Imperial couple enjoys tram ride in Tochigi, eastern Japan

Imperial couple enjoys tram ride in Tochigi, eastern Japan

NIKKO, Japan - Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko enjoy a view from a tram during their private tour of the Watarase valley, Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 22, 2014.

Imperial couple enjoys tram ride in Tochigi, eastern Japan

Imperial couple enjoys tram ride in Tochigi, eastern Japan

NIKKO, Japan - Emperor Akihito (3rd from L) and Empress Michiko (4th from L) walk down the platform of Tsudo Station to ride a tram during their private tour of the Watarase valley, Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, on May 22, 2014.

9 more Japanese sites listed under Ramsar Convention

9 more Japanese sites listed under Ramsar Convention

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken in June 2012 shows the Watarase reservoir, which straddles a vast area covering parts of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Saitama prefectures. The Japanese Environment Ministry said on July 3, 2012, nine more sites in Japan, including the reservoir, have been listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Carp streamers fly with cherry blossoms

Carp streamers fly with cherry blossoms

Some 100 carp streamers, koinobori in Japanese, swim beautifully in the air over a river at Watarase valley, Gunma Prefecture, on April 8 amid cherry blossoms that are almost in full bloom. Based on an ancient Chinese legend about a carp that swam upstream and became a dragon, carp have long been a symbol of success in Japan.

Alligator snapping turtle

Alligator snapping turtle

Photo taken June 2, 2019, shows an alligator snapping turtle caught by police after being spotted in the Watarase River in Ashikaga in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Alligator snapping turtle

Alligator snapping turtle

Photo taken June 2, 2019, shows an alligator snapping turtle caught by police after being spotted in the Watarase River in Ashikaga in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Carp streamers fly with cherry blossoms

Carp streamers fly with cherry blossoms

Some 100 carp streamers, koinobori in Japanese, swim beautifully in the air over a river at Watarase valley, Gunma Prefecture, on April 8 amid cherry blossoms that are almost in full bloom. Based on an ancient Chinese legend about a carp that swam upstream and became a dragon, carp have long been a symbol of success in Japan.