Kyoto Osawa-no-ike Pond

Osawa-no-ike Pond, built in the 8th Century, is the oldest man-made pond in Japan. It is attached to the Saga Emperor’s Villa (today’s Daikaku-ji Temple). I had a pleasant walk around this peaceful pond on a sunny winter day. Blue sky reflected on the water's surface, where the ice had just melted. The chilly air touching my cheeks was gentle and fresh. Strolling along the path, there was a wide-open field, plum tree grove, and bamboo grove on the north side of the pond.