In the southern part of Nara Park, you’ll find Sarusawa Pond (Sarusawaike), a place steeped in various stories and considered one of the iconic landscapes representing Nara. Most ponds and lakesides typically feature cafes, and Sarusawa Pond is no exception.
“Starbucks Sarusawaike Store”
Adjacent to Sarusawa Park in Nara Park, you can easily locate a Starbucks café, a familiar sight even in our own country. After exploring Gango-ji and walking to Sarusawa Pond, I felt a bit tired. Despite it being late September in my Japanese journey, the weather was surprisingly hot, with temperatures nearly reaching 30 degrees Celsius, warmer than what we might expect in late September in Korea.
Due to the heat and having skipped my morning coffee, I decided to step into the Starbucks store right in front of Sarusawa Pond.
“Starbucks with a View of the Pond”
Starbucks is a place I often visit both in Korea and during my travels in Japan, having become quite familiar with it. While I had the intention of exploring local cafes during my Japan trip, many of them tend to open later in the morning, naturally leading me to Starbucks, which opens early.
The Starbucks Sarusawaike Store holds a unique position, allowing patrons to enjoy the view of the pond. Visiting relatively early in the morning meant fewer people, creating a calm ambiance. It was a tranquil spot to spend time, sipping coffee while overlooking the pond.
This visit not only provided a refreshing break from the heat but also offered a quiet atmosphere to plan my next destinations by looking at maps.
“Nara, Nara Park Cafe – Starbucks Sarusawaike Store”
- Address: 1 Taruicho, Nara, 630-8218, Japan
- Phone: +81742934665
- Website: Starbucks Sarusawaike Store
- Operating Hours: 8:00 – 21:00