. This ritual recreates that tradition.

Progressing along the water’s virgin road♡

The sight of the bride traveling down the river in a boat towards the place where her husband is waiting feels just like she is progressing along a virgin road on the water. This isn’t just a performance; an actual wedding ceremony is held at the location where the groom is waiting when they arrive.

Here, the bride, having arrived at the shore where the groom awaits after traveling down the river, is guided by her husband as she disembarks from the boat and approaches the ceremonial officiant.

This very mystical and traditional performance is something I would absolutely want to see and try at least once in my life....♡

[Where to Experience Yomeiri-bune] The most famous place is Itako City in Ibaraki Prefecture!

The place that is famous for being able to see the Yomeiri-bune is "Itako Municipal Iris Garden" in Ibaraki Prefecture.

However, it’s not available year-round; you can see the brides riding the Yomeiri-bune during the "Iris Festival," held from late May to June, but only for those lucky brides who win a lottery to participate.

Since taking part in the Yomeiri-bune is incredibly popular, it’s a rare experience that you can only have if you enter and win the lottery...!

[Night] The lighting is simply beautiful＊

"Itako Municipal Iris Garden" features stunning evening light displays and illuminations! While the scene of the bride progressing in her boat amid blooming water irises during the day is lovely, the evening Yomeiri-bune enveloped in sparkling lights is incredibly romantic too. Both daytime and nighttime have their own irresistible charms!

The illuminated water surface and pier create beautiful wedding photos, no matter what moment you capture. It’s like the electrical parade at Disneyland!

It’s happening in places other than Itako City too♡

Another location where you can see Yomeiri-bune, though quite rare, is during the "Iris Festival" at the Suisai Botanical Garden in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture.

The Iris Festival runs for three days, but the Yomeiri-bune is limited to one couple per day. Couples ride on a small boat called a "Sappa-bune," touring the garden's waterways for about 20 to 30 minutes.♩

＼I didn't know!／ Japan's tradition, Yomeiri-bune♡

The Yomeiri-bune is a special and traditional Shinto wedding ceremony where the couple navigates down the river together in a small boat. During their time on the boat, they are continuously blessed with words of congratulations from all the many spectators who came to see the Yomeiri-bune, creating a truly happy atmosphere.

Riding in a boat for the wedding is an incredibly special and traditional experience, allowing friends and family as well as many other people to celebrate the couple's marriage. It’s a wonderful and unique way to celebrate a wedding!

I want everyone to know♡

The traditional wedding method, Yomeiri-bune, can be seen across various locations during early summer each year. It's a lovely Japanese custom you should check out at least once!

If you're considering a wedding in the spring or summer, it might be a good idea to talk to your partner about entering the lottery for this experience! It will surely be an unforgettable wedding!