< Scarlet Devil Mansion | Back to Title of Contents | Hakugyokurou > Netherworld Threat level: High Encounterable youkai: Ghosts, Spirits, etc. After death, humans pass through the Road of Liminality, cross over the Sanzu River, and receive the Yama's judgment. Depending on the severity of their crimes, they are sent to Hell, to the Netherworld, to Heaven or to other places. Among those, the Netherworld is a world where the guiltless dead spend their time as ghosts, until they achieve nirvana or reincarnate. Different from the desolate Hell, it is calm, though it has various seasons. It is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and dyed with beautiful red leaves in autumn. However, the bugs, birds and animals are basically dead. Without any sort of cry, they fly in the sky silently and splendidly. Because it is so beautiful, many ghosts stay there forgetting nirvana or reincarnation. (*1) Of course, most people are the dead in this world, but recently a hole opened in the barrier between the Netherworld and real world, and it became easier to come and go. The Netherworld is a notable place for people in the know for their cherry blossom viewing parties. Also, there is an unbelievably huge manor named Hakugyokurou in the Netherworld. It is a beautiful structure, surrounded by walls and stairs with using designs from the continent, and has a Japanese-style residence and Zen garden at its highest level. 1: Upon nirvana, one can go to Heaven, but Heaven is already full, and so I hear that nirvana is restricted now. < Scarlet Devil Mansion | Back to Title of Contents | Hakugyokurou >