Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have visited the residence of Princess Mikasa, who passed away on November 15 at the age of 101. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also paid a call at the residence.

The Princess, whose given name was Yuriko, was the widow of Prince Mikasa, a younger brother of the late Emperor Showa.

She was the longest living member of the Imperial Family since the Meiji era began in the late 19th century.

The Emperor and Empress arrived at the princess' residence at the Akasaka Estate in Tokyo on Sunday afternoon.

The Imperial couple paid their respects to the Princess, whose coffin was placed in a room, and bade her a solemn farewell.

The wake began later in the day.

The attendees included the Princess' granddaughter, Princess Akiko, who served as chief mourner, and other Imperial Family members, including Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino.

Around the coffin were flowers offered by Imperial Family members. Other relatives of the late Princess and government officials also took part.

A funeral and entombment ceremony, called Renso-no-Gi, will be held for Princess Mikasa at the Toshimagaoka Cemetery in Tokyo on Tuesday.