Otowa Pond

Visitors touring Sado’s lakes and reservoirs should not miss this pond. Driving along the Osado Skyline Drive and continuing about 600 meters through a wooded stretch near Odaira Highland, one sees a mystical-looking natural pond. More than 200 species of plants flourish around this pond, and in the middle is Japan’s largest multilayer floating marsh island. It is the only natural pond surrounded by natural growth in the prefecture that has such an island. There is a heart-shaped hole in the island, which is said to be a natural birdbath. The name “Maiden Pond,” comes from a legend about a beautiful maiden who was taken into the water after being seen by the giant snake who was master of the pond.