Monet's Pond

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. Free parking is available near Itadori Flower Park, though spaces fill quickly during peak seasons and weekends; paid parking costs ¥500 and sometimes includes a commemorative souvenir. 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.