Kyoto Osawa-no-ike Pond

The oldest man-made pond in Japan

Tomoko Kamishima Jan 13, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Blue sky reflecting on the water's surface</p>

<p>Seems like to the entrance to a mysterious world</p>

<p>Wide-open field on the north side of the pond</p>

<p>Red seeds spotlighted in a bamboo grove</p>

<p>The chilly air touching my cheeks was gentle and fresh</p>

Osawa-no-ike Pond, built in the 8th Century, is the oldest man-made pond in Japan. It is attached to the Saga Emperor’s Villa (today’s Daikaku-ji Temple). I had a pleasant walk around this peaceful pond on a sunny winter day. Blue sky reflected on the water's surface, where the ice had just melted. The chilly air touching my cheeks was gentle and fresh. Strolling along the path, there was a wide-open field, plum tree grove, and bamboo grove on the north side of the pond.

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Find out more about Daikakuji Temple.

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...