LONDON (Kyodo) A Japanese language audio tour was introduced Wednesday at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's residence west of London.
"We've made the Japanese visitor resource available so that the site becomes more understandable, enjoyable and accessible," said a spokesman for the Royal Collection, expressing hope that the audio program will help draw more tourists from Japan.
The complimentary audio tour -- which is also offered in English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Mandarin -- is designed to bring 1,000 years of royal history to life as visitors wander through the castle's expanses.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Though it has changed dramatically since its conception as a wooden fortress in the 11th century, the legacy of its enlargements and refurbishments can still be seen.
"The Japanese do tend to come in large groups and find English history interesting," the spokesman said, revealing a key target market in tourists from Japan, who are keen to travel farther afield than London.
The audio tour, which begins with an introduction by the queen's son, Prince Charles, and continues with a Japanese translation, provides a lively guide to royal history as well as the role of the castle today as a working palace and official residence of the queen.
Along the tour route, staff of the royal household share personal accounts of their work at the historic landmark, which regularly forms the backdrop to ancient ceremonies and glittering state occasions.
The audio guide is accompanied by unique sounds of the castle, including music of the St George's Chapel choir and chimes from the castle's famous collection of clocks.
Windsor Castle is open to the public all year round. The audio tour is included in the general admission price.
