Mishima Pond

Mishima Pond: A Living Portrait of Water and Mountains

If you have finished your tour of Kyoto’s magnificent temples and find yourself longing for the “true face of Japan”—untouched by the hand of mass tourism—take a 20-minute Shinkansen ride and step off at Maibara Station in Shiga Prefecture. There, you will find a serene reservoir that you won’t find on the first page of any guidebook.

1. A Mirror Forged by History

The history of Mishima Pond stretches back to the 13th century (the Kamakura period). Originally hand-carved by the people of that era to secure water for agriculture, this pond has sustained the local rice fields for over 700 years. This is not a manicured garden designed for sightseeing; it is a living landscape, preserved through the daily lives of generations.

2. Mt. Ibuki: The 1,377m Guardian

Rising majestically behind the pond is Mt. Ibuki, the highest peak in Shiga Prefecture. This mountain appears in Japan’s oldest historical chronicles, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. With its rugged limestone face, it has been revered as a sacred site since ancient times.

When the weather is calm and the wind holds its breath, the water transforms into a massive canvas. The reflection of Mt. Ibuki on the surface—known locally as “Sakasa Ibuki”—is an iconic and cherished sight. (Note: Due to wind or weather conditions, the reflection may not always be visible.)

3. A Legacy of National Heritage

In 1935, Mishima Pond was designated a National Natural Monument as a “Natural Breeding Ground for Mallards.” It was recognized for its immense scientific value as one of the southernmost breeding sites for mallard ducks on Japan’s main island, Honshu. Depending on the season, you can watch these birds gliding gracefully across the water. If you walk quietly, the only sounds you will hear are the beating of wings and the gentle ripple of the lake.

4. Travel Tips for a Seamless Visit

• Access: JR Kyoto Station→JR Nagahama Station (Get off and then take a bus.)

• Best Time to Visit: The morning is highly recommended. This is when the light hits the mountain most beautifully, and the early hours are often the most still, allowing you to experience the pond’s profound silence.

• A Side Trip to Samegai: Just a 10-minute drive away lies Samegai, an old post town on the historic Nakasendo trail. Here, crystal-clear spring water flows directly through the town’s canals. Visiting both Mishima Pond and Samegai together offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Shiga’s rich “water culture.”