Nemichi Shrine

Nemichi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the mountainous Itadori area of Seki city, Gifu Prefecture, in central Japan. The shrine claims to have been founded in the mid-9th century, though reliable historical documentation only exists from the early Edo period onward. The shrine itself consists of just one building on a small hill dedicated to Shinto deities, but it has gained international recognition in recent years for an entirely different reason.

The shrine's primary attraction is a crystal-clear pond known as the "Pond with no name" (名前のない池), commonly called "Monet's Pond" due to its striking resemblance to French impressionist Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies paintings. Originally a reservoir for surrounding rice fields overgrown with weeds, the pond was cleared in the 1990s by the owner of the nearby Itadori Flower Park, who planted water lilies while local residents introduced koi carp. The pond's exceptional clarity comes from subsoil water from Mount Koga, which is composed of rhyolite that prevents microorganism growth. The pond maintains a depth of approximately 80 centimeters and remains unfrozen throughout winter, allowing year-round viewing.

Visitors come primarily to observe the colorful koi swimming among water lilies and aquatic plants in the remarkably transparent water. Water lilies bloom from May until October, with the rainy season from mid-June until mid-July being the peak viewing period. A popular local legend suggests that spotting a specific koi with a bright red heart-shaped mark on its head brings good fortune in love.

The Itadori Flower Park operates adjacent to the pond, selling flower seedlings and refreshments including traditional Japanese sweets and soft-serve ice cream. After viewing the pond, visitors can climb stone steps through a torii gate to reach the main shrine building, which offers views over the pond and surrounding valley.

By car, the shrine is approximately 35 minutes from Mino or one hour from Gifu city, with free parking available for about 200 vehicles. Public transportation access requires taking a Gifu Bus from Gifu Station (70 minutes, ¥660) to Horado Kiwi Plaza, then transferring to the Itadori Fureai Bus. Alternatively, buses from Seki Station take one hour and cost ¥300. The shrine charges no admission fee and is accessible year-round.