Picture the tranquil waters of Shinobazu Pond shimmering before you. This isn’t just any pond. It’s a living piece of Tokyo’s history a remnant of the vast marshes that once covered much of the old Shitamachi. For centuries Shinobazu Pond has witnessed the ebb and flow of life in this dynamic city.
Shinobazu Pond is more than just a pretty face. It’s located in Ueno Park a spacious public park in Taitō. This area used to be the site of the powerful Kan’ei-ji Temple. This temple was closely tied to the Tokugawa shogunate. The shogunate built it to protect Edo Castle. They believed the northeast direction was unlucky. The temple was sadly destroyed during the Boshin War.
But Shinobazu Pond endured. It has been altered and even drained many times. Yet this natural body of water remains. It’s divided into three sections: the Lotus Pond famous for its summer blooms the Boat Pond where you can rent boats and the Cormorant Pond home to a variety of birds.
Imagine the scene in 1884. A horse racing company wanted to build a track. They partly filled Shinobazu Pond. The pond’s size changed forever. The first race happened that November with the Emperor in attendance. Races continued until 1892. The pond’s northern part which now houses the Ueno Zoo was much wider back then. The Aizomegawa River flowed into it.
Later in 1907 the Kangetsukyō Bridge was built. People could finally walk across the entire pond. More work in 1929 divided the pond into four sections. The boat rental business started in 1939 a tradition that continues today.
The pond’s history includes darker moments. During World War II water was pumped out. Rice paddies replaced the pond. There were even plans for a baseball field. Thankfully in 1949 the decision was made to restore Shinobazu Pond. We see the result of that restoration today.
Even an accident couldn’t stop Shinobazu Pond. In 1967 a hole was accidentally opened during the construction of the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. About 30 thousand tons of water flowed away. Despite all it’s faced Shinobazu Pond continues to thrive. Today it’s a haven for birds fish and plants. It’s also home to the non-native alligator snapping turtles.
Shinobazu Pond has inspired artists and writers. It’s featured in works by famous authors like Mori Ōgai and Yasunari Kawabata. It’s a captivating place of beauty tranquility and rich history. This pond is more than just water. It’s a testament to Tokyo’s enduring spirit. It’s a place where history nature and culture beautifully intertwine. So take a moment breathe it all in and let the story of Shinobazu Pond resonate with you.