Urashima Tarō facts for kids

Urashima Tarō, a Japanese painting by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1852

Urashima Tarō (浦島太郎) is a famous Japanese fairy tale. It tells the story of a fisherman who saves a turtle. As a reward, he gets to visit a magical place called the Ryūgū-jō, also known as the Dragon Palace. There are many different ways this story has been told over the years.

The Story of Urashima Tarō

One day, a fisherman named Urashima Tarō was out fishing. He saw a turtle that looked like it was in trouble. Urashima Tarō quickly helped the turtle and set it free.

A Magical Reward

To thank him, the turtle offered Urashima Tarō a special gift. The turtle magically gave him gills, allowing him to breathe underwater. Then, it took him deep into the ocean. They arrived at the beautiful Dragon Palace, called Ryūgū-jō.

Life in the Dragon Palace

The turtle revealed itself to be a lovely princess, the daughter of the Dragon Palace. Urashima Tarō stayed with her for a few days. He enjoyed the palace's wonders and the company of the princess.

Returning Home

When it was time for him to leave, the princess gave him a mysterious box. She told him very clearly: "Never open this box." Urashima Tarō promised he would not. He then returned to the surface.

What Urashima Tarō did not know was that time moves differently in the Dragon Palace. While he spent only a few days there, many years had passed on land. When he finally returned home, 700 years had gone by. All his family and friends had died long ago. His village had changed completely.

The Mysterious Box

Filled with sadness, Urashima Tarō forgot the princess's warning. He opened the mysterious box. A cloud of white smoke came out of it. This smoke was his true age, all the years that had passed. Urashima Tarō quickly grew old and passed away.

Similar Stories Around the World

• Rip Van Winkle: This is another famous story where a person falls asleep and wakes up many years later. Like Urashima Tarō, Rip Van Winkle finds that everything he knew has changed.

Japanese Mythology & Folklore

Mythic Texts and Folktales: Kojiki | Nihon Shoki | Otogizōshi | Yotsuya Kaidan Urashima Tarō | Kintarō | Momotarō | Tamamo-no-Mae Divinities: Izanami | Izanagi | Amaterasu Susanoo | Ama-no-Uzume | Inari List of divinities | Kami | Seven Lucky Gods Legendary Creatures: Oni | Kappa | Tengu | Tanuki | Fox | Yōkai | Dragon Mythical and Sacred Places: Mt. Hiei | Mt. Fuji | Izumo | Ryūgū-jō | Takamagahara | Yomi

Images for kids

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  Urashima Tarō and princess of Horai, by Matsuki Heikichi (1899)

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  Keiun-ji, the stellae that reads "Ryūgū denrai Urashima Kanzeon Urashima-tera", which used to be at Kampuku-ji.

See also

In Spanish: Urashima Tarō para niños