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Discover the mysterious beauty of Ryugabuchi Pond in Uda City, Nara Prefecture! Unveil the secrets of its mirror-like reflections, the dragon king legend, and Horikiri Shrine, including access and the best times to visit.

Introduction

Deep within the mountains of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, lies a little-known yet breathtakingly beautiful and mysterious body of water – Ryugabuchi Pond. This natural pond, located in the Muro area of Uda City at an altitude of about 530 meters, is famous for its “water mirror” phenomenon. On clear, windless days, it perfectly reflects the surrounding forest and sky like a giant mirror, earning it the nickname “Mirror of the Sky” and making it a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking tranquil beauty in recent years. Legends of a deep connection with a dragon god further enhance its mystical allure. This article will take you deep into the world of Ryugabuchi Pond, exploring its mysterious legends, stunning water mirror reflections, and seasonal transformations, while providing detailed access information and the best visiting tips to give you a glimpse of this “Mirror of the Sky” hidden in the mountains of Nara.

The Dragon King Legend and Mysterious Origins

The name Ryugabuchi Pond itself is steeped in legend and closely linked to water, the dragon god, and local beliefs.

A Deep Pool Where a Dragon God Resides?

• Origin of the Name: “Ryugabuchi” literally translates to “Dragon King’s Deep Pool.” Legend has it that this deep pond is the dwelling place of the dragon god (water deity), and it has been regarded as a sacred site by local residents since ancient times.
• Prayer for Rain: Quietly standing on the west side of the pond is Horikiri Shrine. It primarily enshrines Toyotama-hime no Mikoto, the daughter of the sea god, who is said to control wind and rain (also considered one of the prototypes for Princess Otohime in the story of Urashima Taro). As Toyotama-hime no Mikoto is seen as a goddess who brings rain, in times of drought, local residents would perform rituals here to pray for rain. This further deepened the connection between Ryugabuchi Pond and the belief in water and the dragon god.
• Legend of the Heavenly Maiden: Another legend tells of a heavenly maiden who once bathed and played here. When a mortal saw her, she ascended to the sky. For a time, this place was also called “Hakinugiike” (Slipper-Removing Pond).

These legendary tales add a rich cultural depth and mysterious atmosphere to Ryugabuchi Pond, making it not just a natural landscape but also a spiritual place.

Tranquil Water Mirror: The Stunning Reflection of Ryugabuchi Pond

The most breathtaking aspect of Ryugabuchi Pond is the “water mirror” spectacle that only appears under specific conditions.

Nature’s Perfect Canvas

• Water Mirror Phenomenon: When the weather is clear and there is absolutely no wind, the calm, ripple-free surface of Ryugabuchi Pond acts like a giant mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding trees, the clouds in the sky, and the changes in light and shadow.
• Clear Water Quality: The pond’s water primarily comes from mountain springs and streams, and the water quality is exceptionally clear with high transparency, making the reflections even more vivid and realistic.
• A Picturesque Scene: Standing by the pond and gazing at the scene before you, where the upper and lower halves are symmetrical and indistinguishable from reality, feels as if you have stepped into an exquisite landscape painting. Time seems to stand still here. That sense of tranquility and breathtaking beauty is enough to cleanse the soul.

Colors Changing with the Seasons

The broadleaf forest surrounding Ryugabuchi Pond adds different colors to the water mirror as the seasons change:

• Spring (Late April – June): Fresh green leaves begin to sprout, reflecting a vibrant, juicy green on the water surface, full of life. It is said to be one of the most beautiful seasons for the water mirror.
• Summer (July – August): The greenery is lush, and the forest is dense, resulting in a deep green reflection. However, there may be more aquatic plants in the summer, which can affect the completeness of the water mirror.
• Autumn (Late October – November): The leaves gradually turn red, yellow, and orange, creating a colorful autumn tapestry reflected in the water.
• Winter (December – February): If there is snowfall, you can admire the unique winter scenery of snow-covered branches reflected on the tranquil water surface (however, be mindful of traffic and road conditions).

Exploring the Hidden Gem: Access, Best Timing, and Precautions

Ryugabuchi Pond is located in a relatively remote mountainous area and is famous for its “water mirror,” so the timing and preparation for your visit are very important.

How to Get to Ryugabuchi Pond?

• Main Method: Car: The most important and almost sole method of transportation to Ryugabuchi Pond is by car.
• Navigation Setting: You can set your navigation to “Ryugabuchi Pond” or the nearby “Horikiri Shrine.”
• Route: From the Hanari IC on the Meihan Expressway, take National Route 369, then turn onto a prefectural road and mountain road.
• 【Important!】Narrow Road Warning: The mountain road leading to Ryugabuchi Pond is very narrow, and some sections can only accommodate one car, making it almost impossible to pass oncoming vehicles. There are many hairpin turns, and the road conditions are poor, requiring a high level of driving skill and extreme caution. It is strongly recommended for those with experience driving on mountain roads. Driving large vehicles is not advised.
• Parking Information: There is a small free parking lot (approx. 8 spaces) by the pond. Parking spaces are very limited, and it fills up very quickly, especially on holidays or clear mornings. If the lot is full, there is almost no other parking space nearby, and you may need to wait or give up.
• Public Transportation (Extremely Inconvenient): The nearest train station is Murōguchi-Ōno Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, but it is about 7-8 kilometers from Ryugabuchi Pond, and there are no bus routes reaching it. Walking from the station takes over 1.5 hours and is mostly uphill, so it is not recommended at all.

Best Timing to Capture the “Water Mirror”

• Key: Windless Morning: The most important condition to see the perfect water mirror reflection is absolutely no wind. Morning is usually the time when the wind is weakest and the water surface is calmest, and it is also the time when most photography enthusiasts visit.
• Weather: Clear Day: Clear weather brings better light and a bluer sky reflection.
• Season: Fresh Green or Autumn Leaves Season: The fresh green season from late spring to early summer (around May-June) and the autumn foliage season (around November) offer the most rich and colorful scenery. However, more aquatic plants in the summer may affect the reflection.

Precautions for Visiting

• Attire: The area around the pond is a natural trail, and some areas may be muddy, so it is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
• Safety:
  • Driving Safety: Again, emphasize that the mountain road is very narrow and difficult to drive. Please drive with extreme caution, paying attention to oncoming vehicles (although not many) and road conditions.
  • Natural Environment: There may be wild animals in the mountain area (such as deer, snakes, insects, etc.), so please be aware of your surroundings. Mosquitoes are numerous in the summer, so it is recommended to bring insect repellent.
  • Maintain Quiet: This is a very peaceful natural environment. Please do not speak loudly.
• Facilities: There is only Horikiri Shrine and a parking lot by the pond. There are no restrooms, shops, or vending machines. Please take care of your personal needs before arriving and bring your own drinking water.
• Protect the Environment: Please take your trash with you and protect this beautiful natural hidden gem.
• Photography Etiquette: If you encounter other photographers, please be considerate of each other and share the space to maintain a good photography environment.

Conclusion

Ryugabuchi Pond, this tranquil pond hidden deep in the mountains of Uda City, Nara Prefecture, has become a beautiful hidden gem known only to those in the know, with its perfect reflection like a “Mirror of the Sky” and the mysterious legend of the dragon god. Although the path to get there is a bit steep, requiring careful driving on narrow mountain roads, and encountering the perfect water mirror scene depends on favorable weather conditions (a windless morning), when you overcome the difficulties and witness with your own eyes that fantastical scene where the beautiful colors of the sky and earth are all reflected in the water, all the waiting and searching will turn into unparalleled emotion and admiration. If you love exploring off-the-beaten-path natural beauty and long to capture that quiet and mysterious moment, then Ryugabuchi Pond is definitely a place worth planning an anticipated visit to.

Are you also drawn to the “water mirror” beauty of Ryugabuchi Pond? Are you ready to challenge the narrow mountain road to find this hidden gem in Nara? If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with friends who also love photography and nature!