Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived at Hickam Air Force Base just before 3 p.m. on their first visit to Honolulu in 15 years.

The royal couple were met by Gov. Linda Lingle and Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, who presented them with lei upon their arrival.

Dozens of people attended the brief greeting including dignitaries, members of the Japanese Consulate and a military color guard carrying the American, Japanese and Hawaiian flags.

A hot summer sun beat down on the tarmac outside the Hickam Air Force Base operations building where the couple deplaned and were greeted. Military personnel from all branches of the service lined the red carpet as they proceeded to their car, where they were whisked away in a convoy of police and other security.

The Japanese royal couple will stay in Honolulu until tomorrow when they travel to the Big Island for a day trip and then return to Japan.

Also in the welcoming party at Hickam were state Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, Rep. Calvin Say and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Today three private events are scheduled for the royal couple.

In the morning, the emperor will lay a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.

The emperor and empress will then go to Washington Place for a luncheon with the governor in the state dining room.

Then, in the evening, the emperor will attend the 50th anniversary dinner of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, which promotes better understanding between the United States and Japan by offering scholarships to students.