On March 26, Emperor Akihito of Japan visited the Mausoleum of Emperor Shinmu in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture to report his abdication to the ancestors of the Japanese Imperial Family. At around 11:10 a.m., you arrive at Emperor Shinmu-mae Station on a special train departing from Kintetsu Kyoto Station, and then drive to the Shrine of Emperor Shinmu.
Emperor Akihito paid homage at the Shrine of Emperor Shinmu, and His Majesty the Emperor, dressed in a tuxedo and holding a top hat in his hand, walked slowly along the path to the mausoleum to pay his respects. The picture shows Emperor Akihito visiting the mausoleum of Emperor Shinmu, who is considered the first emperor.
During the visit, Emperor Akihito offered sacrifices and paid homage to the shrine with the assistance of the celebrant. Subsequently, the empress also paid a visit to the shrine. This is the fourth time since 2016 that mr. and Mrs. Akihito have visited the emperor's mausoleum. The picture shows Emperor Akihito visiting the mausoleum of Emperor Shinmu.
The visit to the shrine of Emperor Shenmu is part of the abdication ceremony of His Majesty the Emperor. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko wore dressed in costumes as they had done since their accession to the throne in 1990, and they will return to Kyoto after the visit.
This is the second abdication ceremony held by Emperor Akihito, and he will then perform abdication-related ceremonies on April 18 and 23, visiting Ise Jingu Shrine (Ise City, Mie Prefecture) and Emperor Showa Musashino Mausoleum (Hachioji City, Tokyo).
Emperor Shenmu is recognized as the first emperor, and the mausoleum of Emperor Shenmu is located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. Emperor Shinmu, also known as Emperor Iwayohiko of Japan, is said to have founded the Japanese imperial court on January 1, 660 BC (February 11, 660 BC) of the first year of Emperor Shinmu, and the Japanese imperial court continues to this day, and Akihito is the 125th emperor. The picture shows Akihito visiting the shrine of Emperor Shinmu on March 26.