End of my week here in Tokyo, and today happens to be emperor Naruhito’s birthday. That may not mean much to most people, but it’s one of only two days a year the imperial palace lets visitors in the gates. The loop around the palace has long been my favorite 5k course in the world with its moat, manicured trees, and perfectly preserved buildings. But i’ve always been on the outside looking in and wanted to see inside it.
So, in the rain I queued up with the locals and made my way inside the gates. We were ushered into a courtyard where we were given a glimpse of the emperor for a few minutes, and then were kindly ushered out.
