Imperial Palace To Be Open To The Public

Above, the Imperial Palace's Nijubashi Bridge.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To commemorate the Emperor of Japan's 80th birthday, the Imperial Palace will be open to the public for the first time next year.

According to an article in News on Japan:

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo will be open to the public for the first time ever in May and October next year, the Imperial Household Agency said Monday.

To read more, go here.

Jiji Press provides more details:

Among the places to see on the tour are a dining hall that usually hosts dignitaries and the building from which the imperial family waves to the public every Jan. 2, according to the agency. 

The agency will also open the "Pine Suite," where the most formal ceremonies such as coronations are held. 

Tour participants will be chosen by postal ballot.