People enjoyed viewing autumn foliage inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in three years as a section has been reopened to the public.

Starting in 2014, people were granted access to Inui Street during the spring cherry blossom season and in the autumn when the leaves change color. But viewings were suspended when the coronavirus pandemic began.

Official events have resumed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in about three months, with measures in place to prevent coronavirus infections.

On Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito received credentials from the new ambassadors of Tonga and Rwanda. It was his first ceremonial duty at the palace since late March.

Buckingham Palace says Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom in the spring.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the palace says the Emperor and Empress accepted an invitation by Queen Elizabeth and that the couple will stay at Windsor Castle.