Sarusawa Pond
猿沢池
A small pond where the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji is reflected on the water. It is one of the Eight Views of Nara and a must-pass point between Nara Park and Naramachi.
Sarusawa Pond was a life-release pond of Kofuku-ji established in 749. It measures about 360 meters around, and its surface reflects the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji and the weeping willows. 'Moon over Sarusawa' is counted among the Eight Views of Nanto. On the night of the mid-autumn festival, the Uneme Festival features boats carrying musicians floating on the pond. Uneme Shrine stands by the pond, and Naramachi lies just below the stone steps on the south side. Free admission, open all day. It is about a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station. The pagoda is scaffolded during its restoration (expected to last until around 2031), so keep this in mind when photographing its reflection.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Kofuku-ji
- Higashimuki & Sanjo-dori Shopping Streets
- Gango-ji
- Naramachi
- Nara National Museum
- Yoshikien Garden
- Himuro Shrine
- Ukimido Pavilion