Nov 28 (NHK) - Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have visited ancestral mausoleums to report the completion of rites signifying the Emperor's enthronement.
The couple arrived at the mausoleum of the legendary first emperor of Japan, Jinmu, on Wednesday morning in the city of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, western Japan.
The Emperor was dressed in formal attire. He was escorted by senior Imperial Household Agency officials through the torii gates. He slowly walked along the gravel path toward the mausoleum.
The Emperor then offered a sprig from a sacred tree and bowed deeply. The Empress followed suit in a long gray dress.
The couple moved on to the neighboring prefecture of Kyoto in the afternoon. They visited the mausoleum of Emperor Komei, an ancestor from the 1800s.
The Emperor walked to the mausoleum and paid his respects. The Empress followed suit.
The couple is scheduled to spend the night at the ancient capital and visit the mausoleum of Emperor Meiji on Thursday. They will then hold a tea party for representatives of various circles in the Kansai region.
Source: ANNnewsCH