Sarusawa Pond is a modest oval of water, roughly a third of a kilometre around, that sits at the foot of the steps leading up to Kofuku-ji, and it is one of the pleasantest places in the city to stop for ten minutes or an hour. It is said to have been dug in the eighth century as an artificial pond, and by custom it was used for the Buddhist rite of releasing living creatures. Today it is lined with willows and cherry trees and a low stone embankment, with benches, a stone path all around and, in the evening, soft lighting. The sight that gives the pond its fame is the view across it: the five-storied pagoda of Kofuku-ji rises over the trees, and when the air is still the whole tower mirrors in the water. The pond is also tied to a local legend. A court lady known as Uneme is said to have drowned herself here after losing the emperor's favour, and a small shrine on the shore, the Uneme Jinja, remembers her with a flower-festival tradition in autumn. The shrine's unusual curved shape, with the main hall turned away from the pond, is part of the story, and the place has a quiet, wistful feel that suits the legend.
What to do
Walk the full circuit slowly, stop at the steps for the best angle on the pagoda, and look for the turtles that sun themselves on the rocks. There are benches along the way, cafes and shops in the streets nearby, and the cherry blossom in spring and the maples in autumn make the edges unusually pretty. The pagoda is sometimes under conservation work, so the reflection may be partly screened, and the pond is at its most photogenic early in the morning, when the air is still and the stone paths are empty.
Where it fits
Sarusawa Pond marks the start of the old town and the beginning of the walk into Naramachi, which begins just to the south, and it is only a few minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station along Higashimuki shopping arcade and the stone steps by the pond. Many people use it as the opening or closing point of a day in the park, and it makes a good meeting place if you are travelling in a group. Because it is free and always open, you can pass by on the way to dinner and see the pagoda lit against the night sky.
Planning the visit
A short stop takes ten minutes and a slow circuit about half an hour, with more time if you stay for a coffee. Nothing needs to be booked, and entry costs nothing. Combine the pond with Kofuku-ji above it, the lanes of Naramachi to the south and the deer in Nara Park to the east. The stone steps and embankment are uneven in places, so take care in the dark and when the surface is wet.
In autumn the surrounding streets fill up in the early evening, so come at sunrise or after dark if you prefer quiet. If you want to turn the stop into an outing, buy a simple snack at a stall nearby and eat it on a bench by the water, or add a quiet look at the small Uneme shrine on the shore. It is a place that rewards lingering rather than rushing, especially at the end of a long day among the temples.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided stroll around a small pond with a view of the Kofuku-ji pagoda, open at all times.
Best time
Early morning for still water and empty paths, or after dark when the lanterns and the lit pagoda are at their best.
How long
Ten minutes for a quick look, or about an hour with a coffee.
Tips
Walk the whole circuit for different angles, take care on the stone steps in the dark and combine the pond with Kofuku-ji and Naramachi.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants an easy photograph and a quiet pause in the middle of the city.
- Families
- Easy and safe for children, with turtles to spot and benches for a rest.
- Couples
- Beautiful in the evening, when the pagoda and the lanterns reflect in the water.
- Pair with
- Kofuku-ji, Naramachi and Nara Park.
- Time needed
- Allow thirty minutes to an hour.
Good questions
Is Sarusawa Pond free?+
Yes, the pond is always open and costs nothing to visit.
Where is the best view of the pagoda?+
The stone steps and the embankment on the south side of the pond give the classic angle across the water.
Can I swim or fish in the pond?+
No. The pond is a protected scenic spot and is kept for walking and looking.
How far is it from Kintetsu Nara Station?+
It is only a few minutes on foot, along the covered arcade and then down a short street to the water.
Is the pond worth visiting at night?+
Yes, the paths are lit and the pond is calmer after the day crowds leave, though the stone steps can be slippery.
