Breathtakingly Romantic: Japan’s “Leaf Chapel” Lets Sunlight Filter Through Veins Like Starlight

Reported by You t
ru / Special Feature

Where is the most unforgettable place to exchange a once-in-a-lifetime vow? At the “Leaf Chapel” in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, couples get married inside two giant “leaves,” where magical chapel lights shine through the veins, twinkling like stars against the night sky. For many couples, the incredibly romantic atmosphere makes this an ideal choice for their special day.


▲ The Leaf Chapel “ZONA” in Yamanashi Prefecture was awarded the prestigious D&AD Award in 2005. (Photo / Provided by Hoshino Resorts)

The Leaf Chapel “ZONA” in Yamanashi Prefecture—“ZONA” means “sacred place” in Italian—was awarded the prestigious D&AD Award in 2005. Designed by Klein Dytham architecture (KDa), the chapel is ingeniously situated amidst pristine mountains and clear waters. Its ceiling represents two of the countless leaves that symbolically drift down from Mount Yatsugatake.

The “leaves” of the chapel are dotted with tiny holes arranged in a four-leaf clover pattern. Morning sunlight dances on the water of the chapel’s front pond, while floral-patterned chairs complement the surrounding greenery. At night, the glow from within creates a dreamlike ambiance.


▲ Morning sunlight sparkles on the pond in front of the chapel, while floral-patterned chairs complement the surrounding greenery. (Photo / Provided by Hoshino Resorts)


▲ At night, the glow from within the chapel creates a dreamlike ambiance. (Photo / Provided by Hoshino Resorts)

“What impressed me most about this chapel was an elderly couple who had been married for about 50 years and came to the Leaf Chapel to renew their vows,” said Tomohisa Kato, General Manager of the Leaf Chapel. Most Japanese couples don’t choose to hold a second wedding ceremony in a church decades after marriage, so their story deeply moved him. That’s why he wants to introduce more people to this stunningly beautiful “Leaf Chapel.”

Beyond symbolizing leaves, the chapel’s semicircular shape reflects in the water, forming a complete circle above and below the surface—symbolizing “wholeness.” Tomohisa Kato describes how the specially designed chapel, when its top opens, resembles lifting a bride’s veil—a moving sight. This adaptable structure can open or close as per the couple’s preference, creating unique and touching scenery both day and night.


▲ The chapel’s semicircle reflects in the water, forming a complete circle above and below the surface—symbolizing “wholeness.” (Photo / Provided by Hoshino Resorts)

Beyond hosting weddings, the entire Risonare Yatsugatake resort offers various honeymoon experiences for couples. In winter, they can enjoy skiing, while summer provides horseback riding. Fresh seasonal fruits are available year-round, and the resort’s VINO SPA—crafted with homemade wine—helps brides (and grooms) look radiant before and after the big day.

Bringing Hoshino Resorts’ traditional Japanese chapel weddings to Taiwan, TANG Gui-zhen, General Manager of TANG Gui-zhen Travel Agency (the official agent of Hoshino Resorts in Taiwan), said the uniqueness of the Leaf Chapel draws 400 to 500 Japanese couples each year, with nearly daily bookings. He hopes more Taiwanese can experience this distinctive Japanese-style chapel wedding.

A special package for Taiwanese couples has just been launched at the Leaf Chapel. The all-inclusive price of ¥111,900 covers chapel usage, a priest-led ceremony, organ accompaniment, floral arrangements, a non-legally binding marriage certificate, a petal shower, plus bridal makeup, hairstyle, wedding photography, a wedding assistant, and two nights’ accommodation.