Princess Margaret of the Ancient City visits the stone garden at Ryoan-ji Temple. Princess Margaret (second from left) listens to the priest's explanation.

In September 1969, a mini-skirted Princess Margaret visited Kyoto in deep autumn with her husband, Lord Snowdon. On September 23, the day they arrived in Kyoto, they enjoyed an old-fashioned game of kemari (Japanese football game) in the garden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where they were staying, and enjoyed a cup of tea made in the open air. On the following day, September 24, they visited Nijo Castle, Nishi Honganji Temple, the stone garden of Ryoanji Temple, and Katsura Imperial Villa. The couple returned to Tokyo to attend the "British Fair" in Tokyo, but despite their busy schedule, they kept a charming smile on their faces. They changed their outfits every time they went out, and their best-dressed appearance was quite popular, playing a major role in promoting goodwill between Japan and the UK. The tour of the stone garden at Ryoanji Temple. Princess Margaret (second from left) listens to an explanation by Shoei Matsukura, chief priest, at Ryoanji Temple in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, on September 24, 1969.