Japan’s Emperor has visited a 17th-century palace in the Netherlands that is now used as a museum.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are on an official visit to the European country after arriving there on Saturday. The couple is staying at the Het Oude Loo Castle royal retreat at the invitation of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima until Tuesday, the eve of the start of official events.
On Monday, the Emperor visited the Het Loo Palace museum, which neighbors the royal retreat.
The symmetrical building is typical of Dutch Baroque architecture. The Emperor was shown around by the head of the museum and visited the front garden and saw inside the building.
The Imperial couple and the Dutch Royal couple have maintained close ties. On Sunday, the Dutch couple visited the Emperor and Empress at the castle and watched the World Cup soccer match between Japan and the Netherlands together on television.
Het Oude Loo Castle is where the Imperial couple and their daughter, Princess Aiko, stayed when they visited the Netherlands in 2006. The visit was intended as an opportunity for the Empress, then crown princess, to rest while recovering from an illness.
According to Japan’s Imperial Household Agency, the Emperor and Empress walked around the castle and recalled fond memories of their stay 20 years ago.
The Emperor and Empress will travel to the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on Tuesday. They will attend a welcome ceremony and banquet as state guests on Wednesday.