Tokyo: Foreign language signs to be increased at palace

Japanese officials plan to increase foreign language signage at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to help visitors from abroad.Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono made the remarks on Wednesday. He was visiting the site to see how well the facility is prepared for foreign visitors.Government officials plan to attract more international tourists to the palace by opening it on Saturdays, in addition to its current weekday openings. Officials will also change the visit application process to allow same-day requests to see the site.Kono told reporters he saw many international tourists at the palace, but that information in foreign languages appears to be insufficient.He said more foreign language explanations would help visitors learn about the Imperial Household and the history of Edo Castle. The palace is the former Edo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns.Kono also said he wants to open other state-owned facilities to the public to increase the country’s...

April 6, 2016

Japanese officials plan to increase foreign language signage at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to help visitors from abroad.

Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono made the remarks on Wednesday. He was visiting the site to see how well the facility is prepared for foreign visitors.

Government officials plan to attract more international tourists to the palace by opening it on Saturdays, in addition to its current weekday openings.

Officials will also change the visit application process to allow same-day requests to see the site.

Kono told reporters he saw many international tourists at the palace, but that information in foreign languages appears to be insufficient.

He said more foreign language explanations would help visitors learn about the Imperial Household and the history of Edo Castle. The palace is the former Edo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns.

Kono also said he wants to open other state-owned facilities to the public to increase the country’s tourism options. He says he hopes this will help Japan meet its ambitious goals for foreign tourist numbers.

The government last month announced a plan to improve accessibility to 15 state facilities, such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the Imperial Palace.