Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, right, smiles at Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko as they arrive at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

The emperor and empress of Japan helped plant a Canadian hemlock tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall Monday to symbolize Canadian-Japanese relations.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived at Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean's official residence in a horse-drawn carriage and were met with a 21-gun salute. The emperor briefly inspected the Governor General's ceremonial guard before meeting with Jean and her husband, Jean-Daniel Lafond.

Following the meeting, the couple — accompanied by dozens of Japanese journalists, security officials and aides — walked across a section of Rideau Hall's manicured lawns to plant a Canadian hemlock.

The tree, also called an eastern hemlock, was chosen because it grows in both Canada and Japan, said a statement from the Governor General's office.

The couple, both 75, each tossed shovelfuls of dirt at the base of the tree as onlookers holding Canadian and Japanese flags applauded. Jean told the couple their names would be engraved on the shovel's blade.

The tree "symbolizes the friendship and solidarity … between Japan and Canada," Jean told the crowd. "It will grow very tall … 60 to 80 feet. It’s going to be a very strong Canadian-Japanese tree."

The emperor praised Canada's "rich greens and waters."

"We were most impressed by the great effort the people of your country make in order to maintain nature in the metropolitan area and trying to lead a healthy lifestyle," he said.

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko speak with a young boy on hand to greet them as they arrive at Rideau Hall on Monday. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)The couple visited Ottawa's Carleton University before returning to Rideau Hall to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife, Laureen.

The two men briefly made small talk before the cameras.

"It's wonderful to have you. It's been 50 years," Harper said.

"Fifty-six," the emperor corrected.

"Fifty-six," Harper said.

Akihito was to dine with Harper, Jean and other dignitaries during a state dinner at Rideau Hall on Monday evening.

The emperor and empress arrived in Ottawa Friday for a visit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the start of Canada-Japan diplomatic relations. Their visit also includes stops in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and Hawaii.

Akihito, who rarely travels outside his country, hasn't been to Canada since 1953. At the time, he was heir to the throne and was sent to help repair relations with Canada that were severed during the Second World War.

With files from The Canadian Press