Tokyo: Second Day of the New Year

Another tradition in Tokyo is the royal family's New Year greeting that takes place 5 times during the day at the Imperial Palace on January 2nd. We braved the long queue, not so much to see the royal family, but to see the crowds. Over the New Year there were orderly queues in all parts of Tokyo; at temples, restaurants, and stores. This was the only one we bothered with. It actually wasn't bad. We spent a total of 20? minutes standing around, and again as much time traversing the palace grounds to exit.

The Imperial Palace grounds were about a 20 minute walk from our hotel. We were offered Japanese flags at the entrance but declined. Then walked as far as the #3 holding area (see video 3rd below) where we waited in brilliant sunshine for 15 minutes or so.






Then we were allowed to proceed up to the grounds in front of the Imperial Palace. On the walk up we had a view back to #3 holding area.






And we waited in place for only a few minutes before the Royal Family came out on to the enclosed balcony for the first greeting of the day, and a short speech was made. There was a palpable feeling of excitement when the family came out, but little or no cheering, just an outbreak of very vigorous flag waving. See my very short video 2nd below








And it was a nice exit walk from the grounds through the East Garden.