Emperor’s Birthday at the Imperial Palace

Twice a year, the inner precincts of the Imperial Palace are opened to the general public, who turn up in a flag-waving mass to catch a glimpse of the Emperor and his family. December 23 – the Emperor's birthday – is one of those days, and the family are scheduled to make three appearances on the palace balcony, at 10.20am, 11am and 11.40am. They'll be letting people in from 9.30am to 11.20am via the main gate at Nijubashi, and well-wishers can also sign a greeting book, which will be placed in front of the Imperial Household Building from 12.30pm.