We've gathered everything about our wedding here on this page. Please have a read through, and then let us know you'll be joining us with the RSVP form at the bottom.

Together with our families

Sierra & Ryosuke

Joyfully invite you to their wedding

Wednesday, December 23, 2026 · Shikanoshima Island, Japan

Hello

A note from us

Hi, everyone —

We're Sierra & Ryosuke, and we're currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area. We met in Japan about four years ago: Ryosuke was living in Chigasaki, Kanagawa, and Sierra was in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, teaching English. We matched on a dating app, and ever since we've travelled all over Japan together. After a year, we moved to California for Ryosuke's work, where, as it happens, Sierra grew up.

As an international couple, it isn't easy to gather everyone we love in one time and place. This wedding is our way of doing exactly that. Rather than a traditional Japanese ceremony, we wanted somewhere relaxed and homelike — a space to simply talk, and share our stories and memories with you.

Because we wanted the day to feel intimate, we're keeping our guest list small and close, which makes it mean all the more that you're part of it. We can't wait to see you there.

With love,

Sierra & Ryosuke

A little bit about our journey

Sierra and Ryosuke
Sierra loves whales and always keeps a pair of binoculars on hand.
Sierra and Ryosuke
Not just the ocean — we love the forest too, especially California's native redwoods.
Sierra and Ryosuke
A full day backpacking in Yosemite. Pitching a tent by the lake and cooking over a fire — camp food never tastes better.
Sierra and Ryosuke
At Point Reyes, about an hour from San Francisco, where Sierra volunteers protecting elephant seals.
Sierra and Ryosuke
Whale-watching again, naturally.
Sierra and Ryosuke
Olympic National Park in Washington State, wrapped in the ferns that inspired our wedding rings.
Sierra and Ryosuke
We travelled to a ring designer's atelier on Yakushima to make our wedding rings.
Sierra and Ryosuke
The proposal — at a seaside hotel in Half Moon Bay, near Sierra's family home.
Sierra and Ryosuke
Back in Half Moon Bay, where we got engaged.
Our wedding rings
And here they are — the wedding rings we made together.

The Details

When & Where

Reception

12:00 – 12:30 PM

Ceremony

12:30 – 1:00 PM

Party (lunch)

2:00 – 5:00 PM

After-party

6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Everything takes place at MAYA DRIVE.

MAYA DRIVE

Shikanoshima Island, Fukuoka

A light-filled building on Shikanoshima Island — crisp white architecture with round porthole windows, framed by trees with the sea beyond. Our ceremony will be held in the garden (moving indoors if it rains), and the reception around a long communal table upstairs, where tall windows open onto the greenery.

View map →

Why Shikanoshima?

Shikanoshima is a small island just north of Fukuoka, joined to the mainland by a slender sandbar and wrapped in sea and green hills. It's where we spent one of our early dates after meeting in Japan — we rented bikes and rode the whole way around the island, and fell for its calm, open feeling.

It's family ground for Ryosuke, too. Though he never lived in Fukuoka, he came here every year growing up to visit his dad's side of the family. Getting married here, and sharing the island with you, means the world to us.

Learn about the island →

The Day

Schedule

Our celebration wraps up around 5:00 pm — but you're warmly invited to stay for our after-party at the same venue, starting around 6:00 pm. A relaxed evening of dancing, karaoke, and a campfire  to unwind together after the wedding.

Getting Here

Travel & Stay

Getting to Shikanoshima

The wedding is on Shikanoshima Island. There are a few easy ways to reach MAYA DRIVE — please let us know how you'll be coming in the RSVP form.

MAYA DRIVE · View map →

By car

Local to Fukuoka? Driving over is wonderful — the island is joined to the mainland by a short land bridge. MAYA DRIVE has its own parking lot, so you can park right at the venue.

Shuttle bus

Coming from Tokyo or overseas? We'll run a shuttle from Hakata Station to the venue and back. Please tell us in the form so we can reserve your seat — we need a headcount in advance. The return time will be shared closer to the day.

Ferry

Prefer the scenic route? The ferry from Hakata Port to Shikanoshima is faster and beautiful. If you'd rather take the ferry than the shuttle, just note it in the form. The last ferry back is around 10:20 pm. The terminal is a short walk from the venue, but it will be dark so be careful!

Where to stay

Many guests will come the day before. We'd suggest staying near Hakata Station, where the shuttle departs. A few places we recommend:

Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion

Calm and comfortable in the Gion area, a short ride from Hakata Station.

View →

Fukuoka Oriental Hotel

Refined and central, in the heart of Hakata.

View →

Good to Know

FAQ

General

When should we arrive to Fukuoka?

If you're travelling from afar, please plan to arrive on December 22, the day before, so you have plenty of time to settle in (and shake off any jet lag).
If you live near Fukuoka and are driving in on the day, there's no need to come the day before.
We'll be busy with wedding preparations on the 22nd, so we may not be able to see you that day — but we can't wait to celebrate together on the 23rd!

What should I wear to the wedding ceremony?

Warm, comfortable formal wear. In Japan, guests usually avoid bright colors, flashy outfits, or bold patterns.
Once lunch wraps up, feel free to change into something more casual!

Is there parking?

Yes — MAYA DRIVE has its own parking lot at the venue.

What if we don't share a language?

Some guests speak only English, others only Japanese — and that's completely okay! Trying in any language is so much better than not talking at all, so please give it a go.
This is a relaxed day, so don't be shy or worry about making mistakes — and plenty of guests speak both languages, so there's always someone nearby who can help.

What about after the wedding?

We're hoping to visit the Christmas market together on December 24th at Tenjin — it's a free day for us in Fukuoka.
We'll also be in Japan for a little while after the wedding, so if you'd like to meet up again, please reach out!

Traveling from the US

Do we need a visa?

U.S. passport holders can visit Japan visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days) — you just need a passport valid for your trip.
Immigration rules can change, so please confirm the latest before booking. Official guidance →

Which airport should we fly into Japan? How about Fukuoka?

You will likely fly to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND) airports to get to Japan.
To get to the wedding Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is closest — about 5 minutes by subway to Hakata Station where we suggest to stay.
You can also fly into Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) or Osaka and connect by a short domestic flight or the Shinkansen bullet train to Hakata as well if you are travelling in Japan before the wedding.
Please reach out to Sierra if you have any questions about flights.

How do we get from the airport to Hakata?

From Fukuoka Airport, the subway reaches Hakata Station in about 5 minutes.

Should we bring cash?

No need to bring cash from America. You can get it from the ATMs in Japan. Just make sure to check your withdrawal fees from your bank beforehand.

Will our phones work?

Not unless you have an international phone plan! You can pick up an eSIM or a pocket Wi-Fi for data — it makes getting around much easier.
Wi-Fi is common but not everywhere. Japan still feels like you are stepping into the year 2060.

Should we bring a gift?

In Japan it's traditional to give money (goshugi) in a special envelope rather than a gift from a registry.
But you're travelling all the way from the US to celebrate with us — and honestly, that means far more to us than any gift.
Please don't feel any obligation at all; your presence is the greatest gift of all. Love you!

Join Us

RSVP

We'd be honored to have you with us. Please let us know whether you can join — the form has a few quick questions to help us plan. Kindly reply by September 30, 2026.

Respond to our invitation