Ogura Pond — Attraction in Kyoto

I came here in the autumn, and it was a beautifully peaceful experience. As I walked, I recalled that this area was once part of the expansive, ancient Ogura Pond. Centuries ago, in the Heian period, it was a massive lake teeming with lotuses, birds, and fish, and it was a favorite spot for poets and artists. It's fascinating to think that the very ground I was standing on was once a vibrant natural oasis where people came for inspiration.

A local told me the best view is in the spring when the flowers and lotuses bloom, layering the water surface with colors. But even in autumn, it was still breathtaking. The fallen reddish and brownish leaves created a serene, peaceful vibe, a quiet beauty that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. While the original lake was drained for farmland in 1933, the remaining pond and surrounding landscape still hold a magical value. Worth to visit and stay sometime to...

If you're visiting the bamboo forest, this place is a must visit. It's not really a tourist attraction per se, but it's stunning all the same. It was full of water (despite what older reviewers have seen), and had lots of beautiful lotus flowers in it. I'd definitely recommend a...

In mid-may, there may not be a whole bunch of lotus or foliage, but my goodness it was filled to the brim with the largest frogs (and I suspect toads) I’ve ever seen. Even more so, humongous tadpoles and heaps of turtles, carp, lizards, butterflies…it was so alive...