Conducting a three-day tour to meet residents of remote islands, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Friday visited Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture.
The Imperial Couple, who stayed the prior night on Okinoerabu Island, traveled to Yoron to observe what is called an "illusory sandbar" in crystal clear water that only appears offshore at low tide.
After viewing the sandbar, called Yurigahama, the Emperor and Empress watched a local dance performance and then returned to Okinoerabu. They plan to watch students making raw brown sugar there Saturday.