Shinobazu Pond, Tokyo

The Shinobazu pond is a natural water body in Ueno Park, Tokyo. It was once a lagoon lake of Tokyo bay formed about 1800 years ago.

In the 15th century the pond in Ueno Park was named Shinobazu Pond by the locals. It is located on the south west of the park. It has a circumference of about 2 kilometers and a surface area of 1,100,000 square meters. There are three sections. One is called the Lotus pond and during summer, this section is completely covered with Lotus plants and flowers. The second section is the Boat pond. Visitors can rent rowing boats and swan pedal boats for a lazy ride around the pond. The third section is the Cormorant pond that is an extension of the Ueno Zoo. It is a natural habitat for native Japanese cormorants. There is a man-made island in the middle of Shinobazu Pond with a shrine dedicated to the Goddess of learning, music and arts, Benzaiten.

The Shinobazu Pond is home to a variety of fauna including tufted ducks, pochards, black headed gulls and northern pintails. It also has many species of fish. Recently alligator snapping turtles have started breeding in the pond. There is a waterside music hall where concerts and other events take place through the year.