I often addressed the Sarusawa Pond as “Nara Lake” for its captivating beauty and tranquility that practically defines the Nara Prefecture.
People often think that Nara is a part of Kyoto, and understandably so, given the natural scenic beauty of both prefectures and their neighboring proximity to one another.
In particular, Nara Park has separated itself as an area of unique flora and fauna, home to the iconic shika deer and the tranquil Sarusawa Pond which has become a focal point of beauty in Nara and Japan as a whole.
Cool Hangout Area
Around the Sarusawa Pond are beautiful walking paths that are nestled between trees and hay-colored grass that bring a sense of warmth and comfort as you move through the park.
I really like the layout of Nara Park, which consists of wooden bridges that run across the Sarusawa Pond. The lamp posts are also uniquely designed, which give off something of a Victorian-era streetlight vibe.
Road To Heaven?
The walkways around Sarusawa Pond are truly a sight to behold, particularly at sunset, when the light brilliantly reflects against the water to create a magical view from a high altitude point.
It was here that I captured this magnificent transcendental photo of my brother walking toward the glorious light of Sarusawa Pond, an absolute classic shot capturing the unique beauty of Nara Park.
Aggressively Friendly Deer
Nara is mostly known for its abundance of aggressively friendly deer that have no problem ramming their heads against you in the hopes of sinking their teeth into your food.
However, my advice to travelers is to spend time with the deer by all means but don’t let it take up all your time. Remember, Nara Park is a vast area of scenic natural beauty, so be sure to spend some time exploring the Sarusawa Pond and other surrounding landmarks and points of interest in the vicinity.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!