READING TIME: 3 min 27 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/15/2025
When Yukari Ueno Experiences first stepped into the world of weddings, it wasn’t as a planner but as part of the service staff at a wedding venue. “A friend invited me to work part-time at a wedding venue, and I worked as a service staff. I saw so many weddings that I wanted to do more of them. Also, I wanted to spend my time and to place myself in a space filled with love,” she recalls.
That simple beginning blossomed into a calling. Witnessing joy, gratitude, and the transformative beauty of weddings inspired her to pursue this path wholeheartedly.
I received so much gratitude for my work, and saw so many smiles and happy faces, and I wanted to create that kind of time and space.
Soon after, Yukari went to school to study wedding planning formally and began shaping celebrations that felt both elegant and deeply personal.
When Yukari began her career, weddings in Japan were still very formal and rigid. Her vision was to change that. “While working as a sound director and captain's assistant, I felt that I could create a more enjoyable wedding better, and that I wanted to do so.”
Today, her company, Yukari Ueno Experiences, is founded on one powerful belief: the only things we can leave behind in our lifetime are memory and scene with loved ones.
With this philosophy, Yukari creates weddings that seamlessly merge Western influence with the grace of Japanese aesthetics. She brings couples into the process as collaborators, ensuring each wedding feels personal, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Yukari’s favorite part of wedding planning comes down to connection: “I love it when I find a wonderful place/venue, can have an open conversation with the couple, and create something with them as one team.”
Her weddings are not just events—they are experiences. From intimate countryside gatherings to grand destination celebrations, her work emphasizes authenticity and uniqueness. She is especially drawn to natural settings, distinctive architecture, and hidden Japanese treasures that leave couples and guests in awe.
After nearly 27 years in the industry, certain weddings still stand out. One that Yukari will never forget took place at Kyoto’s Seiryuden temple. “When I produced a wedding at Kyoto's unique venue Seiryuden, which invited guests from all over the world, everyone watched the couple's vows with bated breath as mystical clouds rolled in. I'll never forget that scene, and I knew this was my dream wedding planning. Time stood still, like a scene from a movie.”
It’s this ability to turn fleeting hours into timeless memories that defines Yukari’s work.
Flexibility is at the heart of her approach, but Yukari has access to some of the most extraordinary venues in Japan. “We have exclusive access to Seiryuden in Kyoto. While we don't have a specific venue in charge (because we want to be flexible), there are some venues where we regularly hold events. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Sodoh, Park Hyatt Kyoto, Temples, Hiramatsu Group, Destination Lake Toya, etc.”
These breathtaking spaces allow her to craft experiences that reflect both the couple’s personality and the cultural richness of Japan.
Even with experience and vision, wedding planning comes with challenges. One of the most persistent in Japan is the lack of rental resources for large outdoor events. “We still do not have a sufficient number of vendors that rent tents and other large items, so we need to be creative and consider how to achieve a decoration image that client wants.”
But Yukari thrives in finding solutions, using creativity to turn obstacles into opportunities for even more unique celebrations.
Yukari believes that budgeting begins with priorities. “First of all, I think it's important to choose a location that fits client’s budget. Also, choosing a vendor is crucial. We'll help them sort out their priorities and advise them on what to choose.”
Rather than contacting a wedding venue directly, it's best to first consult with a wedding planner to find the perfect location. It's important to find a venue that is flexible and allows for collaboration.
If Yukari could give advice to her younger self, it would be to trust the journey: “To appreciate your colleagues. It's okay if nothing is decided in advance. Believe in yourself and be honest and straightforward. I want to praise myself for starting my own business.”
And her dream venue? Seiryuden in Kyoto remains close to her heart: “This is not a wedding venue, but a unique temple. It’s my dream wedding venue to organize the most memorable wedding.”
With nearly three decades of experience, Yukari Ueno has not only redefined what weddings in Japan can be but also elevated them into unforgettable experiences. Her philosophy, her artistry, and her dedication to crafting moments filled with love continue to inspire couples worldwide.
We believe that the only things we can leave behind in our lifetime are memory and scene with loved ones.
