Tuesday, January 16, 2007

hello emperor

We went to see the emperor on January 2nd, one of only two days in a year that the public is allowed to enter the imperial palace grounds. The emperor and his family come out periodically to wave to the cheering crowds and for about five minutes, you get to yell and wave the Japanese flag and watch the royal family smiling and bowing. For me, the coolest part was crossing the bridge that is usually gated and guarded. There were sooo many people, and a lot of energy.

The imperial palace from the normal viewing point.

On the "other side."
I didn't have the best view. :)

Jesse's view through the zoom lens. Nifty, eh? The emperor and empress are in the middle, with their sons on either side.

1 comment:

Bekah said...

that's so cool!!