Saruzawa Pond in Nara is teeming with turtles. You won't see them in winter, but in summer they come out to play - or rather, sunbathe, swim and eat. If you are lucky you can also see dragon boats, or maybe they are phoenix boats. Kozen-in and the pagoda of Kofukuji stand on the hillside above the pond, and a small, picturesque restaurant is built out over the water at one end.
- 1 min read
Saruzawa Pond in Nara
Sunbathing turtles overlooked by Kofukuji Pagoda

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Festival boats on the pond

View across the pond

Just swimming around

Lunch buddies?

Sunbathing on a log

Kofukuji's pagoda rising from the trees

Who's the handsomest turtle here?

Log party

Steps lead to up to Kozen-in

Where did that shrimp go?

Pretty little restaurant on the pond's edge

Relaxing with the pigeons
Join the discussion
Radica Sooknarine
10 years ago
I absolutely adore those turtle photos!
Thanks, Radica. I can never resist trying to take photos of local wildlife, but I think these are my best ever turtle photos.
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
2
One Full Day in Kamogawa From Kamenoi Hotel Kamogawa
Chiba - Sponsored -
3
Asakusa GYUUNA Yadoki: Premium Eel & Wagyu Beef in Asakusa
Tokyo -
4
Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
5
Explore Kujukuri, Chiba and Beyond
Chiba - Sponsored -
6
Tokyo Named As World's Top Breakup Vacation Spot
Tokyo -
7
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
8
Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway
Nagano - Sponsored -
9
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
10
Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2025 Guide)
Culture
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
6
Summer Comiket
Tokyo -
7
September Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
9
Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
Nara -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo