As Urashima Taro arrived at the palace, everybody came out to meet him.
In the midst of them floated the very beautiful princess.
“Welcome, Urashima Taro,” said the princess. “I wish to thank you for saving the life of a turtle the other day, and I hope you will stay with us for as long as you want.”
Urashima Taro forgot all about the passage of time.
Every day passed quickly in a swirl of delicious food and beautiful music.
But after a few days, he began to feel homesick for his village and his mother.
He was sure everybody must be worried about him, so decided that he ought to go home.
“Then you must take this box back with you as a souvenir, “said the princess, handing Urashima Taro a small box. “But its contents are extremely valuable, and you must never, ever open it.”