Sarusawa Pond

In short

Sarusawa Pond is a pond with a circumference of 360 meters located in Nara Park, about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station. It is said to be an artificial pond created in 749 as a pond for Kofuku-ji Temple's Hojoe (a Buddhist ritual of releasing captive animals). The "Moon over Sarusawa Pond" is one of the "Eight Views of Nanto." The scenery of the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple reflecting on the water's surface alongside willows is also beautiful, though the pagoda is currently covered by a protective construction roof for repairs.

• ​Gojunidan Steps and Kofuku-ji Temple​​: To the north of the pond are Kofuku-ji Temple's five-story pagoda and a flight of stone stairs called the Gojunidan Steps.
• ​Uneme-jinja Shrine​​: An auxiliary shrine of Kasuga-taisha Shrine associated with a legend about the pond; the shrine is said to have turned its back on the pond overnight.
• ​Uneme Matsuri​​: On the night of the harvest moon, two kangen-sen boats circle the pond.

History and Highlights

Sarusawa Pond is an artificial pond built in 749 originally as a release pond for the Hojoe ritual performed by Kofuku-ji Temple. Hojoe is a ritual of cherishing life by releasing captured living creatures. Even today, Kofuku-ji Temple holds a Hojoe every April, releasing fish into the pond to perform memorial rites.

To the north of the pond are Kofuku-ji Temple's five-story pagoda and the stone steps known as the Gojunidan Steps. Running east-west between them and the pond is Sanjo-dori Street, which connects JR Nara Station to the approach of Kasuga-taisha Shrine. The "Moon over Sarusawa Pond" is one of the "Eight Views of Nanto." The sight of the five-story pagoda reflecting on the water together with the surrounding willows is also beautiful, but the five-story pagoda is currently undergoing preservation and repair work, covered by a protective roof for construction, so its exterior cannot be seen.

This pond has also long been known for its "Seven Wonders." It is said that the water never clears, nor does it become murky. It always maintains about the same water level, has no frogs, and algae does not grow. Even though many fish are released every year, it never appears to overflow. Such tales have been passed down.

Things to See and Do

• ​Uneme-jinja Shrine​​: An auxiliary shrine of Kasuga-taisha Shrine with legends connected to Sarusawa Pond. According to The Tales of Yamato, an uneme (court lady), mourning the decline of the Emperor's favor, hung her robe on a willow tree by the pond and threw herself in. It is said that the Emperor built a shrine to comfort her spirit, but unable to bear looking upon the pond where she ended her life, the shrine turned backward overnight.
• ​Kinukake-yanagi​​: A stone monument stands at the spot where the willow tree is said to have stood upon which the uneme hung her robe. Search for this legendary spot as you stroll around the pond.
• ​Uneme Matsuri​​: The annual festival of Uneme-jinja Shrine held every year during the harvest moon. It comforts the spirit of the uneme and prays for people's happiness. At night, while gagaku (traditional court music) plays, two kangen-sen boats circle the pond, and at the end, a flower fan is cast into the waters. In 2020, Uneme-jinja Shrine, the moon rising over Sarusawa Pond, and the Uneme Matsuri were certified among "Japan's Top 100 Moons."

Tips for Exploring

It is about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station and about a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station. Kofuku-ji Temple is about 200 meters to the north. Heading south from the pond brings you into Naramachi. Gango-ji Temple, at the center of the district, is about 420 meters south. Kyu-Daijo-in Garden is about 460 meters to the southeast. Heading about 720 meters east through Nara Park leads to Ukimi-do Hall.