Sarusawa Pond, a small artificial pond dug in 731 CE adjacent to Kofuku-ji, is one of Nara's most photographed spots for its reflection of Kofuku-ji's five-story pagoda across the water, framed by weeping willows planted along the pond's edge. The pond is tied to the legend of a court lady who drowned herself here after being spurned by the emperor, a story commemorated each October during the Uneme Festival, when lantern-lit boats process across the water at night. A walk around the full perimeter of the pond takes only 20 to 30 minutes, making it an easy stop between Kintetsu Nara Station and Kofuku-ji or Naramachi. Dawn offers the calmest water and clearest pagoda reflections before wind and foot traffic disturb the surface, while the Uneme Festival in October transforms the pond into an evening spectacle of lanterns and traditional boats. Turtles and carp are commonly seen along the pond's edges, adding to its role as a quiet resting point along Nara's central sightseeing route.
Good to know
- Hours
- Always open (public pond)
- Best time
- Dawn for reflections of Kofuku-ji pagoda; October for Uneme Festival lanterns
Location
Sarusawacho, Nara (adjacent to Kofuku-ji)
34.6800, 135.8311 View on map
Highlights
- Reflection of Kofuku-ji's five-story pagoda across the water
- Weeping willows lining the pond's perimeter path
- Uneme Festival in October with lantern-lit boat processions
- Turtles and carp visible along the pond's edges
- Central location linking Kintetsu Nara Station, Kofuku-ji, and Naramachi
Tips for visiting
- Visit at dawn for the calmest water and clearest pagoda reflection
- Time a visit to mid-October for the Uneme Festival's evening lantern boats
- The full loop around the pond takes only 20 to 30 minutes, easy to fit between other stops
- Benches along the western edge offer good seated views of the pagoda reflection
- Combine with Kofuku-ji, directly adjacent to the north
When to visit
Dawn for the calmest reflections of the pagoda; mid-October for the Uneme Festival's evening lantern boat procession.
Accessibility
The paved path circling the pond is flat and step-free, making it fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Sarusawa Pond take?
Walking the full perimeter takes about 20 to 30 minutes, making it a quick stop rather than a destination in itself.
Is Sarusawa Pond worth it for kids?
Children often enjoy spotting turtles and carp along the water's edge during a short walk around the pond.
Is photography allowed at Sarusawa Pond?
Photography is unrestricted, and the pond is a popular free spot for photographing the Kofuku-ji pagoda reflection.