Visit of the General Public to the Palace for His Majesty's Birthday

Photo Description
Visit of the General Public to the Palace
for His Majesty's Birthday
(Photo:Imperial Household Agency)
  • Date:
    • December 23, 2012
  • Entrance:
    • Main Gate (Nijubashi)
      (9:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.)
  • Exits:
    • Sakashita-mon Gate, Kikyo-mon Gate, Ote-mon Gate, Hirakawa-mon Gate and Kitahanebashi-mon Gate.
  • Appearances:
    • Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino.
    • First Appearance: Around 10:20 a.m.
    • Second Appearance: Around 11:00 a.m.
    • Third Appearance: Around 11:40 a.m.
Signing of the Greeting Book
(Photo:Imperial Household Agency)

Signing of the Greeting Book

On the occasion of the Emperor's Birthday, the Greeting Book is open for the well-wishers from 0:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of the Imperial Household Building.

The Greeting Book will be duly forwarded to its highest destination as the expression of your warm congratulations.

The well-wishers are requested to write their full name and the name of prefecture (country of origin: in case of foreigner) on the Greeting Book. The stationery is prepared at the desk.

  • Entrance:
    • Sakashita-mon Gate
  • Exits:
    • Kikyo-mon Gate, Ote-mon Gate, Hirakawa-mon Gate and Kitahanebashi-mon Gate.
    • (Exit Gates Close at 4:00 p.m.)
  • 1.The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are closed on the Emperor's Birthday. But well-wishers, when leaving the Imperial Palace Grounds, can go through the East Gardens and exit from Ote-mon Gate, Hirakawa-mon Gate or Kitahanebashi-mon Gate.
  • 2.A large number of well-wishers are expected to come to the Imperial Palace Grounds on the Emperor's Birthday. Please bear in mind the following points:
    • (1)The entrance gate for well-wishers in the morning is closed at 11:20 a.m.. Well-wishers are asked to arrive in good time.
    • (2)Well-wishers are requested to enter the Imperial Palace Grounds in lines, to be formed before passage through the designated gates: the Main Gate in the morning, and Sakashita-mon Gate in the afternoon. Well-wishers are also asked to stay in line and not to hold up its procession.
    • (3)Well-wishers may have to go through steep pathways in the Imperial Palace Grounds. There is danger of tripping in congestion, so please watch your step, especially when wearing high-heeled shoes or traditional clogs.
    • (4)Entrance is not allowed from the gates designated as exits. This applies in both the morning and the afternoon.
  • 3. Entrance is not allowed at the gate to those who:
    • bring an animal with them (except an assistance dog accompanying a physically handicapped person),
    • carry dangerous objects,
    • carry a flagstaff, a large item of luggage that could impede the progress of the event or any other item that could harm or disturb other people;
    • behave in any other ways deemed harmful to the management of the event.
  • 4.Well-wishers who commit any of the following acts in the Imperial Palace Grounds may be asked to leave the site:
    • (1)Enter into off-limit zones,
    • (2)Pose a risk of fire, such as smoking in non-smoking areas,
    • (3)Destroy or remove Palace facilities and other objects,
    • (4)Take a photograph or a film as a commercial activity,
    • (5)Organize an assembly or stage a demonstration,
    • (6)Affixe a poster, or distribute or disperse fliers,
    • (7)Commit any other acts deemed harmful to the management of the event, such as violating order or discipline in the Imperial Palace Grounds.
  • 5.Miscellaneous
    • (1)In case of severe weather conditions, members of the Imperial Family might refrain from appearing on the balcony.
    • (2)To avoid too much congestion and danger, well-wishers may be asked to deposit their belongings at the gate before they enter.
    • (3)No parking spaces is available at the site.
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