Crown Prince Naruhito (Japan’s next emperor) arrived in Shiga Prefecture on July 23, 2012 for an official visit to attend a blood donation promotion convention (献血運動推進全国大会) to be held in Otsu on July 24.

His Imperial Highness arrived via shinkansen bullet train at JR Maibara Station where he was welcomed by Shiga Governor Yukiko Kada. He then proceeded by car to Higashi-Omi where he toured Gokasho, visiting the stately homes of Omi merchants. Gokasho has been preserving its traditional townscape with Japanese-style homes, warehouses, and gardens. The Crown Prince was impressed by the serenity and the efforts of the local residents preserving their town. Crown Princess Masako was not traveling with him.

The last time the Crown Prince visited Shiga was in 2010 when he climbed Mt. Ibuki in Maibara. However, his last official visit was in 1995. We welcome the Crown Prince to Shiga Prefecture.