Shinobazuno Pond, located at the southwestern edge of Ueno Onshi Park, is a large pond with a circumference of approximately 2 km. In spring, the pond is decorated with pink cherry blossoms, and in summer, it is a place of relaxation with lotus flowers in full bloom. The scenery has fascinated people since the Edo period. Shinobazuno Pond is divided into three sections by walking paths: the Lotus Pond with lotus flowers, the Boat Pond where visitors can enjoy boating, and the Cormorant Pond. Here is an introduction to Shinobazunoike Pond, where you can spend your time as you wish: taking a walk, riding a boat, or sitting on a bench and watching wild birds.
What is Shinobazuno Pond like?
Shinobazuno Pond, Origin of the Name
不忍 is read as “Shinobazu”. There are various theories as to why the pond came to be called Shinobazu Pond.
This pond is a remnant of the irimi, the sea that entered the land. The water’s edge was overgrown with tall grasses such as silver grass and thatch, making it difficult to tell the boundary of the path, but only the sparkling surface of the pond was visible. 忍ぶ Shinobu means to hide oneself so that one’s surroundings do not see one’s presence and one is not noticed by others, while shinobi means to hide oneself. The theory is that it was named in the sense of a pond where one cannot hide oneself.
Another theory is that it was named after a place. Ueno is called Oshigaoka Shinobugaoka, and the pond was named after a pond that follows the land.
Long ago, it was the sea, and in the past, it was reclaimed and turned into rice paddies.
The area around the current Ueno Park was once the sea, but over time the land was expanded by sand and earth and stones, and Shinobazunoike Pond remained as a pond within the land, separated from the sea. It is said that the pond was formed between the Heian and Muromachi periods.
In 1625, when Toeizan Kan-eiji Temple was built, Shinobazunoike Pond was likened to Lake Biwa, and a small island reminiscent of Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa was built to enshrine Benzaiten, the goddess of mercy. In the Edo period (1603-1867), lotus flowers were planted in Shinobazu Pond and cherry trees were planted along the water’s edge. There were private houses around the pond, and the size of the pond seems to have been larger than it is now.
In 1884, the Ueno Shinobazunoike Racecourse was built circling the pond, and it became a glamorous social venue for the Rokumeikan diplomacy of the Meiji era.
After the end of World War II, the pond was once drained and turned into paddy fields to compensate for food shortages. Later, there was a proposal to reclaim the land and turn it into a baseball field, but in 1949 it was decided to preserve the pond as it was. Despite being tossed about by the times, Shinobazu Pond still conveys to us the beauty of nature.
How to enjoy Shinobazuno Pond
Shinobazuno Pond is a place to enjoy nature and history in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy strolling, picnicking, photography, bird-watching, and many other activities.
Cherry blossom in spring
Many cherry blossoms are planted around the pond. It reflects the cherry blossoms like a mirror,
and it looks like dyed pink. When the cherry blossoms fall, we can see different impressions of the pond’s surface because it will be covered in pink by petals.
You can enjoy taking a walk around the pond and also enjoy the cherry blossoms from the boat. Please have a good time seeing the cherry blossoms from various angles.
Lotus in summer
The lotus in Shinobazu Pond is one of the largest in Tokyo. It has been known as a famous lotus spot since the Edo period.
Lotus Flower Blooming Period
Lotus flowers are at their best at the end of the rainy season, about a month from mid-July to mid-August.
The flower stalks emerge during the rainy season, and when the rainy season is over and the summer sun is shining, a large single flower blooms when the stalks extend more than one meter above the surface of the water. Because of its mysterious appearance, the lotus flower is considered the flower of paradise in Buddhism.
Lotus flowers bloom early in the morning and close around noon, so if you want to see the lotus in full bloom, it is recommended to go early in the day. The sun becomes more intense during the day during this season, so it is best to visit as early in the day as possible to avoid the heat.
You can observe lotus flowers up close from the “Lotus Observation Zone,” where a deck is tucked into the pond.
Lotus leaves and lotus fruits to be enjoyed even after blooming
Lotus leaves have the property of repelling water. Even when it rains, the leaves hold water without sinking. Taking advantage of this effect, lotus leaves have been used since ancient times as plates and for wrapping glutinous rice. When it rains, the lotus leaves of Shinobazunoike Pond fill the entire pond with the sight of rainwater accumulating in their large green leaves.
Also, after the lotus petals fall off, the lotus flowers take on a different form as lotus fruits. They look like a beehive called a lotus stand. This object-like appearance is different from the beauty of the lotus flowers, and is a delight to the eyes of visitors to Shinobazunoike Pond.
Bird-watching
You can watch various wild birds such as pintail, spot-billed duck, black-headed gull, kingfisher, bulbul, and common cormorant at the pond.
Since there are many people at the park regularly, the wild birds are accustomed to people; therefore, we can watch them up close.
This it is easy to enjoy watching wild birds for beginners and little children.
Boat
At “Boat Pond,” you can rent a boat. The boat pier is in the center of Shinobazu Pond, and you can find Ueno Bentendo which enshrines Benzaiten right to the next.
There are three types of boats; a low boat, a cycle boat, and a swan boat. The pretty swan-shaped swan boat makes people relaxed. Though the rental charge varies depending on the types, it is reasonably priced from 500 yen (tax included) for 30 minutes. Please have fun there!
Antique market
The antique market is held several times in Shinobazu Pond area. Since it is held irregularly according to the seasonal events; for example, Cherry blossom festival and the summer festival, please check the schedule.
You may find rare and bargain there!
Ueno Antique Marketplease click here.
Ride your favorite boat at Shinobazuno Pond Boat Pond!
Shinobazunoike Pond is divided into three parts by a promenade around Benten-do Hall. Boat rentals are available at the boat pond on the back side of the main hall of Benten-do Hall. There is only one boat station, and there are three types of boats: row boats, cycle boats, and swan boats, with different prices and limits on the number of passengers. Decide on your favorite boat and purchase a ticket!
Hand-paddled rowboat: up to 3 adults / 500 yen (every 30 min.)
For up to three adults, this is the most economical boat in terms of price, at 500 yen per 30 minutes. Since you row the oars, it is difficult to make the boat go in the direction you want until you get the hang of it, but you can spend a relaxing time floating on the pond. The unobstructed view gives you a great sense of openness, which is perfect for taking pictures.
How to Ride a Rowboat
(1) The person rowing the oars should sit with his/her back to the direction of travel. When getting into the boat, get into a low position.
(2) Take the oar in your hand, check the landing position, bend your arms and pull the oar toward you while stretching your arms wide and leaning your upper body forward and leaning your upper body back. Repeat this action to move the boat forward. The trick is to pull the oar with your whole body, not just your arms.
Foot-peddled cycle boat : up to 2 adults and 1 child / 700 yen (every 30 min.)
This is a covered foot-pedal boat. The foot pedals are pedaled like a bicycle to move forward, and the steering wheel gives you the freedom to go in any direction you want. Thanks to the roof, it can block out the sunlight, and the boat has large openings in the front, back, left, and right sides of the boat, giving it a sense of openness.
Foot-peddled Swan boat : up to 2 adults and 1 child / 800 yen (every 30 min.)
Swan boats are cute boats in the shape of swans, and even if you don’t ride them, just looking at them will make you feel happy. It is sure to be popular with children. Of course, adults alone are also allowed, so you can enjoy Shinobazuno Pond in the mood of an elegant swan. The operation is the same as that of cycle boats, so you don’t have to worry. The boat has a swan’s neck in front and a small opening in the back, so it is less open than other boats, but you will feel safe.
Business Hours
April, May, June, July 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July and August 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
September 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
November: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
December: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
January: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
February and March: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Please note that ticketing ends 1 hour and 10 minutes earlier than the close of business.
For more information Please click here to visit the official website.
Access to Shinobazunoike Pond
Location
５−２０,Uenokouen, Taito City, Tokyo
Phone number
Shinobazuno Pond boatyard: 03-3828-9502
Nearest Station
7 minutes walk from Shinobazu Exit of JR Ueno Station
3 minutes walk from Ueno Station on Keisei Line
7 minutes walk from Ueno-Hirokoji Station on Ginza Line
Six-minute walk from JR Okachimachi Station
Shinobazunoike Pond Official Website
If you want to enjoy boating at Shinobazuno Pond, please check the official website as the reception hours and other information differ depending on the season.
Shinobazunoike Pond Boat ParkPlease click here
Ueno Onshi ParkPlease click here