Emperor, empress visit Ashio environment center

Emperor, empress visit Ashio environment center

NIKKO, Japan - Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visit the Ashio environmental study center in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, on May 22, 2014. (Pool photo)

Emperor, empress visit Tochigi Pref.

Emperor, empress visit Tochigi Pref.

OYAMA, Japan - Japan's Emperor Akihito (2nd from L) and Empress Michiko wave to local people upon their arrival at JR Oyama Station in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on May 21, 2014, for a two-day private tour. The tour is in line with their wish to observe the recovery of the environment once destroyed by mineral poisoning from the prefecture's Ashio Copper Mine.

Emperor, empress visit Tochigi Pref.

Emperor, empress visit Tochigi Pref.

OYAMA, Japan - Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko wave to local people upon their arrival at JR Oyama Station in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on May 21, 2014, for a two-day private tour. The tour is in line with their wish to observe the recovery of the environment once destroyed by mineral poisoning from the prefecture's Ashio Copper Mine.

Japanese shrine for motorcyclists popular for road safety

Japanese shrine for motorcyclists popular for road safety

A motorcycle rider offers a prayer for road safety at Mt. Ashio Shrine in Mooka, Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on March 5, 2015. Dubbed a "riders' shrine," it is becoming popular especially among middle-aged and older riders as it is dedicated to the god of roads. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji

The southern shore of Lake Chuzenji is viewed from Ojiri Bridge. Going south through the foliage on the left, the visitor reaches Azegata, the ferry port, and from there proceeds to Ashio, a well known copper mine. Tozawa, where Sir Ernest Satow built his villa, is located over the cape in the centre of the photograph.==Date:unknown, Place:Nikko, Photo:unknown, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number85‐2‐0]