December 23 was my last day in Japan. It was also a national holiday because of the Emperor's Birthday. Gui and I went to the Imperial Palace to watch the Royal Family appear before an audience. This only happens once a year so after sleeping uncomfortably at McDonald's the night before, we really dragged our lazy selves to attend this rare event. We took the train to Maronouchi District and walked to the palace.
When we got to the entrance of the Imperial Palace, security was very tight. Our bags had to be checked and we had to line up with the rest of the crowd.
There are two gates leading to the Imperial Palace. When we got to the second gate, I saw the throng of people still outside the first gate. Thank God we arrived early!
There was a special elevated area set up for the media who would be covering the event. Gui and I cheered with the crowd when the Royal Family appeared before us.
The Japanese Royal Family appeared in a glass-enclosed bullet proof terrace. The cutest royal couple that day was Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. They were enthroned at the Imperial Palace 18 years ago.
I took one last look at the Imperial Palace before we left. I could now finally say that I have met a Royal Family once my life!
During the afternoon, Gui and I strolled in Harajuku and Shibuya for old times' sake. After sunset, we then went to Yebisu Garden Place, the former site of a beer brewery, where the still existing Yebisu Beer brand had been brewed since 1890. When we got to Yebisu, the entire place was all lit up. The theme of their illumination display was "Baccarat Eternal Lights".
We took a quick bite at McDonald's and then continued taking photos with the numerous Christmas trees. Ahhhhh, everything looks pretty during Christmas!
Around 11pm, I took a local train in Asakusa Station going to Narita Airport. Most people prefer the Airport Express Train because it is faster and more comfortable, but I was not in a hurry to go to the airport because my flight was not until the next morning, so I opted for the cheaper train. I slept soundly on one of the benches in the airport along with other people.
The next morning, I was awaken by the sound of the vacuum cleaners used by the janitors who were already starting to clean the airport. It was still so early but I couldn't sleep anymore so I decided to check-in my luggage early. Around 9:00am, my Philippine Airlines flight to Manila was called for boarding. I was luckily seated in Business Class once again due to my mileage points.
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