Doing lunch with the Emperor

On the 2nd of January, the Emperor's palace was opened for the hoards of fans wanting to hear his speech... (one of the few times of the year people are allowed into the courtyard)

Outside the grounds...

I was surprised to find such a beautiful lake/moat around the grounds...

About to get searched...

Had to take a picture of the horse...

Waiting to open...

After getting searched and frisked twice (and handed a flag) we waited for the current croud to be let in...

Waiting for royalty...

Hi Hans!

They come!

A very emotional patriotic time...

The speech...

I think it lasted about 5 minutes (between the Banzai's from the croud) and then they headed back in to play pool waiting for the next group...

Go back...