Sawanoike Pond
The largest body of water in the gardens, the Sawanoike Pond occupies the center of the grounds and features three islands: Nakanoshima, Minoshima and Jarijima.
On the east side of the pond, on Nakanoshima Island, is the Shimajaya Rest House; it is reached via a small bridge. Under daimyo lord Ikeda Tsunamasa (1638–1714), the Buddhist chapel known as Benzaitendo was located on Nakanoshima; during the tenure of his son, Tsugumasa (1702–1776) it was moved to the present location in front of Chishionomori Grove.
Minoshima Island has the open-air Tsuridono Pavilion, while the smallest island, Jarijima is covered with white sand and pines. The two stone posts between the islands of Nakanoshima and Minoshima mark what was once the border between Jodogun and Minogun, two former counties of Okayama Prefecture.