Ryūgū-jō or Ryūgū is the supernatural undersea palace of Ryūjin or Dragon God in Japanese tradition.
The Spring side of the palace, cherry blossoms on the trees
The Summer side of the palace, Urashima and Otohime walking on a bridge
The Autumn side of the palace, Urashima and Otohime watching deer
The Winter side of the palace, with a light snow on the garden
Ryūjin, which in some traditions is equivalent to Ōwatatsumi, was the tutelary deity of the sea in Japanese mythology. In many versions Ryūjin had the ability to transform into a human shape. Many believed the god had knowledge on medicine and many considered him as the bringer of rain and thunder, Ryūjin is also the patron god (ujigami) of several family groups.
Princess Tamatori steals Ryūjin's jewel, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.
The Dragon King part of a statue representing "Takenouchi no Sukune Meeting the Dragon King of the Sea", dated 1875–1879, Japan.
Dragon King sculpture with residual traces of pigment, dated 11th–12th century, Japan.