Tokyo imperial palace
 

I heard several times that But on official site the palace is closed on 02 January 2008:
http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/sankan/...ecept/initDate

How the emperor will socialize with people in this case?

even on his birthday he doesn't socialise; he's still at least 100 yards from any public. he appears on a veranda, makes a few speeches and goes again. Much like the queens birthday in Britain.

Well, I will not be surprised, if he doesn't shake visitor's hands, but what is the sense to appear on veranda in closed palace?

You're looking at the wrong page or something. Jan. 2 is the day you can see the Imperial family. Quoting from the official site:

"People's Visit to the Palace for the New Year Greeting

Date: 2 January, 2009
Entrance: Main Gate (Nijubashi)
(9:30 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.)

Exit: Sakashita-mon Gate, Kikyo-mon Gate, Inui-mon Gate

Appearances:

*First and Second: Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, and other adult members of the Imperial Family.

*Third Appearance onwards: Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino.

@@First Appearance: Around 10:10

@@Second Appearance: Around 11:00

@@Third Appearance: Around 11:50

@@Fourth Appearance: Around 12:40

@@Fifth Appearance: Around 13:30

@@Sixth Appearance: Around 14:20

@@Seventh Appearance: Around 15:20

Ok, in this case I can guess that there are two different places in Tokyo Imperial Palace:
- for meeting imperor family. It is free on 2 january, as noted in previouse post, without any preliminary registration
- some another place, which is open all round year except some special dates according published schedule:
http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/sankan/...ecept/initDate
Visiting this place should be forestalled by "application for visit" by phone or via net. The place includes also East Gardens, however they could be closed also according schedule above.

Is it correct?

Correct. We are talking about two different things. "Sankan" and "Sanga".

The Sankan: A guided tour of some parts of the palace. As you said, this is by appointment only. You will not get to see the Imperial family. Tours not organized Dec. 28 thru Jan. 4.

Visit Guide

The Sanga: Held twice a year (Jan, 2 & Dec. 23). You will get to see members of the Imperial family from a distance. No appointment needed.

People's Visit to the Palace for the New Year Greeting
__________________________________________

A pic of the Sanga.

Ok, thanks. It is a pity that it is impossible to visit both places simultaneously.