Remembered for its lotus flowers the North Pond awaits. Shinobazu Pond is a large natural pond filled with lush greenery. It holds rich cultural importance. The North Pond is a part of Shinobazu Pond.
Let’s explore the story of the North Pond. Once the entire area was a cove of Tokyo Bay. Over time the sea withdrew. It left behind marshes. The North Pond is what remains of those marshes.
The North Pond is also called Lotus Pond. This is because of the plants that cover its surface in summer. They hide the water almost completely. July and August is the best time to see the lotus flowers. They only open between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Visit early to see them in all their glory.
In 1625 the Edo shogunate built Kan’ei-ji here. Jigen Daishi liked Lake Biwa. He had Benten Island built in imitation of Chikubushima. Then the Bentendo was built on it. At the time the island was accessible only by boat. Later a stone bridge was added. It made it possible to walk to it.
The North Pond’s shape was different until the Meiji Era. The northern part was much wider. In 1884 a horse racing company filled part of the pond. This brought it to its present shape and size. The first horse race took place in November of the same year. The Emperor was present. Races took place every spring and summer until 1892.
In 1907 the Kangetsukyō Bridge was built. It made it possible to walk across the whole pond. In 1929 more work divided the pond into four distinct parts. During World War II water was pumped out. The pond was divided into rice paddies. There was a plan to build a baseball field on it. In 1949 it was decided to return the pond to its original form.
The North Pond is home to many birds. The pond also contains numerous species of fish.
Many literary works mention the North Pond. Mori Ōgai’s “The Wild Geese” is one example. Yasunari Kawabata’s “Boshi Jiken” also mentions it.
So, as you stand here take in the beauty. Imagine the history that surrounds this pond. The North Pond is a special place in Tokyo.