Sagi-ike Pond
A secretive peaceful oasis in the middle of Nara.
As you approach Sagi-ike, a pond located inside Nara Park, south of the main area of Nara city, you will quickly notice that this peaceful spot is very different from other surrounding attractions. Whereas Nara’s main area is full of temples, tourists and deer, the Sagi-ike Pond feels like an isolated and magical reprieve, despite being right next to the busy area.
Unsurprisingly for a spot that offers such a relaxing escape, the secluded attraction has been embraced by couples looking for a little bit of romance. The most popular time for romantic walks around the pond is during the cherry blossom season when the area transforms into a colorful gem.
Photo by: j0nc0x The Ukimi-do gazebo.
Sagi-ike is also a popular location for snapshots, from fun selfies to wedding photoshoots. The cherry blossom flowers, calm waters and the gazebo make Sagi-ike the perfect background scenery.
For couples who want a more remote experience in two, a popular activity is taking out rowboats. During the cherry blossom season, you can often see loved-up couples, one rowing, and the other acting as a camera person, maneuvering the little watercraft around the lake until the perfect shot of all the complementary elements is achieved.
Lantern festival
A scene from the lantern festival on the pond.
After enjoying some water-bound fun, head to the Ukimi-do gazebo. The hexagonal wooden pavilion is located in the middle of Nara Park and seems to be floating on the waters of Sagi-ike. One of the greatest things about the platform is that it allows you to walk all the way to the middle of the pond. If you want to take that perfect 360-degree panorama shot, this is the best spot in the whole area!
Every year, from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival makes the area come alive at night. That is when the beautiful pavilion is lit up with candle lanterns, and Sagi-ike Pond becomes a sea of candlelight.
Whether you want to take a break from the busy city, go on a lovely date or admire cherry blossoms in spring, the Sagi-ike Pond in Nara Park is the perfect place for all that. It is a whimsical spot to take a break and see something that acts as a natural complement to the historical sights
