Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived in Mongolia's Tuv province on July 12 to join the Mongolian president and his wife.

They came to take in some horse racing, which is part of the Naadam sports festival held across Mongolia in the summer.

With binoculars and a camera on hand, the imperial couple watched a race for 5-year-old horses from near the goal area.

Horses ridden by children galloped across the plains of Mongolia.

Concerning the opening ceremony for the Naadam festival which the two couples attended the previous day in Ulaanbaatar, the emperor remarked that he felt that the people of Mongolia are proud of their culture rooted in the country's history and tradition.

On July 13, the emperor and empress wrapped up their eight-day stay in Mongolia.

They took a Japanese government plane at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and headed back home.

S/ Emperor Naruhito / I was very happy that this time the two of us were able to see things such as Mongolia's history, traditional culture and nature together.

Naruhito visited Mongolia without Masako in 2007 when he was crown prince.

This time, he became the first Japanese emperor to travel to the country.

The couple took part in various events, including a banquet where the emperor played the viola along with an orchestra featuring Mongolia's traditional string instrument.

Naruhito and Masako offered prayers at a memorial for Japanese people who died while being detained in Mongolia after World War II ended 80 years ago.

They visited a school built with the help of Japan's grant aid and interacted with students.

They also watched other Naadam events including archery and even tried out a game in which competitors flick their fingers to toss animal knucklebones toward targets.

On the evening of July 13, the couple arrived at Haneda Airport in Tokyo where Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko greeted them.

The emperor and empress returned to their residence at the Imperial Palace.