Sarusawa Pond

Sarusawa Pond is a pond in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, originally created as a release pond (hosho-ike) for Kofuku-ji Temple, where captured fish are set free. The scenery—Kofuku-ji’s five-story pagoda reflected on the water together with surrounding willows—is especially beautiful and is counted among the “Nanto Hakkei (Eight Scenic Views of the Southern Capital)” as “Sarusawa-ike Moon.” Access is about a 15-minute walk from JR Nara Station and about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station; from Kintetsu Nara Station you can pass through covered shopping arcades, making it easy to enjoy meals and shopping along the way. To the northwest of Sarusawa Pond is Uneme Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Kasuga Taisha. The shrine is said to have been built to console an uneme (court attendant) who drowned herself in grief after losing the emperor’s favor. Around the time of her death date—associated with the Mid-Autumn Moon—the Uneme Festival is held, famous for the Hana-ogi (flower fan) dedication procession and the gagaku music boat ritual. The pond is also known because Ryunosuke Akutagawa referenced a Sarusawa-pond legend in his story “Ryū.” With its excellent scenery, it is both a prime photo spot and a relaxing gathering place for locals due to its central location in the city.