Princess Mako, the 14-year-old granddaughter of Emperor Akihito, left for Austria on Thursday for a two-week home-stay.
The princess, the oldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, is expected to stay at the home of one of their family friends in Vienna and tour museums and historical buildings in and around the capital.
The Austrian host and hostess came to know Princess Kiko and her father, Tatsuhiko Kawashima, when her father came to Vienna to work about 30 years ago.
The trip takes place during the princess's summer recess. The third-year junior high school student will return home Aug. 16.
Princess Mako's mother, Princess Kiko, is expected to give birth early in September. If a boy is born, he would be the first male heir to be born in more than 40 years.
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