Updated: 7/30/2004; 3:02:56 AM.
Japan
        

  Sunday, December 28, 2003

Emperor's BirthDay, December 23, 2003

Japan's Emperor's Birthday, Guest
bookJapan's Emperor's Birthday, Tree
silhouetteJapan's Emperor's Birthday,
Swan

Got to visit the grounds of the Emperor's Imperial Palace on Tuesday. It was a national holiday. It's usually off limits except for two days out of the year, when he comes out to wave at us peasants. ;) Never got to enter any buildings, nor catch him waving, but it was nice none the less.

Japan's Emperor's Birthday, Moat
with buildings in the backJapan's Emperor's Birthday, Three
story castle

Getting in was like going through airport security, but a bit more strict. Full body search and hand carry bag checks with the usual over staffing that Japan's known for. Felt like the entire Japanese policeforce was there, but I think this was the emp's own posse.

Japan's Emperor's Birthday, Guard houseJapan's Emperor's Birthday, Bridge

The Imperial Palace is like smack dab in the middle of Tokyo. All the trains and subways go around this plot. It was nice to goto a place in the middle of Tokyo where you can walk, and talk without worrying about bumping into someone.

On our way out we saw a line of cars entering the grounds. The line brought in Ambassadors and dignitaries. Looked like a U.N. gathering for his birthday. Must've been one hell of a party.


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© Copyright 2004 Christopher Kobayashi.
 
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