Prince Hisahito will make a 10-day trip to Bhutan with his parents Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko from Aug. 16, the Imperial Household Agency said Wednesday.
The 12-year-old prince, who became second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne following his uncle Emperor Naruhito's enthronement in May, will arrive in Bhutan on Aug. 17 and meet Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Aug. 19 in the capital city Thimpu.
During his first overseas trip, the prince will also visit a local textile museum and a ranch. He will stay in the western city of Paro for two days from Aug. 22.
The family will visit the country in a private capacity so the young prince can learn about a different culture. They will return on Aug. 25.
It will be the first overseas trip by Japanese imperial family members who are first and second in line to the throne. Prince Hisahito and his father will fly on separate commercial planes as a precaution.
Japan's imperial family and Bhutan's royal family have maintained friendly relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1986. Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko traveled to the kingdom in 1997.
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