Osawa Pond, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

3.9 (31)

Discover tranquility at Osawa Pond in Kyoto, Japan's oldest artificial pond with serene gardens and rich history.

Osawa Pond, nestled in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward, is Japan's oldest surviving artificial pond, dating back to the early 9th century. Created by Emperor Saga, it offers a serene escape with its scenic beauty, historic significance, and tranquil atmosphere, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in nature and history.

A brief summary to Osawa Pond

Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, JP

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Osawa Pond.

Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and a quieter experience.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the pond, but remember to take your trash with you to keep the area clean.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the area is home to various species of birds and wildlife.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as the paths around the pond can be uneven.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

KIX Observation Hall Sky View

Tsūtenkaku

Shingonzaka

Aizenzaka

Kuchinawazaka

Explore Osawa Pond on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Osawa Pond, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Osawa Pond via public transport, start at Kyoto Station and transfer to the JR Sanin Line. Alight at Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, take bus number 28 towards 'Osawa Pond'. The bus will take you directly to the pond, which is a short walk from the bus stop. The bus fare is a flat rate of ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children within the central area.
Walking

Alternatively, from Saga-Arashiyama Station, you can walk to Osawa Pond in approximately 25 minutes. Head north on Arashiyama Main Street, then turn left onto the path that leads to the pond. Follow the signs pointing to Osawa Pond.
Taxi

If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi from Kyoto Station to Osawa Pond. The taxi ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The starting fare for a taxi in Kyoto is ¥500 for the first kilometer, with an additional ¥100 for every 279 meters thereafter.

Discover more about Osawa Pond

Osawa Pond, or Osawa-no-ike, is a historic and scenic pond located in the Ukyo Ward of Kyoto, adjacent to the Daikakuji Temple. Created by Emperor Saga in the early 9th century, it is considered the oldest surviving artificial pond in Japan. The pond's design was inspired by Dongting Lake in China, reflecting the cultural exchange between the two countries during that era. Spanning 2.4 hectares, Osawa Pond exemplifies the chisen-shuyu style of garden design, which is meant to be viewed from a boat.Osawa Pond has been celebrated in poetry since the Heian period and remains a popular spot for moon-viewing and cherry blossom appreciation. The pond features two islands, with the smaller one known as Chrysanthemum Island (Kikugashima). Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the well-maintained paths, with benches strategically placed for those wishing to pause and soak in the peaceful ambiance. The area surrounding the pond is rich with local flora and fauna, making it an excellent place for birdwatching and appreciating nature.Originally built as an imperial villa for Emperor Saga, the site later became a Buddhist temple. Daikakuji Temple holds a special place in the history and practice of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The temple serves as the headquarters for the Saga Goryu school of ikebana, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools of this traditional art form.