Why is it called Monet's Pond if Claude Monet never visited?

The name comes from its resemblance to Monet's "Water Lilies" paintings. The similarity went viral on social media in 2015, leading to the unofficial nickname. The official name remains Namonaki Ike (Nameless Pond).

How much time should I spend at Monet's Pond?

Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes at the pond itself. The site is quite small at just 60 feet long, so you can view the entire pond and take photos relatively quickly. If you plan to visit nearby attractions like Nemichi Shrine, the Itadori Flower Park, or the hydrangea gardens, allow 2 to 3 hours total for the area.

Can I see the pond clearly in bad weather?

Sunny days are essential for optimal clarity and koi visibility. After heavy rainfall, avoid visiting for a few days until sediment settles. Overcast conditions reduce the visual impact significantly.

Is it worth visiting if I don't have a car?

Public transport from Gifu Station takes 90 minutes with two bus transfers. Buses run approximately 10 times daily. By car, the journey is 35 minutes from Mino IC.

Gifu

Monet's Pond

3.8 (9876)Scenic SpotTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 11, 2026

Monet's Pond, officially known as Namonaki Ike (meaning "nameless pond"), is a small irrigation reservoir in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, that gained international recognition through social media in 2015. The pond, approximately 60 feet long and 80 centimeters deep, bears an uncanny resemblance to French Impressionist Claude Monet's famous "Water Lilies" series painted between 1920 and 1926. What makes this natural attraction particularly remarkable is that its beauty was entirely unintentional—the pond was created as a functional reservoir in the 1990s when the owner of the neighboring Itadori Flower Park cleared overgrown vegetation, and local authorities later added water lilies and colorful koi carp donated by residents.

The pond's exceptional clarity results from natural spring water flowing from nearby mountains. Because the spring water contains minimal nutrients, the water remains remarkably transparent, allowing visitors to see the quartz sand bottom and watch vibrant koi fish swimming through water lilies. The pond's appearance transforms throughout the day as light shifts across its surface, changing colors from blues to greens. Adjacent to the pond stands Nemichi Shrine, a modest Shinto shrine claiming origins in the mid-9th century, though reliable historical records only exist from the early Edo period. The shrine occupies a single wooden building and offers elevated views of the pond and surrounding mountains.

Visitors can experience the pond's painterly qualities year-round, though seasonal variations dramatically affect its appearance. The optimal viewing period is early summer from mid-June to early August when water lilies bloom in full splendor. The second peak season runs from mid-November to early December when Japanese maple trees surrounding the pond display vivid autumn foliage that reflects on the water's surface. Weather conditions significantly impact the visual experience—sunny days produce the most vibrant colors and clearest water, while rainy or cloudy conditions diminish the pond's celebrated transparency. Local legend suggests that spotting a koi with a heart-shaped marking on its head brings good fortune in love.

Reaching Monet's Pond requires some planning. By car, the journey takes approximately 35 minutes from the Mino IC exit on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway or about one hour from JR Gifu Station. Public transportation involves taking the N83 bus from JR Gifu Station (stand 2) to Horado Kiwi Plaza, then transferring to the free Itadori Fureai Bus to reach the Monet Ike-mae stop. This entire journey takes approximately 90 minutes and costs ¥670 one-way. From Nagoya Station, the trip costs ¥770 one-way via JR Tokaido Line to Gifu, then bus connections.

Phone

+81 581-57-2111

Website

www.city.seki.lg.jp

Overview

Address

関市板取白谷, Itatori, Seki, Gifu 501-2901, Japan

Places & attractions near Monet's Pond

Mt. Kinka

Oku no Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Museum, Ogaki

Nakasendo Ooi Juku, Ena

Gandate Gorge

Places & attractions near Monet's Pond

Mt. Kinka

Oku no Hosomichi Musubi no Chi Memorial Museum, Ogaki

Nakasendo Ooi Juku, Ena

Gandate Gorge

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

I visited in mid-April. It's just one small pond and that’s it. There are some koi fish swimming around, but the colors aren't as vibrant as I expected. I feel like the promotional photos were heavily edited to look much better than the reality.

Faii Chan

Apr 21, 2026

If you try to come here after seeing videos online you will be very disappointed. The pond is very dull looking and greenish, can hardly see any fish and there was a weird smell when we went there in March. I'm not sure if the look of the pond or smell is gone at other times during the year but I wasn't too impressed.

Wasi Hussain

Apr 21, 2026

The pond is small but beautiful, especially at the spot where the carp swim by and you can see the quartz sand at the bottom. On a sunny day, the fish swimming gracefully with their shadows in the water looks almost magical. It was nice to learn that the pond is fed by natural spring water. We visited on a Saturday in mid July, and it was crowded and hot. The free parking opposite the road was full, so we park at a nearer paid parking cost 500 yen, and we were given an uchiwa with the pond’s illustration, which was a nice touch. No need to make a special trip just for this, but it was a pleasant stop as we were on our way to Gujo Hachiman.

The actual size of the pond is not that large as imagined. But it’s cute and we could still take nice photos. But it is suggested to visit in summer. There is not much to see in winter time. No lotus. A few fishes only. I am sure it will be much better in summer time.

I have been to Monet's Pond several times now. The pond, although small, is spectacular in the right conditions. On cloudy days it's not quite so beautiful, nor early in the morning when the sun is still blocked by the mountains. The peak for beauty seems to be in the afternoon when the sunlight reaches the pond. The biggest drawback with the pond is the number of people. It's not uncommon for there to be people shoulder to shoulder all the way around the pond on weekends. However, if you get there before 10AM it's not as crowded. Across the road is a parking lot (500yen) and a river. The river is also quite beautiful and photo worthy. Behind the pond there's a hydrangea park about a 5 to 10 minute hike into the woods. Over all it's a great place to visit.