A vast square, wider than the whole of the fisher's village, led to a sweeping stairway that took the travelers to the door of a majestic palace. Servants stood aside and bowed low as the turtle led his guest into the throne-room.
The turtle and the fisher knelt and bowed before the richly-robed king.
"Is this the fisher who saved you?" asked the king.
The turtle raised his head and replied, "Yes, Majesty."
"Come, fisher," said the king. "We have prepared a great entertainment for you."
Uashima Taro raised his eyes.
The king turned to his right and said, "My daughter."
A beautiful young princess rose from the throne below and to the right of the king. Her many kimonos blended the colors of all the fish of the coral reefs. Her sleeves reached the tatami. Her long hair like black silk was crowned by a royal headdress. She bowed as she turned to Urashima Taro. He, in turn, fell to his knees and pressed his forehead to the tatami.
"My daughter will be your guide," continued the king.
The princess said, "Fisher, helper of the wise turtle, follow me."
Urashima Taro rose and followed the princess. Together they visited the sea creatures, both those the fisher knew from home and others more wonderful than he had ever imagined.