Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward respected the traditions of a Japanese temple by going barefoot during their visit.
The Duke of Duchess of Edinburgh toured the Sojiin Temple in Koyasan on the third day of their four-day diplomatic mission to the island nation on behalf of the Royal Family.
The couple’s trip to the sacred mountain town and temple saw them experience traditional Japanese customs and Buddhist culture firsthand.
Their Royal Highnesses visit to this historic Buddhist site featured a ceremonial exchange of gifts and a traditional vegetarian meal.
Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Edward went barefoot while visiting Sojiin Temple in Koyasan
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Upon reaching the temple's main entrance, Edward and Sophie were greeted by three distinguished hosts: Yoshiya Hirano, who serves as Mayor of Koya Town, Izumi Miyazaki, the Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, and Jiyun Inaba, a priest who holds the position of Head of Education at Kongobu-ji Temple.
After entering the temple, Mr Hirano and Mr Miyazaki presented gifts to the duke and duchess in accordance with Japanese tradition.
Following this ceremonial exchange, Their Royal Highnesses proceeded to the Hojo, which serves as the temple's dining area.
In accordance with the significance of the temple, both the Duke and Duchess removed their shoes as they entered the inner sanctum.
Their Royal Highnesses removed their shoes to respect the ancient tradition of the temple
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As they received gifts from their hosts, Edward could be seen wearing only a pair of white socks while Sophie was barefoot.
After receiving gifts, Their Royal Highnesses shared a private meal with their hosts, where they were served dishes from the shojin ryori cuisine.
This Buddhist vegetarian cooking style is traditionally consumed by monks throughout Japan and is an important aspect of the temple's culinary heritage.
Sojiin Temple holds significant historical importance, having been established during the Kyuan era of the Heian period by Gyoe Sojibo, who served as Koyasan's twentieth head priest.
Edward and Sophie received gifts from their hosts before enjoying a traditional monk's lunch
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The temple currently operates under the leadership of head priest Eimyo Miyata and maintains its role as a sacred location for notable families, particularly the Hosokawa clan.
Visitors continue to travel to Sojiin for memorial services and ancestral offerings, whilst the temple also functions as a shukubo, providing overnight accommodation for pilgrims and tourists.
Edward and Sophie's trip to Japan has seen them attend a huge variety of engagements, covering both the ancient traditions and cutting-edge future of the island nation.
The couple were reunited on their tour of the Sojiin Temple, having taken on a number of separate activities the previous day.
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Sophie met with Ukrainian refugees the day prior
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In one solo engagement, Sophie visited a cafe hosting a calligraphy class ran by the Ukraine Mental Health Exchange Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees and evacuees in Japan.
During a particularly poignant moment, the Duchess of Edinburgh placed her hand over her heart and told the gathered Ukrainian's that she was “so sorry for what is happening” in their country.
Among those seeking refuge was Danyl Zagorodniy, a 16-year-old from Kyiv who has been living independently in Tokyo whilst his mother and father continue to reside in Ukraine.
Sophie was moved during her conversation with the young Ukrainian as she drew comparisons to her own similar aged children.