Imperial family take their first vacations in more than 3 years

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at an imperial farm here on April 5 with Princess Aiko for their first vacation since August 2019. The maskless three took a walk at the imperial farm (Goryo Bokujo) while watching horses in the open field.

“I am very happy that the three of us have been able to come here together for the first time in a long time,” the Emperor told reporters.

The Family last visited the farm, which straddles the cities of Takanezawa and Haga, in May 2018.

At one point, when the Emperor pointed to the cherry blossoms and the Empress came closer to look at them, they bumped heads. A smiling Naruhito apologized to Masako, prompting laughter from the three, who seemed relaxed.

Aiko previously said, “I look forward to spending quality time here observing the animals and harvesting vegetables.” The imperial family refrained from retiring to rest after the novel coronavirus pandemic struck three years ago.

The latest trip is the first retreat since visiting the Nasu Imperial Villa, also in Tochigi Prefecture, in August 2019.