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Japan’s horse-drawn carriages are back!

By on March 8, 2023

After a 3-year hiatus, Japan’s horse-drawn carriages are back on the streets to drive ambassadors taking up their job posts, from Tokyo station to the south portico of the Imperial Palace and back.

The trip to Imperial palace for an audience with the Emperor of Japan is an important state ceremony where an ambassador presents his credentials to render the mission official.

The use of these carriages is reserved for rare occasions but often for important ceremonies such as enthronement and nuptials by members of the Imperial Family.

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Its use was temporarily suspended at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but will be brought back on Wednesday for the first time in three years.

Before the pandemic started, newly despatched ambassadors to Japan were given a choice whether they want to use a horse-drawn carriage or  car for attending the ceremony.

Former US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy in 2013 when she took a horse-drawn carriage for the presentation of her credentials. (photo by AP)

 

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