Ryūgū-jō facts for kids
In Japanese mythology, Ryūgū-jō (竜宮城) is a special palace found deep under the sea. It belongs to Ryūjin, who is the powerful dragon god of the sea. This amazing palace is described in different ways. Some stories say it is built from beautiful red and white coral. Other tales describe it as being made from solid, sparkling crystal.
Many different sea creatures live in Ryūgū-jō. They are servants of Ryūjin, helping him manage the ocean. A very interesting thing about the palace is that each of its four sides shows a different season. You can see spring, summer, autumn, and winter all at once! Also, time works differently there. One single day spent inside Ryūgū-jō is like 100 years passing on Earth. The famous legend of Urashima Tarō tells the story of a young man who visits this magical undersea palace.
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Ryūgū-jō: The Dragon God's Palace
What is Ryūgū-jō?
Ryūgū-jō is a mythical place in old Japanese stories. It is known as the home of Ryūjin, the dragon god who rules the seas. Imagine a grand castle, but instead of being on land, it's hidden deep underwater. It's a place of great beauty and wonder.
The palace is often described as being very colorful and bright. Some stories say its walls are made of shiny red and white coral. Other stories say it's built from clear, strong crystal. This makes the palace sparkle and glow even in the deep ocean.
Who Lives in the Palace?
The main resident of Ryūgū-jō is Ryūjin, the dragon god. He is a very important god in Japanese myths. He controls the tides, the ocean currents, and all the creatures of the sea.
Many different sea creatures also live in the palace. They are Ryūjin's helpers and servants. You might find fish, turtles, and other marine animals living there. They all work together to keep the undersea kingdom running smoothly.
A Special Place and Time
One of the most magical things about Ryūgū-jō is how time works there. If you spend just one day inside the palace, 100 years will pass by in the human world above. This means that visitors to Ryūgū-jō often find that their friends and family are long gone when they return home.
Another unique feature is that each side of the palace represents a different season. One side might be full of blooming flowers like spring. Another side could have warm sunshine like summer. A third side might show colorful leaves like autumn, and the last side could have a light dusting of snow, like winter. This makes the palace a truly extraordinary place.
Urashima Tarō's Visit
The most famous story about Ryūgū-jō involves a young fisherman named Urashima Tarō. He saved a turtle from some children who were bothering it. To thank him, the turtle took Urashima Tarō on a journey to Ryūgū-jō.
Urashima Tarō spent what felt like a few days enjoying the palace. He met Otohime, Ryūjin's daughter, and had a wonderful time. When he decided to return home, Otohime gave him a special box, warning him never to open it.
When Urashima Tarō returned to his village, he found that 100 years had passed. Everyone he knew was gone. In his sadness, he opened the box, and suddenly, he aged rapidly, turning into an old man. This story teaches about the passage of time and the consequences of his choices.
Images for kids
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Katase-Enoshima Station
