A Far North Queensland couple has triumphantly reopened their Japanese-inspired wedding venue after the devastating impact of COVID-19 border closures forced them to shut down for nearly three years. The heartwarming story of accountants-turned-venue owners showcases resilience and romance in the tropics.
From Spreadsheets to 'I Do's
Masa and Kate Sasa, who originally hail from Japan and Australia respectively, made a dramatic career shift from number crunching to creating magical wedding moments. Their venue, Hinode no Oka, meaning 'Sunrise Hill,' officially reopened in December 2023 after being closed since March 2020 when international borders slammed shut.
The couple's journey began when they purchased the property in 2016, initially running it as accommodation while maintaining their accounting careers. However, after hosting their first wedding in 2018, they discovered their true passion and transformed the business completely.
Weathering the Pandemic Storm
The COVID-19 pandemic hit their business particularly hard since approximately 80% of their clients were international couples, primarily from Japan, drawn to the authentic Japanese experience in tropical Queensland. When borders closed, their wedding bookings vanished overnight, forcing the difficult decision to close the venue.
During the closure period, both returned to accounting work to make ends meet while maintaining the property. Kate Sasa revealed the emotional toll, stating they faced numerous challenges but never lost hope of reopening when conditions improved.
A New Beginning with Local Support
The revival of Hinode no Oka comes as international tourism gradually returns to Far North Queensland. The venue has already hosted several weddings since reopening and has bookings extending into 2025, signaling strong recovery in the regional wedding tourism sector.
Located just outside Cairns, the property offers authentic Japanese elements including traditional gardens, tatami rooms, and cultural experiences that differentiate it from typical Australian wedding venues. The couple's unique background allows them to provide genuine Japanese hospitality combined with local Far North Queensland charm.
The Sasas have adapted their business model post-pandemic, now attracting more domestic couples while still maintaining their Japanese cultural authenticity. They've become an inspiring example of tourism business resilience in regional Australia, proving that with determination and adaptation, even the hardest-hit businesses can find new sunrise after the storm.
